113,000 miles on my 2003 Road King. Although I had to replace the mechanical tensioners (preventive maintenance) is the only 'problem' I had. Just put in set #4 and should be good for 30K more. Run out was .0018 . Oil pressyre is hanging in at 33 idle -40 running
I've already invested in my Twin Cam, gradually discovering the flaws and fixing them. The only thing I haven't fixed is the crankshaft. It's within spec for now but I don't fully trust it unless I eventually get it trued and welded. I've got an S&S 509 Bolt-in cam in there now and that's about the most modification I trust this engine with. I will say this, had I known what I know now I would have bought another Evo Sportster instead of a Twin Cam. Harley-Davidson left way too much on the shoulders of the customer with this engine that should have been built right the first time. That's why I laughed when Harley-Davidson calls themselves a premium brand.
My only prior Harley experience was with an ‘89 Softail Custom of a friend of mine. It’s what I finally got my Wisconsin motorcycle license on, in ‘91, after 20 years of riding while only getting permits. I liked the looks of his Softail which is why I ended up buying my 2006 Dyna Wide Glide that had a Twin Cam 88. It took me a while to realize that the TC 88 likes rpm’s more than the Softail’s Evo did after riding it like I had the Evo. It pulls fairly well at low rpm, but give it some revs and it keeps coming on stronger. It worried me enough that I ordered a HD speedo/tach combo just so I know just how far I’m winding it and you’re right about it running very smooth. I’m adding a K&N air cleaner and filter, a Jagg horizontal mount fan assisted oil cooler, and I just ordered a Power Vision PV4 to richen up the fuel map a bit which has me eagerly waiting for Spring to see how much difference they make in performance and in helping it to run a bit cooler.
That is what i like about my Kawa's and Honda's... no need to rebuild at all. Only replace wheel and steering head bearings because they worn out from... riding.
So waiting for Harley’s 110 tire shredder kit since June of 22. That’s 9 months and counting. At what point do I need to replace the pressed crank? I knew I would go billet cam plate but which one?? On the fence about the compensater, guess run it till it goes out. I Wes thinking on lower gears set to show off them 259 cams that comes in kit.
My 2011 dyna street bob has the tire shredder that I put in 2017, bought the bike new and dynoed at 106hp/122tq which is more than enough to get into trouble with. Hopefully you get it soon, you'll love it 🤘
@@GixxerFoo I had an argument with the old Harley dealer because she had an oil change special for $100. I told him I could change my oil in my driveway in 20 minutes where I have to work all day to make $100 . For the most part today's Harley Riders could not change the spark plugs.
@@jimfischione2743 unfortunately I am not wrong. Today's Harley Rider would have to Google which end of a screwdriver to use. I have for over 50 years I have watched the Harley Riders deteriorate from what they used to be to what they are now.
The twin cam engine is better than the panhead the shovelhead the Blockhead and the M8. In order to make the same power as the twin-cam the M8 had to go up 4 in
Gixxer I love my 2002 FLSTC. For the last 1.5 yrs I listened to you and waited for my used scoot to appear. Mint. cond. low low MI. I have put $11000. into my scoot . Paint,95 big bore, Massive head work, chrome front end SS 583cam, My scoot is carb. Paid $9828.63 out the door. Yes she is a show quality and a screamer. [2into1 exhaust} Some might say I should have bought a new scoot. Not. I still saved big$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Thanks Gixxer.
Have 08 96'' since new upgraded to SE stage 3 pro kit 103'' 10.5;1 never had any problems that the internet talks about, lots of reliable power, I think the after market keeps pumping out these horror story videos to make money, just put in SE clutch pack, the stocker lasted 15 years. KEEPING MY HARLEY ALL HARLEY, not a tossed salad off after market parts.
It is one thing to build a hot rod motor because you want to it is quite another thing to have to replace cheap parts that's Factory put in wrist expensive American made parts that they should have had in the first place instead of the cheap Chinese parts. If they bought all of their imported parts from Honda like their suspension and fuel injection there would be no problem because Honda does not make bad part.
😊WELL IM IN THE UK AND IVE JUST REBUILT MY 2005 DYNA GLIDE SUPER SPORT IVE REPLACED THE CRANK CASES FOR THE EARLIER CRANK CASES THAT-HAS THE DOUBLE TIMKEN BEARING SETUP I THEN HAD A WELDED STROKER CRANKSHAFT FITTED THE CRANKSHAFT RUNOUT WAS LESS THAN 00.2 THOUSANDS OF AN INCH WHICH MEANT THAT I COULD FIT GEAR DRIVEN CAMS I THEN FITTED HOTTER CAMS ,FUELING CAMPLATE AND LIFTERS I THEN HAD THE BARRELS BORED FROM 88” TO 110” THE HEADS WAS FULLY PORTED AND BIGGER VALVES FITTED AND EVERYTHING WAS PUT TOGETHER WITH METICULOUS PRECISION I ALMOST FORGOT I ALSO FITTED A NEW FUELING HIGH OUTPUT OIL PUMP 😊 I CANT WAIT TO GET IT SET UP ON THE DYNO😊
I have an 06 ElectraGlide Standard that has evolved into my version of a CVO. When it had 30k on it I had the cam shoe upgrade done. My mechanic talked me out of a gear drive. Everything you listed here with the exception of the crank work has been done to my 88 at that time using S&S and Fueling parts. I opted not to punch it out to 95 or 98 CI but had it bored .030 over for new pistons that got it to 90 CI. I had extensive headwork that got the compression to 10.2:1. It was tuned to run on 91 octane where it puts out 96hp. That was 80k miles ago and it is still running just as strong.
