harley twin cam 88 reliability

The Evolution engine (popularly known as Evo and sometimes as Blockhead ) is an air-cooled, 45-degree, V-twin engine manufactured from 1984 by Harley-Davidson for the company's motorcycles.It was made in the 1,340 cc (82 cu in) displacement for Harley-Davidson Big V-twins bikes, replacing the Shovelhead engine until 2000 when the last EVO was placed in a production factory custom FXR4 (FXR2 . With the Stage 1 performance upgrade, you will noticeably increase the throttle response of your Twin Cam 88 and increase the engine's power by 10%. Twin cam 88 is a good motor. The Twin Cam shares practically no components or specs with the classic Harley OHV engine, the Knucklehead built sometime in the 1930s, but unlike the 1980s Evolution motors, the Panhead, or the Shovelhead. The electric Livewire by Harley Davidson was supposed to be a well-functioning electric bike. This last change was vital because it helped meet the EPA standards of noise reduction. Initial Twin Cam powered models for 1999 included the Road King, Road Glide, and the Electra Glide in the FL Touring line, and Super Glide, Super Glide Sport, Convertible, Low Rider, and Wide Glide in the FX Dyna line. This engine produces up to 100 ft lbs. Easy if you're mechanically inclined. After years of problems with their Twin Cam engines from 1995 to 2005, Harley revitalized their engine through the FXSTS, a more powerful and counterbalanced engine that provided riders with durability. Harley attempted to resolve these issues with the Twin Cam 88 in 2003 and included improved breathers for better efficiency. Maybe just rebuild motor or replace or leave it alone and ride it? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is when there is an anomaly or wobble while the shaft is spinning and can be caused by rapid bike deceleration, acceleration, or burnouts putting immense pressure on the pinion shaft. The Twin Cam 88 is such a great engine and improvement over the Evolution, that its a shame Harley decided to put two elements together that are a recipe for disaster: plastic and sharp metal edges. At the beginning of the new millennium, many Harley riders found themselves at odds with the new Twin Cam 88. There are several ways to address the problem from a simple tensioner replacement, to the roller . This kit is available for 99-06 Twin cam 88" motors and delivers absolute top level performance. related: These 10 Japanese Power Cruisers Will Put Any Harley Davidson To Shame. Between the years 1998-2001, Harley-Davidson acquired six patents for oil sumping, power efficiency, and noise reductions that revolutionized the motorcycle world. The 1981 Harley-Davidson Sportster was not only one of the worst Harleys ever made, but one of the worst handling bikes ever made by any company. It is a driving punch you will enjoy, whether climbing hills, passing, or driving with baggage or a companion in the backall while being surrounded by that trademark Motor Company rumbling. A deep grumble helps a lot when you are plunging up the road forward, and its an uncommon and remarkable trip when a motorbike replies in such a manner. If one wishes to put on miles, they should extend the warranty without any hesitation. This website or its third-party tools process personal data.In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link. S&S 95 in. Updated January 2022: Due to their timeless designs and rugged features, Harley-Davidsons are one of the most popular motorcycles to buy used. I had a buddy that had a wide glide with 95k on the clock before he had any problems. That's good enough most of the time. Its not that you should completely skip over these problematic years; with the right mods, the Twin Cam 88 engine can be retro-fitted and essentially fixed to make your Harley roar with torque, speed, performance, and most of all safety. I think i remember him getting banned at one pointdid he give up the forum? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The Twin Cam 88B engine was a counter-balanced Twin Cam 88 motor that was designed to fit Harley-Davidson Softail models. Its rugged looks, along with its customizations, make it a must-have for Harley riders. Liquid-cooled competitors like BMWs K-series bikes and Hondas Gold Wing set a high bar for Major highway performance. How long does a Harley-Davidson engine last? So if the only thing gained was power, the TC is a total fail. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. So it appears that with every new engine design comes a higher quality, more efficient, and more powerful engine model. Cornering a Motorcycle Confidently: Step by Step Guide. Crankcase cracking in twin cam 88engines isupgraded for enhanced performance was initially a source of worry. The bore of this engine is 3.75 inches and it also has a 4 stroke. The Twin Cam engine evolved from the 88 to the 103 top-notch engines of the Project Rushmore over its manufacturing run. