Twin Cam Harley-Davidson Engineering is it's Own Worst Enemy

Twin Cam Harley-Davidson's engineering can be it's own worst enemy. chances are if you're buying your first Harley-Davidson big twin it will be a twin cam powered motorcycle. Over all Twin Cams are pretty solid but some of the engineering in them doesn't work in favor of longevity. That's not to say you won't get the miles out of one but there are some expensive repairs you could also save yourself from along the way.
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[@GixxerFoo]

What all have you done to your Twin Cam to increase the engines longevity?

[@okinawadonkichi]

UltraCool oil cooler, Fueling high flow oil pump, get rid of catalytic converter, and a GOOD tune.

[@bradlozano2571]

Stage 1 tune...Jagg Oil Cooler

[@leonardstanford1877]

There just isn't much you can do for longevity if your gonna ride it fairly hard ! But the things you mentioned will help ! Best bet is still 99 to 02 good crankshafts & timkin bearings on the left side & a change to gear drive !

[@itchegerton8004]

I just stopped driving it. Sold it. Now have a V Rod

[@jimmyjimjim3054]

2010 Superglide C & still have it. Proper tune, side mount oil cooler, Baker compensator w/ Hayden chain tensioner, breaking upgrades for safety, Progressive rear shocks and heavy duty front springs, LED lights all around. Honestly, i wish i never bought it.

[@fearsomename4517]

I have a stock '99 Heritage Springer last year Evolution motor it's bulletproof. She rides like a dream. Just a beautiful motorcycle.

[@danielrobey1759]

I’ve got a 98 Electra glide classic with the evo, 39k unmolested miles 😊. Got a lot of life left in her!

[@bradleyyounger8499]

Right with the two of you. 98 heritage. Not a springer unfortunately but I love her just the same lol. My forever bike. My son has already staked clame on it when I die

[@williamquire2115]

My 99 Evo powered night train softail is were I will spend my time and this is after over 50000 miles on a twin cam

[@Frankfoot986]

Ya I have a twin cam and an evo road king. If I could only keep one it’d be the evo’.

[@aaronbrooks7106]

I have a FXRC and would take it any day over my road glide.

[@tarmak968]

I changed the automatic tensioner to a manually adjusted Baker primary chain tensioner for the reasons you discussed.

[@davidsheets897]

You know man, I've been working on Harleys at a shop or on my drag bike or some friends that is low on cash since 1978 when I got out of the Marine corps. I love watching your videos my fellow gearhead! You keep me brushed up on stuff I forget or have forgotten. Since riding a quarter, or eight mile at a time I don't have the same issues and I also don't keep up with the year that something came out or they changed. You keep me squared away on that! BIG TIME ! Thanks dude I'm a sponge too. Outstanding job man, please keep it up !🤜

[@carlbruhn1772]

I recently bought a hydraulic automatic primary chain tensioner from southern oregon hot bikes. Very well made, time will tell.

[@64Goef]

I have one installed, running for 10k km's now without any issues sofar. Different brand but the same system. [HB125 type]

[@paulsartorello836]

I have a 2005 dyna with 136 000 km. Just over 80,000 miles. I replaced the cam tensioners at 100K/62000. At 128K I added a 204 cam with the hydraulic cam plate upgrade.. so far, so good. Now I need a clutch, alternator, which I Will replace when I install the race primary gearing and chain. I never had an issue with the tensioner. It is the manual adjustment one. Maybe I got lucky, I’m still happy with my Harley. 17 years of riding, basically trouble free, makes me happy!

[@johnmac4769]

I have a TC 96. It has 68,000 miles with a stage one tune. I have no problems with temps, I do have oil temp gauge. Never had a problem with only tires, oil and brakes. Oil changed every 5000 miles in all three holes. Never changed the compensator or had problems with the tranny.

[@jamie66moto4]

Same

[@jamessouthworth1699]

Thank you for a great video as always. Sometimes I miss the saggy shelf, it was like a co-host. Sticking strictly to my longevity mods I replaced my tensioner shoes in my 2003 with Twin Power shoes, replaced the cam bearings with Torrington, swapped the oil pump with an S&S that tolerates run-out better than the stock pump, These bikes should have NEVER left the factory with these cranks, no left Timken, inferior cam bearings, and inferior tensioner shoes. Even if they chose to run a cam chain on the outboard side of the cam plate they should have never used a chain on the inboard side. There should have been gears on the backside. Harley is NOT the premium motorcycle they claim to be.