25 years and still going strong. Waiting on my motor to have issues so I can rebuild my engine but it seems like that may not happen for a while. I did replace my pushrods, my lifters, and lifter blocks last year. Maybe I'll replace my cam bearing, cam, and valve springs next but there isn't any urgency yet to do those. Thank God for Evo...best motor ever
I'm watching this video to see if it finally sways me towards shopping for a TC. The carb'd EVOs are getting tough to find in my area, while the TCs are everywhere.
@@ORflycaster I'd look on Cycle Traders. Lots of good deals on bikes of all kinds. If I were to buy an Evo, I'd get the 1998. Usually I can find one with less than 20k miles on it for $5000-$6000 on there. Electraglides for $6000-$7000.
Watch those cam chain tensioners the early models 99-05 I believe! If they blow apart it can cost a pretty penny to fix the damage! It’s best to upgrade to the hydraulic cam plate
I guess I'm a dinosaur, as I'm still riding my 1949 EL Panhead. Not a hot rod but solid and dependable. Speaking of reusing gaskets, back in the day when we worked on British bikes they used copper head gaskets and we would anneal them and use them again.
I broke my Baker compensator and Baker manual chain tensioner after 2 years....went with the Dark Horse comp eliminator and back to original stock primary chain tensioner.....good decision so far
Honestly haven't had issues with my 08 96 Fatboy and I haven't been the most kind while riding her. That said I'm glad to see that anything I would replace during my planned build anyways is all I need to worry about. Now what I can't figure out is all the die hard evo guys in the comments, and all I can think is they're happy being slow because I haven't seen a single evo keep up with the pack and need devour rod's like the cookie monster on crack
First of all thank you very much for the information that you put out and I appreciate the time you put in doing this for your views. Secondly I’ve been researching and looking at different years of the HD and wanting to know more information about what’s the best cam for touring bikes to do a cross country trip? Is the stroker 103 good for that or stick with 95 upgrade? A lot of questions that maybe I could put in a email to pick ur brain. Thank you for your time.
Why would I want to buy a twin cam that I would have to spend all this money on when I can buy a nice low mileage Evolution motor that is cheap and dependable? You Bandy sayings about like buying a new crankshaft, a new cam plate a new oil pump, a gear-driven cam, that is if you don't have too much crankshaft run out. If the people who bought twin cams were regular motorcycle people they would have brought their motorcycles back to Harley and demanded them to be repaired under warranty instead of spending five grand out of their own pocket or more. The foibles of a twin cam are well-known and are used to drive down the prices because the potential customer has to do so much work to it to get it to be reliable nevermind super reliable. It has also been responsible for the rise of used Evolution powered motorcycles because everyone knows they are dependable unlike a twin cam. Evo forever forever Evo.
Oh wow!! You must be one of those "real bikers", give me a break. My '06 88TC has never failed me, been back for warranty work at HD since new. You can have good/bad engines in any design. However, the life/reliability of any bike is very much dependent on proper/regular maintenance and keeping them away from clueless backyard mechanics...
@@jamesbecker3420 the twin cam has a shopping list of built-in manufactured deficiencies in critical components in critical areas no if ands or buts. Every 40000 miles you need to service the cam change and a tensioner. You have to watch the crankshaft run out before it chews up your oil pump in your cheap stamped Chinese cam plate. We are talkin about endemic flaws that are across the whole line. We're not talking about one or two engines having difficulties we're talking tens of thousands. Chances are you have not ridden the by far enough to have any mechanical issues but that does not mean that you will not have them in the future. Frankly I will not argue the point. It has already been well-established. Look at all the things he recommends in this video very expensive parts and labor to correct horrible manufacturing efficiencies from using cheap parts in critical areas.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 I'm a regular rider and I think you sound over dramatic. My 2005 TC is running strong with 90,000 km and it feels tighter than many Harley hater's buts. Only oil changes, though I have to say I converted it to gear driven cams at 65,000 just for the sake of it.
@@omarsalgado9715 if you had not gotten rid of the chain driven cam shaft you would have had catastrophic engine failure long for now. 65000 mile you were damn lucky the run-out was not too severe to preclude you putting a gear driven camshaft in there. With all of the information and videos out there regarding all the twin-cam foilable you think I am making this up? And ask for a Harley haters excuse I have 400,000 miles on my Sportster that I have owned for almost 25 years still on the original engine. If there were not so many problems with the twin cam, the Milwaukee eight, and the revolution Max there would not be a zillion videos concerning their mechanical failings. I find most of the guys who claim that their twin-cam is perfect put so few miles on the bike before they sell it or trade in that they do not encounters them. Twin cams have a bad reputation well-deserved no if ands or buts. As for something being tighter than someone's ass I would not know because I am not a fagg.