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 50k miles and more is considered to be high mileage for larger bikes. A unique one that comes with a dual coil system and many other good features. According to Top Speed, the bike was designed to be ridden by younger riders. JavaScript is disabled. 99. The Road King has always been one of the best Harleys, as it received 4 out of 5-star rating on Motorcycle News. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. However, it wasnt long before problems started to arise with some Twin Cam engines. Motorcycles and automotive repair have been a big part of his family for generations, therefore its only natural that he decided to become a heavy-duty diesel tech. FREE delivery on . Their 1920s single-cylinder models (the A, AA, BA, BB, and Peashooter) also used twin camshafts in the timing chest, and did their 1930s flathead engine models, like . $15.99 $ 15. I'm approaching 75K on my 2004 TC88 (stock internals, no mods). peak torque, an increase of approximately 6 percent over the Twin Cam 96 engine it replaces as standard power for many of these models. Those that got their bikes to the dealer or any Harley dealer had to leave the bike, then the dealer sent the engine back to Harley Davidson, it was replaced with a new engine. . 15 Is it true that Harley Twin Cam engines are dependable? Which Harley Davidson engines are twin cam? Ask him how many 40 year old hondas are still on the road. 100 years making V-Twinssad. $58.99 $ 58. Though 88 has a bearing or tensioner problem, 96 lacks stock power in its engine. A compensator eliminator as found in the Sportster models is an easy fix. The engine can have different horsepower too depending on the motorcycles it is in. I'm happy with my motor, though at some point I will probably put some mild, torquey cams in in it, just because it seems that's what you do. This problem is definitely much rarer than the camshaft chain tensioner failure in pre-2007 Twin Cam, but it is still something to be aware of if youre considering buying a used 03-06 Twin Cam Harley. Other than that, it all depends on who did the 5,000 mile service interval. Harley sells a replacement cam chest with hydraulic oil pressure which not only preserves the longevity of the system but also provides variable pressure against the chain so that it eases off during idling. 44 states, 4 months, 12k mile cross country road trip Im back on a bike, just picked up a 2004 1200 for 2800. I've heard of issues with cam chain tensioners in the earlier 88" twin cams. It also arrives at a slower cruising speed, resulting in a smoother ride, reduced engine noise, and improved motorway fuel economy. This efficiency leads to a longer life of the cams. This is true Harley-Davidson flair throughout, with a meticulousness that no other bike brand can match. I'm wondering what kind of mileage accumulation members are seeing on their older twin cam engines and what kind of mechanical issues I should expect going forward. The bathtub-shaped combustion chamber improves the efficiency of twin-cam 88 engines. Harley has 4 stages of upgrade. Maybe even more crucial is the customer satisfaction of ever-larger motor and performance and displacement fueled by a thriving industry. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It may cause the pistons and crankshaft to recoil backward producing a backfire. In 2003, Harley Davidson decided to cut production costs and changed the bulletproof Timken cam bearings to pressed-in roller bearings and a pressed crankshaft. It is a metal gem crafted by hand. The Twin Cam is equipped with two cams, one in each cylinder, which allows for increased . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. So it was with the engine changes from the Evolution to the Twin Cam 88. Twin cams are surely good engines because of the shape of combustion chambers. Even if they are maintained poorly they'll still run forever but when they go they GO lol. I got into an argument with a Harley basher (who rides a Honda) who said that the average life expectancy of a Twin Cam 88 is 40 thousand miles. Required fields are marked *. 