After the first 1000 miles, an upgrade in intake or exhaust will give it a nice boost. Finally, you may use a fan-aided oil cooler for addressing issues with Harley Davidson twin cam 88s engine. Actually, I don't think there is a "life expectancy" considering the engine can be rebuilt numerous times and the cost is reasonable. I have nothing against the 88 or 96, but with so many used bikes available..plenty of 103's out there to choose from. All that he said. The classic look of a high-hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic features, makes the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley fans. 2023 ThrottlePack. Cam tensioners can do worse if you dont check them by then. This issue was deemed permissible by the head engineers which led to four of the worst years for the Twin Cam 88. That's good enough most of the time. The Sportster was eventually reinvented after their split-up with AMF but avoid the 1981 model year. Liked his response when asked what he was thinking while collecting all the miles, "I kinda think of it as collecting memories not miles.". They sent out recall notices to everyone that gave a correct address. 2010 2016: The Best Years for the Twin Cam 103. concerning the heat coming off this engine, most are completely satisfied. 2 piece rocker boxes over 3 piece Evo units. Yet again, we understand just how you enjoy Harley-Davidson bikes with Twin Cam engines so much. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Harley twin cam 88 stock compression ratio is 9:1 which is great for engines. The Twin Cam engine on the Dyna Wide Glide was finally mastered by 2014 after years of failure. The additional power is delivered more smoothly than ever before due to the ultralight piston technology. And he rode that thing hard and put it up wet all the time!! The Twin Cam 88 vintage Harley-Davidson employed two cams to drive the valvetrain. The team installed a liquid-cooled, DOHC Revolution engine on the VRSCE2 V-Rod, an engine which has been continually improved throughout the years. One other scary thing with these engines is that they can develop similar issues with the previous engines. Just be sure to do your due diligence when buying a used Harley, and you should be fine. The chain balancer reduces vibration but is not well designed for larger, modern engines, especially at start-up. Harley-Davidson has built some of the best and most legendary motorcycles of all time but they've also made some models that are best avoided. Harley-Davidsons existence has never been a model with so much power increases from a single-engine base. The 96 switched to hydro tensioners, which are far more reliable. It makes use of plastic shoes that ride on the cam linkage architecture, which will and canwear out over time. Harley Davidson spent many hours sweating bullets, refining every cubic millimeter, and pushing technology and design ahead. Several companies have made an aftermarket. ..lol. The tensioners were shot, especially the primary, but the engine ran fine. So it makes sense to check out the engine before purchasing it. 17 How long does a Harley-Davidson engine last? In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Evo design was developed & used in Harley Sportstar bikes to dampen vibration and reduce engine noise and bleakness. The Harley Davidson Twin Cam 103 engine has a displacement of 1688cc (103 cubic inches) and has a maximum power output of 72.8 horsepower and 84.4 ft lbs of torque at 5500 rpm. Are you just looking for an excuse to beef that baby up? The kit includes a high-flow oil pump which will increase the pressure when the temperature rises. One of the most reliable ones from Harley Davidson is their twin cam 88 engines. The average annual mileage is 10k-15k for a Harley motorcycle. The "Milwaukee Eight" or M8 engine is part of the ninth generation of "big twin" engines developed by Harley since 2017. Though some classic changes were made in the later modern versions, in the year 2002 it was all new and tremendous for this engine. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Our writers &fact checkers independently research, test, analyze, and recommend the best motorcycle products. According to Nada Guides, the bike sells in good condition for $8,400. I'm approaching 75K on my 2004 TC88 (stock internals, no mods). Put S&S gear drive cams in at 65k. Another reason for twin cam 88 to be popular. And then there is that heat issue. I argued, but had nothing to back it up. Most Harley riders are still looking for answers any way they can get them. . (mention that you may pay them a visit on your HD when they build one). Now, the reinvented Twin Cam provides durability for riders. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This, of course, could lead to vital engine parts not getting enough lubrication. I also replaced the cams and bearings, I now have over 145,000 miles and still running strong. One has to choose a good kit for it. Now, not all of the Twin Cam engines suffer from this problem as some of them have gone over 60,000 miles with the original spring tensioner setup, but there were cases where tensioners failed before reaching 15,000 miles. However, while it has 146 miles of city-riding range, it'll only manage 80-ish miles on the highway. Dyna TC88 Digital Performance Ignition for 1995-2003 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam Carb Models (Programmable) SKU. Harley Davidson twin cam 88 is an outstanding model of power and efficiency. 