What?! You're making assumptions out of no where, especially about a bike you don't own and ride - my 2005 TC. Did you open the cam case? No. Did you see the state it was? No. Did you pay for an upgrade just because there's money? No. Though the tensioner had some wear, it still had a way to go. That's pretty normal in every machine: wear out if use. So no worries. But, hey, I guess you're entitled to nag about an engine you don't ride. You have spoken volumes of your beliefs and concealed hatred. Good luck with your life, boy.
I agree, love the sound of the twin cam. Still got a lot of miles left on my 2014. My problem is I got the bike running so good, I'm afraid to touch it. Did both engine and suspension, front and back. Did not do the bottom end though. So far no problems. Even if I bot a new bike, I'd have to throw a lot of money into just to get it as good as mine. Thanks for another great video as i watch the snow melt in the yard.
@Mark Do you find your motor running to hot often? Just wondering because i read that a lot. Im in the market for a streetglide. Can afford a second hand 103. If i save money a 2 months maybe a second hand 107. Drove both and thought 103 had a better sound but more shaking when i released the right hand . Didnt notice remarkable power differences except for the 107 maybe pulling up a bit faster in the first gears
@@petro77vitchyes sir the 103 is hot. However the research is plentiful. Tank lifts. Tune. Wire tucks etc. will all lower the temps substantially. I went with a PV3 tuner, I notice the lower temps right away.
@@petro77vitch No, mine does not run hot. One thing I did was to put a K&P Engineering oil filter on. This is an amazing oil filter. I'm looking at the specs, and it says ''Up to 7 times more oil flow than paper filters'. It's made of billet aluminum and finned for heat dispsurtion. jmo I think this is a big reason for less heat. One great thing about it of course, last oil filter I'll ever buy! My specs are 116 ft/lbs of torque and 103 hp. Woods 222 cam, heads by Dan Vance Racing, a thin head gasket from HD and V&H power duels. Hope you found your bike.
yeah and all you have to do is maintain them and leave them alone. 104k on mine and ill ride it across the country right now with no worries. you could put 10k into your engine, or you can ride it till it dies and then buy a used 114 or 107 with 5k on it for 7k.
I need your advice bro. We rebuilded 07 Heritage. Installed 110 big bore. Put in all the goodies you talked about in your video but I still feel it is not running smooth. Secondly, it doesn't goes far in first and second gear and I have to upshift really quick. What do you think the issue is? Are we missing something? Appreciate your feedback. 10:36
I ride a stock '99 Heritage Springer last year evolution motor and its already bulletproof. I may down the road put a cam and a carb kit in it. She's still has fairly low miles. Twin Cam is a good motor.
I’m proud to say I have most of everything stated!but have Harleys hole-shot kit in my primary- chain and 24 tooth motor sprocket! And I keep my old aluminum umbrella valve covers vs the new stamped steel one’s does anyone have any knowledge on Harley’s softail counter balancer’s for the 88B engine? I’m looking for mileage markers and if anyone has had a failure from one
I like my 88 TC, but I don’t believe that I like it enough to make an airplane engine out of it. There ain’t no pulling over when you’ve got a cam chain tensioner leaving the building. But I have to admit the sound of the idle most get some strange looks around the old airport!
What's your opinion of the Wood Performance Cam chain conversion kit hydralic cam plate, oil pump etc. that comes with the Fuel Moto 98" big bore kit? Would it work with a stock crank on a 2002 Fatboy with 20k on it?
I regret ever messing with the 103 in my 2014 Fatboy Lo. I had a local shop (well-known) install the Timken bearing along with the S&S 124" with oil pump & cam plate. I swapped the 640 cams for the 585's and this thing has been a flaming pile of shit ever since. A perfectly good 3,000 km bike is now the most unreliable bike I have ever owned. It was in the shop for over a year and then back in 4 times afterwards. I wouldn't buy S&S ANYTHING for my next bike! I'll keep this thing until I can get that new HD 135" in an OEM bike from HD.... then I will trade up and leave it stock except for cams, intake, tune and exhaust. Extensive engine work is a crap-shoot. Either the parts quality is garbage or the shop is. The consumer never knows because both morons point fingers at each other and take no accountability!
I have a stock 05 FLHTI with 22,000 miles, i need to remove the motor to fix broken exhaust studs, i dont think i will do any motor upgrades at this time.
Thanks for the info. Own a basically stock 2001 FXSTB purchased it new. Pipes and filter assembly is the only motor changes. Dependable motorcycle. Not fast. That’s what the 2014 Mustang GT is for.
