Harley Davidson Road King Twin Cam Problem - Must Do

[@FFL-vg9ro]

I just paid $2,400 for a root canal that took all of one hour. I think you got the better deal!

[@BoDean52]

@@FFL-vg9ro 😂

[@davidkiefel687]

😂 so true!!!

[@alanmeyers3957]

Should’ve pulled it, you just literally bought time.

[@sportyonetaubert5923]

Yes I agree it was the right move to put the upgrades in now. I read one of the reasons some tentioner shoes wore faster was the cam chain links were stamped out with worn out dies that left a small burr that would wear out the shoe faster!

[@BoDean52]

Crazy I had to put no brainer

[@cfoxtrot63]

You made the right call, especially for Duke!

[@drjjpak]

I had my 2003 Road King Police cam chain tensioner replaced at 54,000 miles. Glad I did, as I was concerned about grenading the engine, breaking down in the middle of nowhere, and paying an $800 tow bill. In retrospect it would have been a good idea to put in cams, Timken bearings, and other key parts.

[@BoDean52]

Shame we have to do this

[@LittleMoes_Motivation]

Absolutely the right decision!! I have an 06 Road Glide, I did the conversion last year!!

[@BoDean52]

Feel so much better since I got it done

[@hokaheyrider059]

Not only would I, I did. A year and a half ago, I bought a 47,000 mile 2003 Road King Classic from the original owner that I found on FB marketplace. When I went to look at it, it was obvious he hadn't taken real good care of it. It had a fair amount of rust which he said was a result of being in Florida for several years. It also had new S&S mufflers and not new, but decent allow rims instead of the original spokes and a replacement jiffy stand which I assume were replaced due to the rust issues. The bike also had a flat rear tire that wouldn't hold air so I wasn't even able to test ride it. The bike spoke to me and I bought for 3,500.00. I called my local NW Arkansas dealer and they picked the bike up so they could replace both tires. While they had it, I told them to check the cam chain tensionors and neck bearings. Tensionors were shot and the cam lobes, like yours, showed signs of wear. The mechanic said the neck bearing looked like they had never even been greased. I told them to replace the cams with stock cams, install a screaming eagle hydraulic cam plate, oil pump and to replace the lifters, cam bearings and install adjustable push rods. The total bill was more than I paid for the bike, and I was fine with that. I now have 56,000 miles on it and like you, I love it. I have probable spent double what the bike is worth on it since and have zero regrets.

[@t.santos9807]

That is how I started my 2003 100th anniversary. Concerned about the tensioners. However, once there, I decided to change the oil pump, cams, lifters, rods, etc. I ended up with a stage 2 with Khrome Werks slip one, S&S air cleaner and Power Vision tuner. I just finished it and, since I did the work myself, I'm all in $2700. I ended up changing the front motor mount and clutch cable for good measure. So, answering your question, ABSOLUTELY! I love my bike and want it to outlast me.

[@BoDean52]

@@t.santos9807 nice and same here

[@harleydave2316]

I've had a couple of 88" Twinkies and the very first thing I do is a hydraulic tensioner conversion. I have seen on Facebook where some people get 20k miles out of the spring ones and others only get maybe 10k miles. It's definitely worth the peace of mind to not have to worry about it for 50-60k miles. That cost isn't bad for someone else doing it for you. 😊

[@bomimo230]

Sold my 2003 100th Anniversary Road King Classic and regret that I did - spending the $$ to keep that beauty is totally worth it!!!!

[@hunterslivesmatter8024]

Small investment compared to the price of a new Harley. You made the right decision. The only thing holding me back from that vintage road king is the fuel injection system. Unless of course yours has the Bosch system in which case you are golden.

[@telcobilly]

@@hunterslivesmatter8024 The early ones had Magneti Marelli I think. The current models have Delphi. Is that made by Bosch? My 2006 Springer has had no issues at all. I gave my 2001 Road King to my son with a carb. I really don't miss the carb for the harder starts and warm-ups. We both got S&S cams and I added a power commander to remap the fuel injection and it is spot on and can be changed at any time.

[@hunterslivesmatter8024]

@@telcobilly yep you are correct. Freudian slip on my part sorry!