[@jensenmekk]

Hrrrmmmph several cam big twins......I still love my 31 year old EVO

[@BMWHP2]

Thats why I looked for the 2002 model with the hot forged camshaft. Great engine to use for a stage IV kit.

[@ssflh68ify]

88's till 2002 used timkin bearings then after bad bearings aswell as bad cranks kill the twin cam. l

[@daghostxxx1797]

@@ssflh68ify Blew my '02 RK, just hit 60,000mi, threw metal throughout the motor from bad cam bearings. Still have the bearings ! HD offered no help.

[@ssflh68ify]

@@daghostxxx1797 that would be on The List to ck every 20,000, main crank is the major problemo 03n up

[@dmcharley64]

2013 CVO Road King....HOT AS BALLS.

[@Vtwin60]

Love seeing these twin cam vids. TCs will be around for a long long time and with them being affordable now, we will see them getting work for awhile

[@BrianSmith-jl6dj]

My 2004 had a 95" kit that had 100 horse 115 torque and the cam adjusters didnt go until 53000 miles and the motor still ran great when i sold it with 65000 on it. Make the heads flow better and adjust out the stock lean condition and it will not run hot, mine never did with no oil cooler.

[@rodleithner7931]

I am so in love with my 2002 TC. 88 Carb. Scoot. 2into1 pipe 95 big bore kit SS 583 cam with ported heads with bigger valve and springs. Also new paint job. About $14000.00 extra in the scoot she is ready.

[@rodleithner7931]

@@Tomcat8911 The Cobra. Great HP gains and its not a super loud nasty cracking pipe. Neighbors don't mind it at all.

[@jessemiller3001]

Just so glad I came upon an 2006 RK custom 88 TW with only 1 thow runout on the crank... put in a S&S gear drive, 509G cams, new lifters, S&S high volume oil pump, a power vision tuner, and none of the other 2007 and up problems.... Bike has been running fantastic for years now. Had 8 K on it when purchased, and has over 22K on it now.

[@jessemiller3001]

TC not TW.... LOL

[@ThomasLee-ss4bv]

Well brother, what I did to mine was to install an oil cooler, fueling cams and oil pump with cam plate, shit canned the stock exhaust, a K&N air filter, slightly bigger injectors and a techno research tune,. The run out on my crank was fine, .001. this is an 08 street glide. I will put in a man o war , but that's winter work. Vance and Hines handles the noise. I run a Barnett clutch and use drag full synthetic in all three holes. The trans I flush every winter when I do my maintenance tear down and never found anything out of the ordinary, but maintenance is the key. We had two months of very hot weather here in Detroit this summer and my bike ran fine the heat was not objectionable. I never run my bike in stopped traffic, either I'm going around it or , and it was only one time that I pulled off and shut down. Fellas , keep em clean, use quality parts and fluids, and with some elbow grease , perform some upgrades. My name is Tom and I'm the senior tech here in Detroit, been doing it for 42 years. And I love the twin cam. 8's are good, love the Evo, but the twin cam is for me. Got a motor build in the works for this winter with some mods I've been thinking about, I'll keep you posted gix.

[@hollywoodboggie]

Gixxer....my 96 FLSTC followed your advice..........Stage 2 with 222 woods, 2 into 1 Cobra, External Breather Sifton / DK Customs, Screaming Eagle Compensator + Heavy Duty Clutch, Plus Cam Plate and Oil Pump, UltraCool Oil Cooler (above regulator). Add the 10" Todd's Strip Handlebars 1 1/4", Plumb in the electrical, Set of Hard Bags, remove the front wheel hub cap, add Magnum cables brake, clutch and spark plug, Progressive suspension front and back with RAP. Performance Machine 6 piston front caliper with floating disc. You now have my Hot Rod! Thanks for all your advice. Have a great Holiday!

[@simongilbert2704]

nice one , a lot of common sense there ,, no need for water cooling on low power motors , but oil cooling = yes . here in the uk we do not get very many 'sumping' issues or overheating , the summer mornings are usually quite cool and the hot spot of the day is 1 pm , so by the time your bike starts suffering the day gets cooler ,,, [ not always ] .

[@fredtt5780]

For longevity of my 2016 TC FatBoy: -External breather - a Power Bank tuning to lower engine heat. - every 5.000 miles oil & filter change. Now 82.000 miles and no mechanic repairs at all. Me and my friends must be lucky..and we ride a lot!