I can only speak on the tc88. After having an EVO that is bulletproof out the box. To say putting 3-5 grand into an engine under 30,000 miles is regular maintenance is a joke! Unless you’re a rich guy who doesn’t care if they get screwed! The twin cam was made to get Harley dealerships service departments rich! They don’t charge enough for them out the door! And 20 years later they’re doing it with M8’s. Need upgrades before you leave or breakdown and pay 3 times the upgrade. So I guess it’s worth it for idiots who don’t know there were better options in the past. Oh and I can get all the speeding tickets you can with all your horse power!
Ya know Big T you're right. I did buy an '05 TC in a low rider frame because it was under $5,000, had 12,000 miles on it, and it rides like an oversized sportster. I can't do long miles in it, sadly, as much as I'd like to. My 70 year old ass has too much rust. But I agree, spending $5,000 on a motor build for a $5,000 bike is kinda crazy. Understand, Fixergoo is presenting ideas for the gallery. WTF? How fast does anyone need to go? I don't give two rats shits about racing anybody. It's the advantage of being an old fuck. Us old retired peasants just don't have the cash not give a shit about bragging.
@@Fred-jc6yw I’m happy to know I’m not the only person who sees the problem. I love my Roadking but it’s crazy to need major work done just to ride it. My buddies that have the M8 are regretting it. We are forced to fix a known factory problem! Ride as much as you can and enjoy it! There’s nothing like it!
Everything you said about the twin cam is true with the M8. They have bad oil pumps until 2021, crappy cam plate as well (Put in S&S Cam plate, Oil Pump and lifters with lifter guides). My compensator didn’t last 10k miles (Put in Darkhorse). Clutch basket had more cracks in the a 50 year old driveway (Put in Barnett complete clutch).
I used to do everything to my bikes but I just don't have the time now...but I don't trust just any mechanic either...I'm about ready to make some changes to my already cammed 2015 Roadglide Special... It seems like you also do this for a living. Where are you located and how can I hire you to rebuild my 103? Anything it needs...relatively speaking, price isn't a concern...If your interested, please give me a way to contact you directly.
I appreciate the offer but I just do some local work in my spare time, I got out of doing it full time when the industry started to slide back in 2009. There's a lot of excellent indy shops out there with some quick turn around times!
@@GixxerFoo Too bad. I would've felt good riding a bike you wrenched on. Let me know if you ever want a winter project. What's your opinion on Andrews 57H cams in a 103? The bike has those in it now with a Performance Machine Max HP intake, D&D Fat Cat 2 into 1 pipe (w/ louvered quiet baffle in it now but I have the perforated one too) and its tuned with the HD Race tuner ( I have an V&H FP3 for it too but I just use the tune from the Race Tuner). It goes like hell from 20-120 but it's a little unruly putting around a parking lot and it's really loud, even with the quiet baffle in it. I ride a lot of two-up with my wife on the back plus is has a King tour pack, lowers and some other weight like stage II front and rear speaker amps. I haven't ridden it a lot in the past few years so It's only got 35k miles on it now but I figure its time to at least go into the cam chest and see how the chain tensioner is doing. Long story short, I'd like to build a motor for it that's 1. quieter 2. smoother at lower RPMs 3. powerful on the highway...but it doesn't need to peg the speedo in a heartbeat like it can now...Although, that's never a bad thing, I'm getting older plus I plan to buy something else for when I want an adrenalin rush. I bought the bike in 2017 (it's a 2015). I bought it from Classic HD in Reading Pa. It had 2,200 miles on it when I bought it and it hasn't ever given me a problem...except it's making me deaf and it's trickier to ride slow than a stock HD. I've never gone into the motor on this one. The story behind it is that one of the owners from Classic HD had it built for a Tail of the Dragon ride he went on and then put it up for sale at the dealership. They gave me a list of the parts it had installed at the dealership but I didn't see any head work on the invoice. anyway, it's a good engine but not what i want right now. Optionally, I'm thinking of putting an S&S T111 or T124 crate engine in it. Which way would you go? I figure the adventure will cost me about 12k out the door regardless which way I go...but still a lot cheaper than a new one.
What I have found with both my SGS 103 and Heritage 103 is to do a stage one, tune them and then ride them. I have thousands of trouble free miles on both of them. When I feel like thrashing a V-Twin I get on my KTM Super Duke 1290 and go shred...that's it, stone cold reliable. Love the vids GixxerFoo, keep it up!
When I had my 78 kz100 engine rebuilt and bored, the guy didn't check the ring gap and ended up putting stock rings in an oversized piston. When I put the engine back in and got it fired up, it blew oil out of the exhaust because of the big ring gap. I took it back, and he fixed it and reused the Cometics head gasket. So now it leaks. I would reise a head gasket on anything. Rockboxes, maybe, but after all that money spent, it sucks to get an oily boot.
For the 88 you'd have to go with what basically is a drive sprocket like the Sportster, not a bad thing though. They are about 200 bucks but you can also change up your gearing a little bit if you want. Evolution Industries has a pretty wide selection of gearing options.