[@stacysid2]

You did the right thing. I just bought a 2000 Springer Softail 9200 mi and I'm going to do the same.

[@Roadglide117]

Cam chain tensioners were a big problem on the early twin cams. I had an 04 RK. At about 10k miles I put s&s gear drive cams in to get rid of the tensioner issue. After that I rode that bike for 6 more years and put over 100k miles on it. Never had any issues. Well worth it!

[@Gordies-World]

Is there a noticeable difference in engine noise with that conversion?

[@Roadglide117]

@@Gordies-World No, very little difference with the s&s kit I used.

[@mbraun777]

My '01 RK Classic is my prized possession. Roughly 15k original miles. I will keep it in as good a shape as I possibly can. Just removed the primary housing to fix the oil leak on the shifter seal. Pretty big job for a shade tree mechanic like me. I will soon do that conversion to hydraulic tensioners that you just did. No one should own a beautiful bike like that, if they're just going to neglect it.

[@BoDean52]

Amen to that

[@ianward3278]

I did mine and it was more of a peace of mind. i like to travel in fact this september rode down to NC from Toronto then through Tennessee Kentucky Ohio michigan, now the bike is at 60 thousand klms (37 thousand miles) and feels great. a 2004 RK . she feels better than ever after the ride. love this bike

[@BoDean52]

Nice!

[@paulmorrison1009]

Just done my 2004 king. In 🇬🇧 cost 1600£. Inc labour. Plus new clutch on there advise. £550. Peace of mind like you going to keep my Roadking long term 😎🤙

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

Yes...I would have also had the work done. It's a beautiful bike!! If you find a bike that you absolutely love and you can afford to keep it going, then do it. I have a 2011 Road King Classic and will always keep this bike...I love it!! I am 76 so I don't know how many more years I'll be riding but, if I have an issue with my bike, I will fix it or have it fixed!!!+

[@BoDean52]

Hope you have many more years of riding

[@patriciodelacerda6863]

That’s a beautiful bike!! Yes you did good. It’s all about you. Be happy!!

[@Bob-o4l1f]

Absolutely it is. If that's the bike that you want,then it's worth every penny

[@MontyBennett-e6n]

I used to have a 2005 Yellow Roadking, it sounded amazing, I paid 11000 for it! I just traded it in on a 2021. I love my new bike but that twin cam is sadly missed! I should have kept both! Love your videos Bro!

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that

[@telcobilly]

My son and I had our HDs done in 2022. He has my previous 2001 Roadking and I have a 2006 Springer Classic. We did the S&S full cam chest upgraded cams, tensioners, oil pump. I got a power commander as well. Peace of mind. New HDs are expensive and I prefer my Springer over anything they offer currently.

[@johnhuntington3800]

Yes. Excellent maintenance decision. All twin-cams prior to 2007 are fatally flawed. The tensioners WILL fail. I have several bikes, and have gotten rid of all my twin cams except my 2004 Dyna - which I keep for sentimental reasons. It has 20K on the clock, and I am going to do the same as you. By the way, if I could have back any bike I have owned - it would definitely be my old Road King. Loved that thing!

[@BoDean52]

Definitely something that was bothering me that I needed to get done

[@Michael-st1hl]

I am looking at a 2004 Road King, and if it doesn’t have those modifications I would definitely make them right away. With prices of new bikes, $2500 for peace of mind and longevity is worth every penny and then some.

[@ant28gauge]

Definitely yes, you need to have confidence in it's reliability on the road. This is the trade off with buying older/used. If you love it, putting money and TLC into it comes with the territory.

[@throttletherapy9998]

Absolutely! I'm fixing to do the same on my 05 ultra classic. She has about 36,000 on it, even though I do my oil changes every 3,000 miles, I plan on keeping it till I can't ride anymore

[@Roadking2003]

Absolutely worth it. I did gear driven cams Carlini gangster 14” and exhaust all last winter love my RK. So worth it. 510 cams lifters inner outer bearings it changed the bike so much fun. Tuner as well. Nothing is cheap anymore. If it makes you happy, do it !!! The new is not always better, lots of issues with the new stuff right out of the box.