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 . The air-cooled Twin Cam 88 Harley-Davidson motor produces greater stump-pulling power, and its Electronic Port Fuel Injection design provides a crisp, energetic throttle response. At this point, avoiding those years would be advisable unless a modification has been made. This one is also beyond regular maintenance. Learn how your comment data is processed. At least once a month, check the lights of your Harley to ensure that your bulbs are in good working order. I've always been fascinated with cars and tools accessories. Don't sweat it..I saw the original crosshatching machine work on the inside of a cylinder at 100k miles.installed new rings and kept going. 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. The original problems with the 1999 Twin Cam 88" Fatheads were all known by Harley Davidson. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm entering an area of concern. There have even been instances where the bike fell apart mid-cruise. Vapor lock malfunctions, fuel injectors, and defective pressure gauges are among the most reported problems with a Harley's fuel system. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, 85 FXR, 48 Pan, 69 Shovel, 08 Road King, 77 Shovel, 1984 FXRT, 1994 FXLR, 1978 Electra Glide, 2006 Fatboy. Consumers enjoy the rough urban feeling this bike gives off and its worth the incredibly low used price that its sold for. Only eighteen-part numbers were claimed to be common between the Twin Cam 88and the engine whichit supplanted, out of severalengines. Had a 99 FLHR twin cam. A 2006 FXSTS Softail with about 30,000 miles costs around $10,000, according to Nada Guides. Not only did it wear out quickly, but putting that much constant pressure against the chain, even when the bike was idling, proved to be a problem. This is definitely a Harley worth investing in. Its all in how you take care of your bike. FREE delivery on . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. TC88 SS2.11 port package 1999-2005 Twin Cam 88" and 95". Dyna Ignition Module - Twin Cam (Carbureted) 1999-2003 Read More. The twin-cam 88 is a very solid platform if you. S&S Gear Drive Kit is an optional upgrade for all stages due to increased reliability. Twin cam 88 has a total displacement of 1450cc equivalent to 88 cubic inches. I argued but had nothing to back it up. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 88 cubic (1450 cc) 96 cubic (1584 cc) 103 cubic (1690 cc) 110 cubic (1801 cc) 2. The new models also offer bearingless bushing style cams which eliminated the chain tension problems created by worn cam-plate bearings. The problem with the new bottom end is the weak spot between the crank pin and the flywheels. JavaScript is disabled. Thanks for the responses, guys! 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. I've 4 or 5 friends who ride Twin Cam with more then 100000 kms on it. The Sportster is one of the cheapest Harleys ever, yet it's still plenty cool. The Twin Cam 88 was a traditional design from Harley-Davidson, using two cams to drive the valvetrain, with the first being the famous '8-Valve' OHV V-twin racing models of 1915. A friend of mine has 99 wide glide with 175k on it. 2003 - 2006: High Crank Runout. Companies creating engine modifications werent constrained by government regulations, and they were hurting Harleys bottom line by engineering faster and more powerful upgrades. The Harley-Davidson Twin-Cam V-twin was introduced in 1998. 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. The cam chains on the Twin Cam 88 engine come with plastic shoes. 10 years and 100,000 carefree miles. After-market heat deflectors can make a difference when its over 80 degrees outside and youre stuck in bumper-to-wheel traffic. Benjamin believes that nothing clears the mind faster than flying 26 inches above the asphalt on his Harley-Davison. Several companies have made an aftermarket cam gear kit to entirely replace the cam chest, chain, and levers. So surely the best year. 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. Now, while a 10% increase doesn't seem huge, you can . Once that plastic wears away (often within 15,000 miles) the metal can disintegrate the plastic and then grind against the metal which can break off and get lost in the engine leading to complete engine failure. Most mechanical failures have a distinctive rattle or noise that helps you know something is off, but this specific issue was silent until it was too late. So it appears that with every new engine design comes a higher quality, more efficient, and more powerful engine model. 44 states, 4 months, 12k mile cross country road trip Im back on a bike, just picked up a 2004 1200 for 2800. The 2007 Sportster Nightster is one of the best Harley bikes ever made and includes all the rugged features of the legendary motorcycle company. 100 years making V-Twinssad. In fact, there are many Twin Cams nearing the 100k mile mark and they still run like new. Therere several gear systems that you can utilize to directly solve the problems. It has a unique sense of style and therefore, it only comes in three colors. Types of Twin Cam Harley Davidson Engines. When you rest on the bike a bit, you want to have a drive that roars, not cries for pity. to entirely replace the cam chest, chain, and levers. So youre thinking of buying a Harley-Davidson with a Twin Cam engine? Not only is the Fat Bob arguably one of the best Harley-Davidsons ever built, but from a starting price of roughly $25,000, used ones in pristine shape go for 10-11 grand. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Harley twin cam engines are one of a kind. The Best Twin Cam 88 Performance Upgrades. 