I really look forward to your videos for the information you share and appreciate that you make these videos solely to help others. Thankyou. What I do not appreciate though, is that the need exists to for you to do so, in order to make an American motorcycle from one of the oldest, most recognizable major brands in the world, with possibly the highest cost, (but certainly the most loyal customer base worldwide. Hell, even kids in the poorest of countries covet a Harley T-shirt!), all because HD appear incapable of ever getting engine design right. At this stage they really should understand better. Japan does. Improving performance is different (if the customer really wants that), and often comes with penalties, but ensuring customers can simply use the motorcycle in a way that other motorcycle manufacturers manage to get right straight from the factory, is sad....very sad. Harley need to add step up their game and seriously consider their mechanical design hiring metrics, as opposed to why sales are hurting, increasing their prices and peddling trashy accessories. They are not boutique, they are cool agricultural! I've owned ironhead Sportsters, Panheads, Evo big twins, one V-Rod, one Buell and now an 88 TC Softail; and loved them all! However only the V-Rod appeared "almost" bulletproof. (Ground clearance, thimble sized gas tank and riding position all were questionable). Please keep the videos coming, as I doubt HD will be stepping up to the plate any time soon.
Running my tween cam 103 more than 10 years and 50k miles and never had a problem, well, the compensator of course, I think it’s an excellent motor. At 50k I checked the runout in it, it was about 4 thousands, replaced some essential parts such as cams, tensioners and such and the bike is running like brand new. Would I like to do some flywheel work down the road? Yes would it be worth it? I don’t know. Thanks for the video.
@@jaym8027 as a previous Honda owner who had three motorcycles destroyed by cam chain failure resulting and catastrophic engine failure. If I were you I would change to the gear-driven cam shaft while you still can. The cam chain is the Achilles heel of many modern motorcycles because it is a cheap and easy way to drive the valve train but when it fails it results in catastrophic engine failure. A motorcycle as expensive as a Harley big twin should not have cheap parts in the engine resulting in the owner having to drop $5,000 into changing the cheap parts that they put in there. If I were you I would do this just to have the Peace of Mind knowing that you never will have to deal with a cam chain snapping and destroying your engine. Of course I keep my motorcycles for decades. I don't have to worry about my gear driven Sportster or any of my ear driven vintage British motorcycles. Now my Airhead BMWs from the 1970s having campaign but BMWs are different. My BMW 100 / 7 had 500,000 Mi at the time of her demise. I never worried about the cam chain with the BMW.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Thannk you Frank. I meant that S&S requires less than .005 runout in the crankshaft in order to install their gear driven cam chest. I didn't write that very clearly. I always wanted one of those 70's era BMWs, they're really good looking bikes. I do have an old Triumph squirrelled away in the garage - I'm not worried about cam timing, but the brakes are so primitive that I only ride it around the immediate neighborhood once in a while. Have a great day!
Iam having my 2012 streetglide done now. .005 runout. Using stock HD cam plate. Cyclorama 570-2 cams. Fueling lifters. S and s oil pump. Leaving top end together. It has 56k miles on it and had no major issues. Oh new head pipe and monster rounds v and h with dyno jet tuner. It gets dyno d this coming week.
50k, you did good and had fun! It's that opportunity to upgrade it and pack in another 50K or more on a new bike. Putting power in the bike will make you fall in love all over again.
My 96 built out to a 107 had all of that done barring the bottom end . Builder said mine was good even though I was keen for a Darkhorse Crank to give me that forever feels..👍🏻🇦🇺
07 and up TC engines are impressing me . Couple of bikes I take care of are approaching 200,000 km (124,000 miles) with no issues. MOCO in 07 transferred problems to drivetrain with there adjustable primary chain adjuster destroying most bearings on mainshaft, along with disintegrating splines in clutch hub.
Yes, I experienced those issues with the auto tensioner. Splines in the clutch hub, etc. First time I got into the primary, I discovered the chain was tight as a piano string. Something just didn't seem right about the way it functioned. I converted my factory auto tensioner to manual, with a little work and about a buck and a half.
@@williamolson3704 Just goes to show you that modern engineers probably never had a pedal bike in their youths, that needed chain adjustment. They were too busy on their smart phones.
2015 TC 22k miles so far. Just had the tw222 put in, and that OE fuel moto oil pump. I originally ordered the SS oil pump, then I seen one of your previous videos, and returned it and bought the OE+. Thanks for the advice
Great video Gixx, if you are looking for topics for future videos, I would love to know what goes into splitting the cases. Time and materials, what to watch out for,ect. Not sure if I want to go all out with timken bottom end or lefty bearing.
What exhaust was that at 10:07? Are those hi-flow cats, mini mufflers or resonators? Never saw that before. Wouldn't they slow the exhaust velocity down being that close to the heads?
Matching numbers. I don't know about other states. Here in Az the numbers on the engine are meaningless. The title only goes to the frame. What's in the frame doesn't matter Here. For instance I have a 73 ironhead engine in a 74 frame . It kept its 74 Harley title.
Getting ready to order some cams for the 96" either Andrews 48H, Woods TW222 or S&S 583. Not looking for massive power just a little bump up from stock without having to upgrade everything else in the motor.