[@markwitkowski6418]

Thanks Gixxer,your information is the best straight forward analysis of the Twin-Cam,I have a 2006 Lowrider,and I really like her.With your tips on making the engine more reliable and enjoyable.I ride her as much as I can and I don't abuse her,so I'm thinking ,these are the things I'm going to start saving for so I can pay now,and get these weak points strong,instead of paying to replace an engine if I neglect these fixes.Thanks again for taking the time to school us riders.

[@mongohd9611]

Hey Gixxer good info as usual, I have an 07 Streetglide, all S&S camchest, 551 easy start cams, Baker compensator, Hayden chain tensioner, Love Jugs, FP 3 tuner,and a Jagg fan assisted oil cooler. I Live in Florida, oil temps never get above 210-215. Totally worth every penny I spent on her.

[@aaronbrown5252]

I think it's important to remember that oil temps need to get above 212 so moisture boils out.

[@_hitmn_]

Exactly what i did on my 88.... installed 510 ss gear drive cams

[@Hoprgras]

My '06 Dyna 88inch (last yr of the 88"), shares the 96inch parts. At 10, 300 miles the Auto Tensioner destroyed my tranny bearings. Got it repaired, and replaced it with the Hayden Automatic Tensioner. But, it also has the improved Hydraulic Cam Tensioner. I now have 41,000 miles on it.

[@brontarlabta.k.a.briantayl3484]

I enjoy our videos, thanks for sharing. I recently had my local HD mechanic (not a dealer) get inside my cam chest (TC 88 2002) and replace the tensioner pads. I have no desire for extra power or speed etc., but maybe I should have thought about the heat/longevity issue 🤔 Next time!

[@daghostxxx1797]

How many miles on it ? Mine went @ 60K, bad cam bearings.

[@brontarlabta.k.a.briantayl3484]

@@daghostxxx1797 55000km. The outside pad was in good condition, the inside one (cam shaft side) was just about toast. Caught it in time before the metal on metal scenario.

[@jimmansi1187]

2005 Superglide here TC88, only mods are Freedom Performance full exhaust & Cobra 2000 fuel enhancer & have 22,000 trouble free miles & this bike runs strong, I’ll never sell this bike as it’s perfect as is, nice vid Gixxer, always learning from you!

[@andyreid7274]

03 fxdx myself. 1st harley. Gonna do cam chain fix this winter. Its perfect for me in height power and ride. 17000 miles on it now and I plan on keeping it to at least 60 to 70 thousand miles. Keep her shiny side up buddy and ride safe.

[@semperfipar1299]

Another excellent informative video. I always wondered why the primary chain was so long with that much extra length? Why did they not just shorten the chain and put a spring tensioner on it? The chain deflection alone is bad on the tensioner. There has to be a better design for a tensioner. As far as the stock oil pump? Use multi viscosity oil that pumps easily on start up like 20W50 or 10W40 4T mobil Everyone thinks thicker is better when that is not true. Amsoil. A friend of mine has a twin cam 103 and it is all stock and he puts thousands of miles on the bike without a problem. He has always put Amsoil in it.

[@jodyhodge2129]

Have a 2012 Ultra Classic that had a stage 1 on it when I purchased back in April of this year. Put in a Thundermax ECM and it cooled way down. Gonna get a set of Love Jugs this spring to help if traffic gets slow. No issues with primary tensioner. Switched to Amsoil 80 miles ago.

[@anthonysimmons6884]

Do you know how to use parade mode on your bike? It will help in traffic

[@12yearssober]

@@anthonysimmons6884 What is parade mode?

[@anthonysimmons6884]

@@12yearssober when you hold the throttle forward for a few seconds and it turns off the back cylinder. When activated: the bike seems like it's going to fall dead at idle, but doesn't.

[@12yearssober]

@@anthonysimmons6884 I have a 2012 ultra limited with the 103. Will this trick work on mine?

[@owenbruce4120]

Definitely some proud high mileage Twinkie owners around here 🇳🇿, what i hear online puts me off the idea of buying one though, sticking with the Evo

[@owenbruce4120]

@Clovis Point likely distance and touring play the biggest part from the owners I know...city riding is hard on hot running air cooled engines

[@clintwoodruff1187]

Excellent decision Owen, that's right where you belong ! Half Shovel, part Porsche. Think about us TWIN CAM folks while you're repairing your stripped out cases, where your cylinder studs stripped out. Or your rocker covers started leaking... again??! Or maybe you just can't keep up with that TWIN Cam that just ran off from you getting on the highway ! " Hey, say was that Owen we almost ran over back there, poking along like Granny? Man, he's gonna get hurt on that relic !" He ought to buy a new bike once every 15 to 20 years! Ha, ha, ha !