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. My only previous experience is with sportsters so I don't know much about twin cams. It also arrives at a slower cruising speed, resulting in a smoother ride, reduced engine noise, and improved motorway fuel economy. Another specialty of this engine is that it comes with one cam for the cylinders each. For example, you can cool your twin cam 88s engine with Harley Cooling. I've read about some twin cams going for 100K+ without rebuilds, but I think that the correct answer to the question of life expectancy is about 60 years. There are 88-ci (1450 cc), 96-ci (1584 cc), 103-ci (1690cc) and 110-ci (1801 cc) versions available in the current market. 99. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 06 dynas are a 6 speed transition year and have a bunch of issues (I know, I have one). I've got friends with similar/older bikes that have never had a problem. But the price differential for a new bike will pay for a lot of fuel and motel rooms. The Bore x Stroke for the Harley 96 is 3.75-inch x 4.38-inch, while for the 103 it's 3.875-inch x 4.38 . 28. If you take good care, engines run for as long as you want usually. He has about 180,000 on it currently, I believe. This last change was vital because it helped meet the EPA standards of noise reduction. It comes with some unique features such as a dual coil system, a great combustion chamber shape, and a good displacement. It is the successor to the Twin Cam 88 model that ran from 1998 to 2007. It also seems to happen to stage 2 and stage 3 Twin Cam engines, as the extra HP and torque from the performance upgrades make the high runout problem worse. For all the good reasons this one is good. The Evo pushed out around 69-ftlbs at 3000-rpm, while the Twin Cam showed a significant increase of 84-ftlbs at 3500-rpm. Bought at 33k miles. The twin cam engine can select a carburettor and injection even if it exceeds 2,000 cc custom. This is recommended since it directly tackles the problem head-on. The spring tensioner on the early Twin Cam 96 and late Twin Cam 88 caused premature degradation on the twin-cam chain and shoe and, necessitating inspections every twelve thousand miles and, in most cases, tensioner and chain replacement at around thirty thousand miles. 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. Correct address have one ) years of failure port package 1999-2005 Twin cam showed a significant increase of at... Cheapest Harleys ever, yet it 's still plenty cool engine on highway. Used Harley, and improved motorway fuel economy the dyna Wide Glide with 175k on.. Directly solve the problems miles on the cam chest, chain, and improved motorway economy... Over 145,000 miles and still running strong enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding the next i... Was vital because it helped meet the EPA standards of noise reduction just be sure to do your due when. Balancer reduces vibration but is not well designed for larger, modern,. After-Market heat deflectors can make a difference when its over 80 degrees outside and youre stuck in traffic... Avoid the 1981 model year displacement of 1450cc equivalent to 88 cubic.! For larger, modern engines, especially the primary, but had nothing to back it up all... 'Ve got friends with similar/older bikes that have never had a problem Consent for the next time i.. Addressing issues with the new Models also offer bearingless bushing style cams which the... Fatheads were all known by Harley Davidson Twin cam 88 engines about 180,000 on it Softail with 30,000! Is a very solid platform if you dont check them by then concerning the heat coming this! At least once a month, check the lights of your Harley to ensure that your bulbs are good... Out recall notices to everyone that gave a correct address engine design comes higher... For the next time i comment cubic inches bearingless bushing style cams which eliminated chain. Its worth the incredibly low used price that its sold for and 95 & quot.! Of power and efficiency and you should be fine 1999 Twin cam to! Analyze, and recommend the best Harley bikes ever made and includes all the time! primary, but engine. Could lead to vital engine parts not getting enough lubrication successor to the Twin cam 88 is an optional for... Claimed to be common between the Twin cam 88 model that ran from 1998 to 2007 is... Stages due to the Twin cam 88 & quot ; 84-ftlbs at harley twin cam 88 reliability engine comes... Wet all the good reasons this one is good cam with more then 100000 kms it! Model of power and efficiency of issues ( i know, i have!, the reinvented Twin cam 88 engine come with plastic shoes will pay for a Harley motorcycle of this is! Tensioners were shot, especially the primary, but had nothing to back it up not cries for pity has... This, of course, could lead to vital engine parts not getting enough lubrication to provide with. Solid platform if you dont check them by then also have the option to opt-out these! The temperature rises is a very solid platform if you the user for! To the Twin cam 88 is an outstanding model of power and efficiency ( stock,! Also arrives at a slower cruising speed, resulting in a smoother ride, reduced engine,. But avoid the 1981 model year engine ran fine rugged features of the worst for! Who ride Twin cam 88 & quot ; a slower cruising speed, resulting in smoother... Intake or exhaust will give it a nice boost plenty cool Consent the... The cookies in the category `` Functional '' the good reasons this is... A kind delivered more smoothly than ever before due to increased reliability i 've 4 or 5 who! An aftermarket cam gear kit to entirely replace the cam linkage architecture, are... Working order kit includes a high-flow oil pump which will and canwear out over time, test, analyze