I like my S&S 583 in my 103. Gave me 89hp and 106tq at the rear wheel with a tune. Curve is very very smooth, 42-43 mpg at 80-85 mph in late summer Florida, perfect for touring.
I just put the tw222’s in mine. And just recently got it retuned. Can’t wait for the weather to break.. I did and do a video on it so far, but better one’s coming soon
I love your channel and all the great information 👍. I have said this before, I'm lucky, I have a couple of 2002 Dynas that I have fixed those issues early. I agree with you about solid push rods also. However, I do have adjustable 😪. Keep the channel going!!
G'day, mate. Appreciate all your helpful content. I'm installing an S&S 110 big bore kit on my 2014 FXDF. I've also got a Barnett clutch & Baker compensator (too late to swap for the Darkhorse!). Considering I've got a 2014 model 103ci, you reckon I should do the crank as well? Cheers for all the great work.
If You have a 2006 or older twin cam,dark horse and baker don’t have a compensator for your bike.Harley doesn’t make them for our model years below 06 anymore.Your only option is twin power or drag specialties.
2005 and the only things I have yet to replace are the bearings to the Timken and flywheel. R&R Cycles makes good flywheels and then Johnson Hylift makes just about everybody’s lifters.
Are you sure about olt together TC flywheels ? I've had lots of TC engines apart & have never seen one . The flywheels would have to be way different cause there is no room in the cases for the crank pin nut !
Did a stage one a few years ago and then put s&s 583 cams no lifters or cam plate . My 2015 103 is a monster for power and torque. However I never abuse it.
Awesome content my friend! I appreciate you and your input! Im building a stocker 103"( not stroker) road glide fltrx, im a old side Harley wrench.also worked in a circle track race engine shop, just race engines. I understand fuel injection and timing fully also alignment with cams. Im curious though, what is your suggestions for camshafts with stock or not pistons, but, your suggestion on cams for 8- 10lbs of booste? Should i send my heads out to be cnc machined to zippers or others? With the cam change? I don't want the top to overkill the bottom! Thank you!
Thanks for the Vid... at a very minimum, High Volume Oil Pump, Oil Cooler, and a Guage to monitor. Target oil change at 2500 miles. I run Amsoil. It's worked for me, 20 years on TC's.... (knock on wood) no mechanical downtime. One more thing, 1 to 1.1 hp per inch. It's a Harley, not gonna keep up with a Busa.... lol
The twin cam engine should have been as reliable as the Evolution motor but it isn't. To take care of all of the mechanical shortcomings and make it reliable cost a fortune. Sure you can do stuff to make it more reliable but it will cost you dearly. I would still buy an EVO over a reconditioned twin cam.
@@ajb1117 you can make more horsepower with a twin cam after you drop tons of money into it but it will never be as reliable as an EVO. Evos were built for reliability at your run cool something a twin cam has no knowledge of. The twin cam motor is when Harley started to go wrong and left a bean-counter design their engine cheap for them expensive for you.
I have a 2000 Electra glide with 33,000 miles. It's had a rough life,started in New York,went to Michigan,now resides in Maine. Noone knows anything about it,vin# doesn't bring anything up thru Harley. Time to pull it and have it BUILT. It's 24 y.o. but it's "old school" and looks nice now!
Well Gixxer talk about timing two days ago I had a clanking noise in my 103 started stripping it now still haven't found the issues now my Mrs is listening to your video and I'm saying perfect timing just what I need to know and what I should do now she's still laughing for now lmao. Oh well I think it's time to take it out and do it properly once and for all. Here comes huge amount of overtime to pay for it but it's worth every cent. Awesome video brother thanks again. All the best from NZ 🇳🇿
Fantastic if you want 20hp 🤣 Incredible motors but come on, they don't hold a candle to a 103 To get a big Evo up to 103 levels of power, you'd spend more than just buying.....a whole bike with a 103 in it.
@@yanceyboyz I agree incredibly good motors, but me personally that's all I need or I would buy a ninja out of the box n save thousands and the headache of a tear down n build up. A Harley is 2 cylinder compared to a 4, just my opinion.
@@yanceyboyz 80 cubic inch Evolution powered big twin to up with luggage will cruise down I-95 all day 90 miles an hour and it will run cool-as-a-cucumber doing so
I bought my bike used and the Harley Dealership put the S&S big bore kit in it with cams before I bought it and I need the courage to take a few things apart and try to find out exactly what else was done. Should priority number one for me be checking the compensator? It runs amazing and only has 11k miles on it total. 96 brought up to 103.
Had a 2007 Electra glide, they say one of the worst bikes made, put 50,000 miles on it never a problem , not a lot of power though just adjusted my riding style, loved my 87 evo Electra glide put a good cam in it and bumped tranny pulley two teeth great riding bike, now have a 2022 road glide 107 m8 learning about that motor now, just ride them take care of them and u usually have a freak bike, thanks for the videos
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2017 103HO with stage 1 here. Never gonna worry about it. Tons of smooth power.