[@vics8873]

Of course, my 2011 103 twin cam does not have that problem, but like you, I will keep mine forever and do whatever it takes to do so. Currently at 49k, pulls as strong as ever, and in vivid black, imo the best looking, best feeling ride out there.

[@BUBS_HD]

Did mine and am very glad I did. The added assurance is well worth it. I did the Fueling 525 cams, pump, plate, and hydraulic tensioner upgrade. The fatboy runs like a champ and the dependability eases my mind.💚👊

[@MrZlooze]

Same kit on my RG. Very happy with it.

[@randytucker9878]

FYI, in reference to suspension, I did change out the bushings under the handle bar the front motor mount bushing, and the swinging arm bushings to polyurethane. Well worth the time to tighten everything up make it right like it should be.

[@HarleyGurl114]

Good mechanic, my Mister would have recommended same! All of that necessary!!!! Sounds like you giving that bike lots of love that previous owner didn’t!

[@RoadkingHSMM]

I had a 2000 Fat Boy when the cam tensioners went out on mine . I upgraded the cam plate and the cams . It’s always great change them out before it goes bad. After I upgraded to high performance I love the power I got. The price that you paid is about right. Have a great and safe week 👊👊👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@dalebrander9361]

Love my 06 road king, I’ve put that and more into it. So!! Heck yes, one fantastic classic motorcycle 😊

[@robertspencer8482]

I have a 2000 road king classic. At 10k I put in gear drive and some torque cams. I am just shy of 80k. I was sorry to hear you passed up the opportunity to get it breathing a little better. I too have a road glide special. Still love the road king.

[@lynnhill978]

Hello you did the right thing I am doing the same thing on my 2005 road king over the winter haven’t road much had to take care of mom but unfortunately I lost her in 2020 and I went out and bought me a 2019 meko shark fade CVO road glade I been riding that sense 2022 so I have decided to put the road king back together over the winter if it’s GODS will you inspire me every time I see DUKE ride on and continue to be safe GOD bless and love your content keep it coming.

[@paulfehrman6831]

Good decision and yes I would, my 06 is staying with me as well. Great video....

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that Paul

[@terryshrives8322]

I would have spent it brother. I think you made the right choice

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that I think I did as well

[@theodavies8754]

100%. I have a 1999 FXDL, 25k miles when I picked it up. Checked the tensioners before I took it out. No wear, it was the demonstrator FXDL for Warrs sister company. Made 10/98. Still has paper labels inside the fenders. My third Harley since 1988. It gets whatever everything but I do my own work, factory ws manual.

[@RoadReality]

Peace of mind is worth a LOT! I'd say you did good - a little preventative maintenance goes a long way, my friend! Ride safe!

[@whitecoater887]

I commented before here and you help me make the decision to go get a 2007 king classic myself. And I upgrade her putting in another 2K ish more pipe, air filter and a tune. Thank for you contents. Keep up the good work and keep the rubber down

[@BoDean52]

That’s awesome and congrats! Been what you thought?

[@rkt88403]

I'm not a real mechanic, but I play one at home. I have 2004 Softail Standard that I've owned since new and finally got around to doing the cam chain tensioners last year at 71,000 miles. I decided to do the job myself, because I didn't want any shortcuts taken. The originals looked really good considering the miles. Replaced with original type tensioners. 7,000 miles later with no problems.

[@georgeveneziano2754]

I did the same thing . Went to the 95" big bore cams the screming E Cam chest new pipes rineharts paid way to much almost 6 grand for everything but i will say its got about 6.700 miles on the rebuild so far so good more eng noise than before nut keeps bringing me hm every time hopefully it will keep on keeping on. Thank you

[@BoDean52]

Rinehart fan here too

[@TheHarleyRoadshow]

30 seconds in, don’t know what it’s about but yes its worth it!

[@BoDean52]

Because you are wise 😂

[@kjbrack28]

I have a 2005 RKC, 27k mileage, and I did the Fueling Kit 7224 on mine. Also did the ThunderMax ECU. Totally changed my bike for the good. I did the install myself and it took about 9 hours. The Fueling Kit was around $1600 and the ThunderMax was about $1000, had to buy a few special tools for the install too. So mine was around $3000, but definitely worth it.