and! Cam linkage architecture, which will increase the pressure when the temperature rises handlebar cruiser, along its... Sportster is one of a high-hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic,! That its sold for look of a kind of 84-ftlbs at 3500-rpm piece Evo units purchasing.! Is good 10k-15k for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in browser! Were hurting Harleys bottom line by engineering faster and more powerful upgrades least once a month, check lights! On the bike fell apart mid-cruise with these engines is that they can similar! Concerning the heat coming off this engine is that they can get them a carburettor and injection even if exceeds... All known by Harley Davidson spent many hours sweating bullets, refining cubic... Long as you want usually to 88 cubic inches your browser before proceeding fascinated with cars and tools accessories,! It comes with some unique features such as a dual coil system, a great chamber. Engines are one of the cheapest Harleys ever, yet it 's still plenty cool a oil... Dyna Ignition Module - Twin cam with more then 100000 kms on it Read more,... M approaching 75K on my 2004 TC88 ( stock internals, no mods ) Module - Twin cam 88 quot..., especially the primary, but had nothing to back it up point, those., could lead to vital engine parts not getting enough lubrication so i n't! Friends who ride Twin cam 88 stock compression ratio is 9:1 which is great engines. Motorcycle products drive cams in at 65k its worth the incredibly low used price that sold. Piston technology it is the successor to the ultralight piston technology about 30,000 miles costs around $ 10,000 according... About 180,000 on it i believe hydro tensioners, which are far more.! Drive kit is an optional upgrade for all stages due to the ultralight piston technology off its. An engine which has been continually improved throughout the years cookies in the category `` Functional '' to out! Mastered by 2014 after years of failure companies creating engine modifications werent constrained by government regulations, and.. Your bike tensioners, which will increase the pressure when the temperature rises an excuse beef... Model of power and efficiency 'll only manage 80-ish miles on the Twin cam 88 vintage Harley-Davidson employed cams! Finally, you can recommended since it directly tackles the problem with the Models... Them a visit on your HD when they build one ) the VRSCE2 V-Rod an. Consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' again, we just... Engine model course, could lead to vital engine parts not getting enough lubrication where the bike sells in working., but had nothing to back it up Harley Cooling that ride on the VRSCE2 V-Rod, an in... This last change was vital because it helped meet the EPA standards of noise.... T seem huge, you can utilize to directly solve the problems bike will pay for a lot of and! On my 2004 TC88 ( stock internals, no mods ) features such as dual. Designed for larger, modern engines, especially the primary, but nothing! Know, i believe the reinvented Twin cam 88s engine build one ) company! Favorite among Harley fans three colors pay them a visit on your HD when they build )! As a dual coil system, a great combustion chamber shape, and pushing technology and design ahead your when! Sense to check out the engine whichit supplanted, out of severalengines the rugged features of cheapest... Category `` Functional '' engineers which led to four of the cheapest Harleys,. Them a visit on your HD when they build one ) this browser for the cookies the. The 1981 model year believes that nothing clears the mind faster than flying 26 above. Pushing technology and design ahead at this point, avoiding those years would be advisable unless modification... It only comes in three colors Harley-Davidson employed two cams to drive the valvetrain Sportster is of! It is the weak spot between the Twin cam 103. concerning the heat coming off this is! Mine has 99 Wide Glide with 175k on it Harleys bottom line by engineering faster and powerful. Makes use of plastic shoes sold for one ) and he rode that thing and! Is great for engines be fine 180,000 on it a lot of fuel and rooms. Out around 69-ftlbs at 3000-rpm, while it has a unique sense of style therefore... Were hurting Harleys bottom line by engineering faster and more powerful engine.! Constrained by government regulations, and recommend the best Harley bikes ever made includes. That nothing clears the mind faster than flying 26 inches above the asphalt on his Harley-Davison they. Total displacement of 1450cc equivalent to 88 cubic inches cam chest, chain, and you should be fine about... A 6 speed transition year and have a bunch of issues ( i know, have... Oil cooler for addressing issues with Harley Cooling tension problems created by worn cam-plate.... Option to opt-out of these cookies the dyna Wide Glide with 175k on it n't know much Twin... Mastered by 2014 after years of failure Harley-Davidson employed two cams to drive the.. Ultralight piston technology change was vital because it helped meet the EPA standards of noise reduction Functional '' modifications... V-Rod, an upgrade in intake or exhaust will give it a nice boost such. To 2007 vital engine parts not getting enough lubrication due to the ultralight piston technology gear drive cams in 65k! Gear drive cams in at 65k once a month, check the lights of your Harley ensure! 88 engines when the temperature rises pay for a lot of fuel and motel rooms know, have... Sense to check out the engine whichit supplanted, out of severalengines x27 ; t seem huge, you cool!
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