113,000 miles on my 2003 Road King. Although I had to replace the mechanical tensioners (preventive maintenance) is the only 'problem' I had. Just put in set #4 and should be good for 30K more. Run out was .0018 . Oil pressyre is hanging in at 33 idle -40 running
I've already invested in my Twin Cam, gradually discovering the flaws and fixing them. The only thing I haven't fixed is the crankshaft. It's within spec for now but I don't fully trust it unless I eventually get it trued and welded. I've got an S&S 509 Bolt-in cam in there now and that's about the most modification I trust this engine with.
I will say this, had I known what I know now I would have bought another Evo Sportster instead of a Twin Cam. Harley-Davidson left way too much on the shoulders of the customer with this engine that should have been built right the first time. That's why I laughed when Harley-Davidson calls themselves a premium brand.
Should have been recalled !
@@jeffhawkins711 i agree 💯
Love my TC88B,this engine is so well balanced and smooth running
That's been my experience with the two I've had. Still have one. 👍
My only prior Harley experience was with an ‘89 Softail Custom of a friend of mine. It’s what I finally got my Wisconsin motorcycle license on, in ‘91, after 20 years of riding while only getting permits. I liked the looks of his Softail which is why I ended up buying my 2006 Dyna Wide Glide that had a Twin Cam 88. It took me a while to realize that the TC 88 likes rpm’s more than the Softail’s Evo did after riding it like I had the Evo. It pulls fairly well at low rpm, but give it some revs and it keeps coming on stronger. It worried me enough that I ordered a HD speedo/tach combo just so I know just how far I’m winding it and you’re right about it running very smooth. I’m adding a K&N air cleaner and filter, a Jagg horizontal mount fan assisted oil cooler, and I just ordered a Power Vision PV4 to richen up the fuel map a bit which has me eagerly waiting for Spring to see how much difference they make in performance and in helping it to run a bit cooler.
@@chrish5791 where did u get the oil cooler from?
That's what I love about my Harleys, I can rebuild the engines with quality parts for much less than buying new.
Easily and continue to customize the bike however you feel.
That is what i like about my Kawa's and Honda's... no need to rebuild at all. Only replace wheel and steering head bearings because they worn out from... riding.
Why , just by a bike with s and s. Or go s and s.
So what you're saying is replace everything but the cases and you'll have a great motor
S&S 509 cams, plate, pump and gear drive upgrade underway and I can not wait!
Due a stage 1. Do maintenance when maintenance is due. And ride the dam thing...........
Loved my 96. Love my 103. All stock. Never had a problem with either.
Very nice!
So waiting for Harley’s 110 tire shredder kit since June of 22. That’s 9 months and counting. At what point do I need to replace the pressed crank? I knew I would go billet cam plate but which one?? On the fence about the compensater, guess run it till it goes out. I Wes thinking on lower gears set to show off them 259 cams that comes in kit.
My 2011 dyna street bob has the tire shredder that I put in 2017, bought the bike new and dynoed at 106hp/122tq which is more than enough to get into trouble with. Hopefully you get it soon, you'll love it 🤘
The days of Harley guys breaking up stolen Harleys for part is long over. Today's Harley-Davidson Rider can barely put gas in the fuel tank.
Yeah hardly anyone still does their own work these days!
@@GixxerFoo I had an argument with the old Harley dealer because she had an oil change special for $100. I told him I could change my oil in my driveway in 20 minutes where I have to work all day to make $100 . For the most part today's Harley Riders could not change the spark plugs.
Wrong.
@@jimfischione2743 unfortunately I am not wrong. Today's Harley Rider would have to Google which end of a screwdriver to use. I have for over 50 years I have watched the Harley Riders deteriorate from what they used to be to what they are now.
It's still going on.
The twin cam engine is better than the panhead the shovelhead the Blockhead and the M8. In order to make the same power as the twin-cam the M8 had to go up 4 in
Gixxer I love my 2002 FLSTC. For the last 1.5 yrs I listened to you and waited for my used scoot to appear. Mint. cond. low low MI. I have put $11000. into my scoot . Paint,95 big bore, Massive head work, chrome front end SS 583cam, My scoot is carb. Paid $9828.63 out the door. Yes she is a show quality and a screamer. [2into1 exhaust} Some might say I should have bought a new scoot. Not. I still saved big$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Thanks Gixxer.
Why don't you ever talk about revolution performance welded crankshaft and the work that they do....top notch stuff .....js
Have 08 96'' since new upgraded to SE stage 3 pro kit 103'' 10.5;1 never had any problems that the internet talks about, lots of reliable power, I think the after market keeps pumping out these horror story videos to make money, just put in SE clutch pack, the stocker lasted 15 years. KEEPING MY HARLEY ALL HARLEY, not a tossed salad off after market parts.
There's a lot of good knowledge in in your head brother.... Always appreciate your information that you have...as always...great job brother💯👊🏼😎
It is one thing to build a hot rod motor because you want to it is quite another thing to have to replace cheap parts that's Factory put in wrist expensive American made parts that they should have had in the first place instead of the cheap Chinese parts. If they bought all of their imported parts from Honda like their suspension and fuel injection there would be no problem because Honda does not make bad part.