[@owenbruce4120]

@@clintwoodruff1187 😂 such a passionate response, stay free ✌

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@clintwoodruff1187 who are you kidding dude? Your twin cam disposable piece of crap I would not take one for free because I could not afford to replace all the cheap parts they have in critical areas. The cam plate alone is $500 never mind the rest of the stuff that you have to do and pray that your crankshaft is it wobbling too badly to where you can't put a gear drive into it. There are no defects and unreliability have killed any resale value that they have because everyone knows if you buy one you're going to have to sink a ton of money into it to fix all of the built-in manufacturer's defect. Nevermind with the fuel injection that's a run hot as Hades. The only saving grace you can say about a twin-cam is that it is not as bad as a milwaukee-eight is. Leaking gaskets are not a big deal.

[@jonz5978]

Great advice. I have done all of those mods for a cool running trouble free tc.

[@robertdonnell8114]

I so remember all the little tweaks I had to do to my shovel just to make it run.

[@damikedaevil4582]

I am so thankful for this channel man. I am a noob when is comes to Harley Davidson but I am saving up for one. Kinda over riding super sports. But i am a mechanic and this stuff really makes me understand Harley engine’s way better. Glad i found your channel before I bought the Harley lookin for a fxr or a dyna still dunno yet slightly hanging towards the fxr though

[@derekyoung9692]

Great video as always! Planning some cam work this winter on my 06 Deuce with 40,000 Km ( I'm in Canada ) S&S TC3 Cam Plate and shoes and High Flow oil pump with S&S 509 cams. Throwing it out for people thoughts... that set up or the Fueling you mentioned.

[@murraytaylor9878]

Hey Gixxer I have a 15 103 fp3 s e air filter and slip ons ,and runs great... Im running motul 7100 Oil and change every 2000k just to give it the best chance possible...ps great channel man dig your vids over here in new Zealand Cheers Murray

[@soldierboy425]

Awesome video!!! I didn’t Know about that Stock plus cam plate. I’ve been wanting to “Fix” my 04 road kings cam plate. That might be the fix for me.

[@danielumphres4296]

Awesome video thanks for the information

[@itchegerton8004]

At least I have an answer to why my trans main shaft bearing locked up. I put in a brand new tranny and then sold the bike. Never to get another Twin.

[@GixxerFoo]

I would say combination of crankshaft slop and overtightened primary chain by the tensioner is what did it. There wasn't anything wildly different from the 5 to 6 speed tans, on thing they changed was the primary chain tensioner. 88's had the wobbly crank later years and never tore their transmissions.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

@@GixxerFoo my 88" got 3 thou runout man...I guess I got a good one.

[@cavscout62]

Amsoil and also Tribodyne oils dropped the head temperature on my TC96 FXDC 30 degrees and 45 degrees respectively.

[@charlesufarlie4181]

I purchased almost a year ago now a twin cam 88 with supposedly a stage 3 which apparently by my research is a 95 kit, still concerned about what all has been changed as to the tensioner and cam plate which I look forward to opening up this winter so I have a better idea of what I've got and what supposedly been done

[@tex9280]

Keep them coming GixxerFoo ♥️💪 Keep Living the F#@KING Dream ❗ Safe travels 🙏♥️🇦🇺🐾🐾

[@ernhrtfanracing]

If you buy a high milage twin cam thats in great shape otherwise , give a call to Kevin Baxter at Pro Twin Performance. The guy builds super twin cam or any Harley Davidson /Indian motor in his "Skunk Works" engine line S&S Cam plates and oil pumps, Darkhorse Cranks, Jims 6 speed transmissions. He uses only the best (time-power) proven parts available. Give him a call.

[@timsenavitis2566]

@@Tomcat8911 Over a year wait and still waiting.

[@DavidHowat]

I absolutely love your channel, as a new subscriber I have learned so much, thank you so much for your clear and concise content. Love the step-by-step process. Thank you for all of your hard work.

[@jeffhawkins711]

Hey bro, well bad news dirty s o bs got me last Friday night. Finally saved and saved made my 06 fatboy bullet proof gear drive , oil pump etc.. even replaced bearing in lower end . Spent all that money getting it right and they literally had to pick it up , forks locked cover over it. Got another dude 3 blks away too same kind of bike. Killin me !