[@aquahombre]

I bought a 1999 Electra-Glide in June 2022 paid 5550 dollars, it had 65000 miles on it, bike looked great, I have replaced the entire cam chest, wheel bearings, clutch, tranny seals, stator, regulator rectifier, about 5,000 parts and labor, yes it was worth it, she is night and day from when I first rode it.

[@patriciodelacerda6863]

I purchased a 2005 Electra Glide with 106k miles. I really want to do all that you did. Sometimes I think just buy an S&S big bore engine along with a Baker 6 speed transmission. Costly but it would be cool.

[@aquahombre]

@@patriciodelacerda6863 I think you will like the end result, and say it was worth. I am looking at a 2013 Road King with 92,000 miles and putting in a Zippers 107" kit

[@silcoxone]

Yep! I just bought an 08 road king. Can't wait to start upgrading!

[@BoDean52]

Congrats👊

[@HarleysDinersRides]

If Duke is a keeper which he is, then you have to keep the maintenance up. Enjoy the ride Bob.

[@OldSkoolNick-c2f]

Well worth it to keep a great looking classic ride with endless miles to go and enjoy, WTG!

[@BoDean52]

@@OldSkoolNick-c2f thanks!

[@randytucker9878]

I was looking for lower rpm on my 2002 while on interstate- mild cam discovered mine were about to disintegrate-lucky! Replaced with Andrew’s cam and gear drive - motor came alive again!

[@thelandrethfarm4782]

Yep, ya gotta do it for the King! A lot less than a new Harley

[@angelsierra1988]

I've would've done the same thing. Love The Bike !!

[@BoDean52]

Me too!

[@derekyoung9692]

Well worth it. I ride a 2006 Deuce and swapped out the tensioners, oil pump and cam plate with S&S 409's for the Stage two. Not cheap but way cheaper than replacing a new engine.

[@georgegould667]

You made the right decision

[@douggantenbein5382]

Congrats. How does anyone put a price on “peace of mind” ? You made a smart move based on how much you care about duke.

[@416juelz]

Did mine earlier this year. Stock ‘05 road king classic at 56 km. Not a fun expense ..but had to bite the bullet for some peace of mind

[@dcstrng1]

Yep, for many years of riding (as versus Sunday parking-lot burnouts...) that was/is the way to go...

[@garytownsend8173]

You made the right decision due to your love for the bike. Remember, it's not the acquisition of things in life but the maintenance of life that most people don't evaluate in their decision-making process. You now have a bike you can depend on and know you can ride anywhere without worries. Enjoy Duke, my friend!

[@BoDean52]

Wisdom right there

[@BigBert]

Cheaper to do it now than when it legs go Bob. Great choice mate 😎✌🏻

[@fq7879]

Had mine done at 28k it's well worth it for peace of mind alone.

[@Bucci13]

The King returns! Long live the King!!!!

[@BoDean52]

Hell yeah!

[@susandavis5833]

Yes. I'm a DYI mechanic and plan to buy the fueling conversion 525 cam kit ( $1600) for my 2003 King. I just finished my 2001 Heritage not doing the kit, just changed the tensioners, and wish I'd done the kit.

[@williebutler9576]

Well worth da change!!! $_ ✌️ On 2's....

[@PinksAdventures]

The Duke lives on! It was worth it! Thanks for sharing...stay safe out there!!😎👍🤙👍🤙🇨🇦

[@BoDean52]

@@PinksAdventures ditto my brother from the north

[@bigjwood6910]

I absolutely would spend that on my bike. I don’t own a Harley, but the bike I do have is my baby and I have spent good money on it to keep it.

[@BoDean52]

Good choice!

[@darrylg7600]

These early 88’s had timken bearing cranks. By far superior to the pressed variety that followed. Your bike has a solid bottom end!

[@BoDean52]

Thankful for sure!

[@klum6047]

Nice bike. I love the Road Kings. I have one as well. I would have done that same repair, but I would have went with the torque cams. Thanks for the video.

[@kevinfaherty9887]

Well worth it. Peace of mind. Recently did my 2001 FLSTS

[@bobnelson2499]

Bob, I think it was money well spent. Just enjoy!