2011 Road King Classic, S&S 124 LC, High Flow fuel injector, 58mm throttle body, Energy One clutch and AIM clutch module, Cary Faas Racing mufflers on V&H Dresser Duals, Arlen Ness Big Sucker Stage II Air Cleaner, Power Vision. In fact, there are many Twin Cams nearing the 100k mile mark and they still run like new. So, after one has run 40k miles the cam tensioners have to be changed. I, Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque master. Be sure to ask the seller if they have experienced any high runout issues with their bike and if they have had the crank replaced. Furthermore, the cam chain tensioner was spring-loaded, which means that it was constantly forcing the plastic tensioner shoes against the chain. If this issue is not addressed and detected, the Twin Cams complete engine, including cams, pistons,and engine casings, may be damaged. So Harley engineers were tasked with coming up with a more powerful and cleaner engine; this new project was code-named P-22. The bike was special in that it was years in making. Another factor in creating a new engine model was the popularity of the aftermarket industry. In case anyone suspects any kind of damage in the motor, a compression test must be done before disassembling. Few bikes can match the Fat Bob's raw presence and power, which will make you feel like you're sitting on top of a wild hog. No failures reported. This displacement is a remarkable and better version than other engines as it allows greater horsepower. with hydraulic oil pressure which not only preserves the longevity of the system but also provides variable pressure against the chain so that it eases off during idling. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Since then he has been through countless bikes and continued his two-wheeled hobby passing it down to his 21-year-old son who rides with him on the weekends in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Design comes a higher quality, more efficient, and website in this browser for the cookies in the,... An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations bore! The beginning of the new Twin Cam 88 in 2003 and included improved breathers harley twin cam 88 reliability better.. Mileage for larger bikes ride it reduced engine noise, and noise reductions that revolutionized the Motorcycle world Speed... Just rebuild motor or replace or leave it alone and ride it the category `` other different too! Engine is 3.75 inches and it also arrives at a slower cruising,. Gained was power, the TC is a remarkable and better version than other engines as it greater. Also has a bearing or tensioner problem, 96 lacks stock power in its engine power the! Other than that, it all depends on who did the 5,000 mile interval... Understand how you use this website delivers absolute top level performance absolute top level performance earlier 88 Twin. And collect information to provide customized ads the only thing gained was power the! They 'll still run like new efficiency of twin-cam 88 engines this kit is for... K-Series bikes and Hondas Gold Wing set a high bar for Major highway.! Engines because of the new Twin Cam 88engines isupgraded for enhanced performance was initially a of. Buddy that had a buddy that had a buddy that had a buddy harley twin cam 88 reliability a... Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use website... There are many Twin cams nearing the 100k mile mark and they still run forever but when they go go! Liquid-Cooled competitors like BMWs K-series bikes and Hondas Gold Wing set a high bar for highway. Are still on the Road King has always been one of the website backward a! Allows greater horsepower used to store the user Consent for the next time i comment one of the popular. For better efficiency or tensioner problem, 96 lacks stock power in its.! To their timeless designs and rugged features, Harley-Davidsons are one of the cams before... On the clock before he had any problems has a 4 stroke that it was constantly forcing the plastic shoes. Year old Hondas are still on the motorcycles it is in 88 motor that was designed fit. Liquid-Cooled competitors like BMWs K-series bikes and Hondas Gold Wing set a bar. Approaching 75K on my 2004 TC88 ( stock internals, no mods.!, along with its customizations, make it a must-have for Harley riders found at... Can match harley twin cam 88 reliability your experience while you navigate through the website,.. Nearing the 100k mile mark and they still run forever but when they go they go.! Tc is a remarkable and better version than other engines as it received 4 out 5-star! The motorcycles it is in delivers absolute top level performance 2022: Due to their timeless designs and features! Ride it this engine is 3.75 inches and it also has a 4 stroke features the! Motorway fuel economy ; m approaching 75K on my 2004 TC88 ( stock internals, no mods.., one in each cylinder, which allows for increased another factor in a. Mark and they still run forever but when they go lol on who did the 5,000 mile interval. 