[@geoffluck]

Really useful information, thank you.

[@GixxerFoo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@geoffluck]

@@GixxerFoo I have 11000 miles on my 96 dyna, a new primary chain tensioner to eliminate this problem is my priority.

[@martinwall7297]

nothing like a shovelhead, and i also own 2 twin cams. when it comes to mechanical machines simple is super.

[@Moore11B]

This is everything I needed to know. Thank you

[@rickywhitehands]

Good stufff. Thanks

[@davemagee]

Thanks Gixer great information I agree best thing I did for my RG was get a V&H tuner awesome product. Awesome information as usual brother all the best from NZ 🇳🇿

[@GixxerFoo]

Right on! I love my V&H tuner!

[@davemagee]

@@GixxerFoo Definitely one of the best things I've done close second is Progressive Springs in the front end a cheap upgrade and we'll worth the work. Awesome brother

[@coreycallahan7443]

I have installed a Man O War compensator, S&S cam chest kit, S&S 583 cams, Arlen Ness Inverted air intake, an extra spring clutch and an Oil Buddy oil cooler on my 2016 FLSTC. Going to do a lot of the same mods on my 2010 FLHTK.

[@danwhyte3524]

Hey just curious ma'am what did that increase your horsepower and torque to on the 2016 the mods you made on it????

[@coreycallahan7443]

@@danwhyte3524 Haven’t had it on an an actual Dyno yet but my seat of the pants Dyno can tell that there is a big difference. BTW, I’m a 61 year old man lol. Been riding Harleys for 42 years.

[@danwhyte3524]

@@coreycallahan7443 yeah sorry about that it was supposed to say man!! I got a proof read my shit before I send it!!!!

[@me2u2aswell]

Thanks Foo good video.

[@rodleithner7931]

P.S. Great vid. Also I put a Fueling oil pump and cam chain adjusters. I did however go with the ss cam 583.

[@dougfresh1341]

Great video. Got 87k on 2012 TC Glide. Darkhorse compensator best thing I did. Added Hayden tensioner. Mobil 1 always. Refreshed the engine with new lifters and OEM cams. No reason to spend 30k on another Glide. REQUEST! Could you do a video on fork Emulators?? I recently installed Racetech. I've been hesitant to say they're worth the effort.

[@unclemikeb]

Wow, I really lucked out. ordered a 2000 FXDWG and had the dealer install the screaming eagle high flow air filter that can be cleaned and reused. The mechanic insisted it needed a rejetting in the carb due to the air filter. So, without realizing it, I got the kit that routed the oil vapor away from the air inlet and down under the bike plus richer jetting in the carb right from the dealer. They did me a huge favor. My bike now has 88,000 miles with no problems from the engine or trans. It has the five speed.

[@CaptainRon1913]

Thanks for posting. I have a 1999 Electraglide Classic with 100k trouble free miles. First thing I did was a SE Mikuni flat side carb. Early on with under 10k miles, I changed out the cam bearings, and at 60k miles, changed out the cam chest to hydraulic tensioners, high volume oil pump, and andrews stock lift cams. Looking to replace the compensator soon, but the stock one still seems to be working fine for now. I run the speed limits and don't hot rod the bike. Other than a couple of crank sensors, I've done nothing except change the fluids on time. Bike has been super reliable

[@daghostxxx1797]

Ron, don't think this as being argumentative, but if you had a '98 EV0, none of this would have been needed.

[@asquared7861]

Hayden chain tensioner, redline lubricants, bdl compensator, meticulous maintenance. This is my first bike (08 FXDC) and I’ve enjoyed the hell outta riding it and servicing it myself. Just put new tires on it with spoons.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Tribodyn oil way over redline

[@ryanmoore2779]

@@michaelmitchell5909 Redline way over Tribodyne

[@omw2fymom76]

I ride in a 1% support club and a lot of guys run twin cam bikes. We absolutely thrash on or bikes for hundreds miles at a time. I can vouch from experience the twincam is a damn good engine. Mind you we all work on our own bikes often but we ride them hard.

[@aaronbrooks7106]

Just asking not implying anything here, how many miles are you getting out of a true cam? I have a fxr with a S@S motor in it for fun and a road glide for putting around on and long days.

[@omw2fymom76]

@@aaronbrooks7106 mine has 40k another one of my guys has one 108k and that bike is rough but still runs somehow. For most part they all have over 50k and get run hard. Several of the guys are retired harley tech's and life long club members and they all absolutely sware by evos and twincams. Even the guys that own m8s say they like evo and twincam better.