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

That's really cool and great bike. Ride Safe always brother

[@BoDean52]

Thanks, you too!

[@heesanoice7637]

Not only would I do that, I'm actually about to do it in a couple of weeks. But I'm not going with stock cams. I'm bumping it up to 529 cams and the S&S high performance oil pump. Because $2500 is a small price to pay compared to a whole new engine or bike.

[@BoDean52]

Let me know how it goes

[@robertpfaff7992]

I just bought the same bike 2 weeks ago with 29k on the clock. I just this weekend cracked open the cam chest to check the tensioners. I might have giggled like a schoolgirl when I found that big orange SE hydraulic conversion cam plate already installed and in pristine condition.

[@BoDean52]

Oh man that’s big deal

[@donrice8026]

i call a 2000 like a new sickel my new sickel is 1998 dresser you did right 2002 and early are worth it timken bearing cases now all you need is a stand alone ing.& cv carb that sickel will be running when your 2024 gives up with elec. troubles HAPPY TRAILS

[@keithw1966]

Worth it! Some bikes, ya gotta keep.

[@Dr.BenjaminMelcer]

I just got a roadling built in 2000 with 4000km from a friend real cheap I am 69 years old and will keep this bike till the end. So i will them cam chaintightener don, too

[@BoDean52]

They are such great bikes

[@PhotoDaveJax]

Peace of mind makes it run smoother. 😉👍

[@markman7]

Yeah, leave it stock. Even my local tech who has been working on them 30+ years says once you modify them, expect to throw a couple grand at them every couple years to keep them going. Love my 103 Road King Classic, but when I want power, I go to a 6 cylinder bike like my DCT Wing or K1600.

[@stevebeard7667]

I did my 2001 fatboy. I did go ahead and put some cams in it. I think it's worth it if you plan to keep the bike. I like the older Harleys better than the new ones anymore, and I plan on keeping this bike. I don't see myself ever selling it. New bikes are getting too high in price.

[@Dandre01]

I’ll echo the sentiment that would have been a perfect time to cam Duke! It’s just parts at that point. I did SE cams just for fun on my 2022 FB and the change was AMAZING!

[@jjg1962]

Had my 2004 twin cam done at 17000 miles. Tensioner shoes were quite worn, so upgraded cam plate and oil pump and went with hydraulic tensioners. Cost $1080 in 2018. Also had the bike dyne tuned which made a huge difference. The problem is the stock cam tensioner springs are way too strong and push the shoes into the chain really hard. Now at 50000 miles. Probably should have gone with gear driven cams but maybe next time...

[@BoDean52]

Glad I did it for sure

[@HarleyGeezer1954]

In answer to your question I would definitely pay that or more. I would also have done it sooner knowing what I do about 88s and the low end problems. S&S came up with some really great solutions however. I had my mechanic check my chain tensioners at 20,000 miles. That is how I found my bad cam. It never hurts to look. Oh yeah, one month out of warranty.

[@BoDean52]

Go figure and we must protect our Kings

[@nvpoolshooter]

Good call because it's only a matter of time before those original tensioners were going to grenade. I got 52k on my original tensioners, and they were done. 2002 RKC. 84K on the clock now and still humming along like new. Your shifter shaft seal will be the next to go. Should be good up to around 50K.

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate the info

[@roadkingthunder]

Mine was an 06 but still 88in with the same issues.I never got the opportunity to do this before totaling it,but was in the plans.Yes,please put me on the inheritance list,love my m8 but the twin cam 88 RK is special

[@BoDean52]

Your in

[@tennwingman3350]

Bob, I think you did the right thing. That bike is iconic classic so to do what is necessary is the only smart thing to do. With the new longevity you might start thinking it's a babv Goldwing, hahahahahaha Like the new bars also. Be safe, have fun.

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate it, brother

[@robertwoods6856]

Definitely do the repairs. Good call.

[@tombachar2565]

I definitely need to do my 2001 road glide

[@pablocruz74]

I think it was a good idea of you doing that to duke. Personally i would have upgraded the cams as well nothing crazy but one that would give it a little more growl and torque

[@haroldwiser2641]

I'm doing it this winter on my '08 Heritage but she's getting a Zippers cam, not stock.