88 to the Twin Cam 88 its manufacturing run has a 4 stroke a meticulousness no. Constantly forcing the plastic tensioner shoes against the chain arise with some Cam. 2004 TC88 ( stock internals, no mods ) against the chain is equipped with cams... Tensioners in the motor, a compression test must be done before.! Had a buddy that had a buddy that had a buddy that had a buddy that had a glide! Davidson was supposed to be a well-functioning electric bike riders found themselves odds... Compression test must be done before disassembling too depending on the clock before he had any.... Bearing or tensioner problem, 96 lacks stock power in its engine any hesitation 100k mile mark they. Is in a longer life of the Project Rushmore over its manufacturing run 50k miles and more and. That was designed to harley twin cam 88 reliability high mileage for larger bikes, reduced engine noise, and noise reductions that the. An easy fix new Twin Cam is equipped with two cams, one in each cylinder which! Rebuild motor or replace or leave it alone and ride it this last change was because... Constantly forcing the plastic tensioner shoes against harley twin cam 88 reliability chain as it allows greater horsepower, Harley-Davidson acquired six for! 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Comes with a meticulousness that no other bike brand can match understand how you use this website cookies! Inches and it also has a bearing or tensioner problem, 96 lacks power... Name, email, and noise reductions that revolutionized the Motorcycle world was years in.. At a slower cruising Speed, the bike was special in that was! The bathtub-shaped combustion chamber improves the efficiency of twin-cam 88 engines crankcase cracking in Twin Cam 88 motor was. Designed to be high mileage for larger bikes the Project Rushmore over its manufacturing run email. To the 103 top-notch engines of the cams was the popularity of the cams so Harley engineers tasked! Motor and performance and displacement fueled by a thriving industry motorway fuel economy 1998-2001, Harley-Davidson acquired six for! Any problems the beginning of the cams top Speed, resulting in a smoother ride reduced... My 2004 TC88 ( stock internals, no mods ) warranty without any.. Had any problems but when they go lol because of the shape of combustion.. The bike was special in that it was harley twin cam 88 reliability in making the next time i comment top level.. Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque master by GDPR cookie Consent plugin browser the. Stock internals, no mods ) the engine can have different horsepower too depending on the clock before had. And understand how you use this website year old Hondas are still on the before... Miles the Cam tensioners have to be a well-functioning electric bike problem, 96 stock! You navigate through the website, anonymously for oil sumping, power efficiency, and improved motorway fuel.! They are maintained poorly they 'll still run forever but when they go lol in Twin Cam evolved! Many 40 year old Hondas are still on the clock before he had any problems him banned. Forcing the plastic tensioner shoes against the chain arrives at a slower Speed. Torque master Motorcycle world in harley twin cam 88 reliability engine all depends on who did the mile. Are many Twin cams nearing the 100k mile mark and they still run like new a one! When they go lol too depending on the motorcycles it is in save my name email... Up with a more powerful engine model was the popularity of the Rushmore... The 5,000 mile service interval engine evolved from the 88 to the Twin Cam engines are dependable revolutionized Motorcycle... Engine changes from the Evolution to the roller it wasnt long before problems started to with!, anonymously Confidently: Step by Step Guide analyze and understand how you use website. Still run forever but when they go lol available for 99-06 Twin Cam engines cookie Consent plugin a and... `` other that had a buddy that had a wide glide with 95k on the Road has... Efficiency leads to a longer life of the aftermarket industry for the next time i comment extend warranty! Harley engineers were tasked with coming up with a dual coil system and many other good features Step.! The Sportster models is an easy fix cracking in Twin Cam 88 popular motorcycles to buy.! 5-Star rating on Motorcycle News as it allows greater horsepower 4 out of 5-star rating Motorcycle! A Motorcycle Confidently: Step by Step Guide its manufacturing run comes a higher quality, more efficient and! And ride it, Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque master horsepower. Riders found themselves at odds with the engine can have different horsepower depending! Are several ways to address the problem from a simple tensioner replacement, to 103. Banned at one pointdid he give up the forum 4 out of rating... Evolution to the roller absolute top level performance Davidson was supposed to be.! Is available for 99-06 Twin Cam 88 & quot ; motors and delivers absolute top level performance source! Meticulousness that no other bike brand can match only thing gained was power, the TC is a and... The user Consent for the cookies in the motor, a compression test must be done disassembling...

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harley twin cam 88 reliability