[@daghostxxx1797]

@@omw2fymom76 X-HD mechanic friend of mine used to claim they'd see EVO's come in with 200,000mi+, he claimed you'd never see 1/2 that on a TC ! I believe him now.

[@omw2fymom76]

@@daghostxxx1797 early model twincams are the bees knees man. With out a doubt . Take a look at all the stunt guys that run them. They run those bikes hard at low speeds and they power through and keep ticking. All the high mileage twincam bikes I ride with are timken bottom end bikes with upgraded cam chain tensioners. One of the bikes has 230k miles and recently had head gaskets replaced that's all that has been done to it. They're not exactly "junk" but a stock stage 1 twincam 88 will run the hell over a stock or even stage 1-2 evo. all day. Been there done that.🤣

[@danwikstrom5092]

Very good engine, 100.000 km, only changed cam tensioners, and camshaft bearings

[@genekelley7579]

🛑🛑 Great Advice, Gix. 👍 If I don’t get the chance, Merry Christmas Buddy 🎄!!

[@dougfisher1885]

I own an 03 road king classic I've changed the cam tensioners the needle bearings and changed to hydraulic pushrods it was the 30.000 mile service at about 28.500 and just regular oil and other fluid changes at About 5000 mile intervals other than that she's completely stock

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

So I wrote to Doc Harley at Low Country Harley. He posts a lot of helpful blogs out here to help people. So, I asked him why I took the time to take my manual chain tensioner off and spend $125 for a Harley Automatic Chain Tensioner when its worse than the manual one and I still have to check it. I also asked why it takes Harley three tries minimum go get anything designed correct. I think if Harley had more and better Engineers they wouldn't need so many lawyers. I guess I pissed of Doc....LOL

[@robert-wr6md]

All great advice thanks.

[@GixxerFoo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markman7]

I'm so glad that after 20 years of Harleys that I moved on to a Wing this year.

[@bradboustead1682]

You present insightful information in bits and pieces on all your videos. It might be asking a lot but, would it be possible to create a downloadable flow sheet that shows suggested upgrades for the various model years. This sheet would help ask the appropriate questions when shopping for a used motorcycle to know if mods have already been performed or if an expense should be anticipated.

[@theslowride66]

I've said it before all the Twin Cam & M~8 upgrades are retro to EVO. VIVA el EVO!!!!!! LMAO.

[@keesketsers5866]

Exactly the same was said by everyone about the Evo when it was new. Everyone hated it and only the shovel (or older) was a real Harley. We even had pre-evo rallies overhere for years. Now there's a newer engine and all of a sudden the Evo is the best and the Twin Cam is bad. I'm even starting to see people saying the twincam is way better than the M8, because the M8 is not a real Harley. It never ends, bikers are worse than little kids.

[@theslowride66]

@@keesketsers5866 I know shovelhead riders that say the same thing. My 1992 FLHTC isn't a Harley even though I got over 206,000 miles on it. But the fact is from the flatties knucklehead, pinhead shovel head were all improvements & IMHO the EVO was the pinnacle. The twin cam & M8 some upgrades are downgraded to conehead shovel & EVO.

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

Check out Riding in the Ozarks . He's showing some possible anniversary bikes . Look for the Breakout 117 and the Road Glide with a 131 . Really interesting

[@masalamongoose220]

I have a '08 96 from North Carolina, here in Cape Town, South Africa, with Stage 1 and 80,000 kns and got her in 2015, she works daily and sometimes I ride to Jo'burg 1,700kms away in one go and back again and all I do is change her oil and filter every 7,000kms and she hasn't given me one issue at all ..and it gets super-hot here.

[@billhrsn]

Helpful! Just bought a’04 Ultra.

[@brianparker3901]

Thanks.

[@h3nr1100]

hidrauylic tensioners kit by fuel

[@mikehawk4665]

Great video man iv learned so much with your videos at what milage should the primary chain tensioner be replaced do you think

[@MRGS48]

That’s such a simple answer there boss: I keep her in the garage!!🤣🤣🤣

[@grfwarblehjhj1259]

Comment for algorithm. Love your stuff, haven’t seen you in a bit, hopefully it was because you were taking some well deserved time off!

[@MrBradfordchild]

I have an 07 rk. I went in to change the stator. Primary was adjusted perfectly. I went to the dealer to get the newer modified tensioner with the B suffix I’d read about, but apparently that part is now unavailable. Very odd.