[@BoDean52]

Nice, let me know how it works out

[@michaelstanfield5662]

So you’re into it for about $6400, still a great deal! Especially with that motor work!

[@BoDean52]

Yeah, I think so too

[@charlesprice7608]

@@BoDean52your still into it pretty cheap, for what you have. Not to mention you actually increased the value if you ever decide to sell.

[@kerrymcclure7503]

There is no right or wrong answer here. It's your bike, your money Your decision that makes it right. I have an 06 twin cam With one hundred and twenty eight thousand miles. Tensioners have been changed 3 times My big mistake was not going hydraulic at forty thousand miles when the first was changed. I just never thought about putting that many miles on it.😂😂😂 I have a friend with a 2002 heritage with 150000 miles on it. They have never been touched. How's that for luck? Be careful, Ride safe.

[@ElectraWillem]

You need to replace those chain tensioners for sure after some 30.000 miles. I know a guy who didn't care about them and ending up with a red oil warning light at idling the engine. After a while his oilpump was messed up and he needed a rebuild of the engine. The twin-cam bikes after the year 2009 and later are fine. They have hydraulic chain tensioners.

[@BoDean52]

Yep, all changed now

[@cliffhogan9723]

I bought a 2007 roadking and it had 70,000km on a rebuilt 103, did both tensioners and now I have peace of mind,they were at least 130,000 km stage 3 screaming eagle 🦅

[@deelzridesandadventrues]

It's a beautiful bike and you love it! Yes, I would have done it, something about the RK's, they're awesome!

[@BoDean52]

Totally agree!

[@cavscout62]

Such an easy job to do the Camchest. Buy a service manual and some basic tools and do it yourself. Not only does it improve your understanding of how your bike functions, it also will increase your sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence on working on your own bike. I have been riding and wrenching for 50+ years and although due to arthritis in my hands I no longer 100% enjoy working on my bikes I can and do.

[@mose717]

I’m a big believer in heading problems off at the pass. The money spent doesn’t matter if you’re planning on keeping the bike.

[@roadkingrider6532]

I did same thing to my RK. Heck I’ve literally tripled the cost of parts in what I paid for my bike. It’s my forever bike though. Never getting rid of it.

[@thomascarpenter7415]

Well done … that motor should purr for years to come… I’m with you on dropping the coin into Duke , Blue Book might say one thing , your heart says another .

[@BoDean52]

I simply had too

[@garybrown9062]

It was the right decision for sure. If you can’t afford to fix it, sell it to someone who can.

[@1809Lannes]

Yes ... I spent a little more than that . But I ended up with the screaming eagle cam tensioners and pump. And a S&S BABY CAM 😅

[@valjatriogina228]

Just got rid of my 04 Heritage at 18k miles. Tensioners were still good. But mainshaft seal was leaking, and minor electronic issues started. I finally quit riding Harley after 30 years and got a Honda Fury. I should have done that much earlier. The only Harley that i would buy again would be an Evolution Softail.

[@BoDean52]

As long as we’re riding, right, who cares what it is

[@xjeffyb4656]

I did the screaming eagle plate and 203s cams along with adjustable push rods in my nightrain. Ran like a bear. Just keep the record of the repair being done. That way if you have to sell the bike, it would be an easier sale imo.

[@keithdickson8364]

Have to keep those twin cams alive. Great decision.

[@s.gossett5966]

People spend that on pipes and bars for a bike they'll trade in after a couple of years. I figure if it's something you're keeping for the long haul, then it's just insurance for a happy future.

[@BadBlue32]

At the end of the day, if you have an emotional connection to your Harley, it’s absolutely worth it!! That’s your baby!

[@BoDean52]

Right on!

[@ronisley9716]

Yeah I would have done it. I also would have looked at, I’m sure you did, upgrading to a bigger cam. Was the price difference going to be a lot? I just think once you are in there might as well do the next step.

[@BoDean52]

It really wasn’t about the price difference. The cams were not a part of the project at all. While he had a part, he made a decision to go ahead and just put new stock cams in