[@itchegerton8004]

So glad I got rid of mine.

[@timmcpeck7527]

Do you recommend doing the cam plate and cam/oil pump on new bikes too? I know the 17-19 M8’s had issues but didn’t know if the newer ones were more reliable.

[@darrylott302]

Do you really want to buy a motorcycle with all these problems and expense later on?

[@Walter-z4j]

Yea.i argued with a so called Harley Davidson expert about my 06 street bob having a 6 speed . He kept saying I had a 07. I think I know what I ride. We argued about it for almost an hour. I even sent him the Harley Davidson paperwork about it having a 6 speed. He said I changed the paperwork to prove him wrong....lol

[@danielcampbell8184]

My comments have being harsh towards the TC and they still are. You're video is spot on. What bugs the shit out of me is how good the EVO was with 200,000 miles reliability and the MOCO came out with this garbage, which are money pits. 99-06 are great after you have invested $4,000-6,000. 07-up are great after $2,000-3,000 in updates. Sorry if I hurt someone's feelings but TCs are shit, considering the price you paid when buying these motocycles. My 1980 Shovelhead and my 2000 Honda Pan European 1100 are both bullet proof.

[@mrkwnklr]

Bought a 99' Ultra with 88"A model factory demo with 9000 miles on it, only work I've done is chain tensioner pad replacement, put in adjustable pushrods. 160,000 miles no problems. Most of those miles were loaded down with gear and wife on back. I suspect though, it was tuned to get a little extra fuel being new engine. 38 mpg. You're right about the shovel, seen a few that went the distance. Rode my 62' Pan 27 years with just one top end job.

[@ianm432]

I wish there had of been more warning about rear pulley bolts breaking. Got my first harley (2008 Dyna low rider) this past spring and rode it twice for less than an hour total and broke the bolts and destroyed my pulley and wheel. Been sitting since and I'll never ever buy another because I was way less than impressed with it.

[@keesketsers5866]

These kinds of problems normally arise because someone has put aftermarket pulleys on there at some point, or messed with the bolts. 99% sure that is the case with your bike, especially 2 hours after buying it. Those things don't just break out of nowhere.

[@ianm432]

@@keesketsers5866 it's a well documented issue. The spec for the bolt from harley is incorrect.

[@bmp72]

My 1981 has a rubber block style compensator (stock primary belt)... so HD knows how to do stuff but then forgets about it... have you seen the new SWM V1200, what are your thoughts ?

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Oh God I just have to laugh. Maintenance on my Sportster is so simple the little I have to do. $400,000 miles on the bike still on the original primary chain as well as the original engine. I can basically change all the fluids and filter in my driveway in like 30 minutes. It asks so little of you criminal not to do the stuff it asks of you. My Triumph TR6 my 1965 is 50 years old Plus and it's still on the original primary chain I have never changed it. Just check the tension and adjust it once in a blue moon as needed.

[@joogullae3456]

Sportsters are awesome. I've had 2, and saving up for one right now.

[@ssflh68ify]

what about timkin bearings not used in 2003 and to date? bad bearings give slop in crank and then it moves through the whole engine as well as trans

[@keithhults8986]

You mention every year 2003 and newer. I own a 2002 FSXTDI. It has 8500 miles on it. Can a solid crank Timken engine take an S&S cam plate? The original owner installed V&H BIG SHOTS with a stock tune. I took the bike with 3200 miles, looking neglected, 6 years ago. I changed all the fluids. Everything! The stock air intake is still on my bike. For my requirements, my Deuce has plenty of power to haul 150lbs of me down the highway. You said oil cooler enough that I think I should install one.

[@frankensteinrules6511]

GixxerFoo, thanks for ALL your videos. You mentioned getting a tuner, I have a carb 04 fatboy. I've adjusted it a little rich which is the way I've always have done my bikes, do you suggest still getting a tuner?

[@johnsb1550]

Going to check out that Fueling plate and pump you mentioned but I think you are dead on in your opinion...texted before, I have 2 2002 FXDWG'S, carbureted, Timken factory crank bearings, gear driven cams (S&Something)...any modifications beyond this point are just not the same...lol 😆 You are dead on, IMO, the 2002A motor Twin Cam carbureted Dyna is the best Twin cam...but they too, had issues, just not as many 🙄 P.S. I know this isn't exactly what you said, I know what you really meant...someone SCREWED UP in 2003...and beyond............

[@Brapbatt-YO]

“Even though HD says it’s ok, it’s not ok.” That’s HD in a nutshell. Finishing up this ‘03 FXDL Anniversary Edition and I’ll be done with HD. Been a good time, I guess 😂.

[@steveallenallen3725]

had an 02 fxdx branch headwork 10.5 to 1 pistons and branch cams s&s geardrive milwakee twins oil cooler thunderheader on the dynodrags went 10.22 at 127 mph 107 hp 115 tg rode it all over the west put 70 000 miles sold to a friend he tried to do a burnout and rode it into the back of his own truck totalled it

[@xrick76tube]

I have a 02 FXSTB with the SE hole shot primary chain with updated primary chain adjuster, Updated Harley-Davidson cam plate. I have a new SE 2002 6speed I’m about to drop in, but wondering if that 6speed will give me any problems

[@jimkillen1065]

Yea buying a used twin cam . I made that mistake from a Harley dealer a 12 street glide 103 . Checked out by service department. The crane went out in less than 1000 miles probably 500 ..so I got a SS 124 in it now that had work to the cylinder heads. I would not own a stock Harley twin cam . Yep I got a dark horse com , billet basket , chain drive , good clutch. DD exhaust ect ect money pits on both bikes . Both have SS engines. In my opinion lifters are a maintenance item , I don't wait till they fail .

[@eduardofktrmp9463]

I have an 07 wide glide with 32k miles, never done anything to the transmission or compensator. Should I be concerned? Anyone?

[@jameswilson8432]

I have a 2014 flhxs with stage 4 kit installed at 20 miles on it when I bought it. Turned 40,000. Three oil change. WHAT do I need to watch for???

[@Walter-z4j]

2006 street bobs have 6 speeds too.

[@GixxerFoo]

2006 was a weird year for the Dyna. For whatever reason they had the 6 speed with an 88, but that 88 also had the hydraulic tensioners that were in 2007 on the 96 in all models. Harley typically does things like that on the touring bikes first but for whatever reason that one year the Dyna was the only line with those upgrades.

[@martinmacdonald2010]

I went to the dark horse after breaking my transmision on my 2010 twice before 35k. That sucker makes so much noise its crazy

[@beatstreet33]

Gixxerfoo, I have a 2000 Road King EFI, runs great and never gets hot. Stage 1 - V&H Dresser Duals, K&N stage 1 breather. I’m sure it had to have been tuned at some point before I bought it and I’ve looked for the tuner. Under the seat, under the side covers, etc. Anywhere else it might be hiding?! Possible to get tuned at the bike’s computer only?

[@clarktferrill]

I've got a 99 Roadking Tc 88...What Crank does it have? I just finished doing the Feuling Kit..Cams.. Hydraulic Tensioners from Feuling..the Runout was at worse 3/1000...Mechanic said that is marvelous for a bike with 40K plus miles..my question is do I need to worry about a press fit crank ?

[@toby621]

2007 Fatboy had it 7 years no problems rode in 42dg heat all the time here in Australia

[@vs1Houston]

Does this video also apply to the 110 CVO Twin-Cam? 2015 RGU? Thanks!

[@unchartedthickets]

interested in that info too. thanks for asking.

[@davidfellows6250]

alot of problems are popping up with the s& s oil pump and cam plates. i just recently saw a bike implode at 15 k with said combo. now to be fair that bike was summing horriblely and the run out was off the charts. but what came first the chicken or the egg. ??? Also it was an 2018 m8 so.... Ive got to get into my cam chest again this year as i put 40k on the bike last year but i just got it in the house yesterday , got her stripped down a little ,dumped the fluids and changed a couple shit electrical plugs. more later. Tomorrow ill pull the nacelle and forks. next day will be cam chest.

[@leonardstanford1877]

The S & S pump & plate has magnets in the oil pickups cam chest & crankcase I've seen the crank shaft bearings shed pieces & clog up the pick ups & stop pumping oil ! They are strong though I still like it better then billit pumps & plates !

[@davidfellows6250]

@@leonardstanford1877 yeah I put my money on them but after watching a lot of them fail im a little worried. ill see in a couple days.

[@conservativeteacher1987]

Great video and I appreciate the suggestions on the twin cam. Given these "quirks" what years would you suggest for the EVO lover to possibly try? My preference leans towards reliability, ease of maintenance and longevity.

[@christopherdesbaux5950]

My Twinkie has 106000 miles on it. Regular oil changes.

[@adamlichman1181]

So is this not an issue with the 2005? Because it's a manual adjustment? Maybe I'm not following