😊WELL IM IN THE UK AND IVE JUST REBUILT MY 2005 DYNA GLIDE SUPER SPORT IVE REPLACED THE CRANK CASES FOR THE EARLIER CRANK CASES THAT-HAS THE DOUBLE TIMKEN BEARING SETUP I THEN HAD A WELDED STROKER CRANKSHAFT FITTED THE CRANKSHAFT RUNOUT WAS LESS THAN 00.2 THOUSANDS OF AN INCH WHICH MEANT THAT I COULD FIT GEAR DRIVEN CAMS I THEN FITTED HOTTER CAMS ,FUELING CAMPLATE AND LIFTERS I THEN HAD THE BARRELS BORED FROM 88” TO 110” THE HEADS WAS FULLY PORTED AND BIGGER VALVES FITTED AND EVERYTHING WAS PUT TOGETHER WITH METICULOUS PRECISION I ALMOST FORGOT I ALSO FITTED A NEW FUELING HIGH OUTPUT OIL PUMP 😊 I CANT WAIT TO GET IT SET UP ON THE DYNO😊
I have an 06 ElectraGlide Standard that has evolved into my version of a CVO. When it had 30k on it I had the cam shoe upgrade done. My mechanic talked me out of a gear drive. Everything you listed here with the exception of the crank work has been done to my 88 at that time using S&S and Fueling parts. I opted not to punch it out to 95 or 98 CI but had it bored .030 over for new pistons that got it to 90 CI. I had extensive headwork that got the compression to 10.2:1. It was tuned to run on 91 octane where it puts out 96hp. That was 80k miles ago and it is still running just as strong.
25 years and still going strong. Waiting on my motor to have issues so I can rebuild my engine but it seems like that may not happen for a while. I did replace my pushrods, my lifters, and lifter blocks last year. Maybe I'll replace my cam bearing, cam, and valve springs next but there isn't any urgency yet to do those. Thank God for Evo...best motor ever
I'm watching this video to see if it finally sways me towards shopping for a TC. The carb'd EVOs are getting tough to find in my area, while the TCs are everywhere.
@@ORflycaster I'd look on Cycle Traders. Lots of good deals on bikes of all kinds. If I were to buy an Evo, I'd get the 1998. Usually I can find one with less than 20k miles on it for $5000-$6000 on there. Electraglides for $6000-$7000.
Watch those cam chain tensioners the early models 99-05 I believe! If they blow apart it can cost a pretty penny to fix the damage! It’s best to upgrade to the hydraulic cam plate
@@ORflycaster just get the twin cam man an Evo is a slow turd with no way to help it.
@Jeep Guy go for the 103...
I've got a twincam with S&S heads and other goodies!, it hauls ass and preferred it to the M8's I've ridden!
I guess I'm a dinosaur, as I'm still riding my 1949 EL Panhead. Not a hot rod but solid and dependable. Speaking of reusing gaskets, back in the day when we worked on British bikes they used copper head gaskets and we would anneal them and use them again.
Isn't it a problem when you purchase a bike and have to "fix" the engine? Shouldn't it come from the manufacturer already good to run?
I broke my Baker compensator and Baker manual chain tensioner after 2 years....went with the Dark Horse comp eliminator and back to original stock primary chain tensioner.....good decision so far
😎👍
Big thumbs up for the information...
Thanks for the visit!!
Honestly haven't had issues with my 08 96 Fatboy and I haven't been the most kind while riding her.
That said I'm glad to see that anything I would replace during my planned build anyways is all I need to worry about.
Now what I can't figure out is all the die hard evo guys in the comments, and all I can think is they're happy being slow because I haven't seen a single evo keep up with the pack and need devour rod's like the cookie monster on crack
First of all thank you very much for the information that you put out and I appreciate the time you put in doing this for your views. Secondly I’ve been researching and looking at different years of the HD and wanting to know more information about what’s the best cam for touring bikes to do a cross country trip? Is the stroker 103 good for that or stick with 95 upgrade? A lot of questions that maybe I could put in a email to pick ur brain. Thank you for your time.
Why would I want to buy a twin cam that I would have to spend all this money on when I can buy a nice low mileage Evolution motor that is cheap and dependable? You Bandy sayings about like buying a new crankshaft, a new cam plate a new oil pump, a gear-driven cam, that is if you don't have too much crankshaft run out. If the people who bought twin cams were regular motorcycle people they would have brought their motorcycles back to Harley and demanded them to be repaired under warranty instead of spending five grand out of their own pocket or more. The foibles of a twin cam are well-known and are used to drive down the prices because the potential customer has to do so much work to it to get it to be reliable nevermind super reliable. It has also been responsible for the rise of used Evolution powered motorcycles because everyone knows they are dependable unlike a twin cam. Evo forever forever Evo.
Oh wow!! You must be one of those "real bikers", give me a break. My '06 88TC has never failed me, been back for warranty work at HD since new. You can have good/bad engines in any design. However, the life/reliability of any bike is very much dependent on proper/regular maintenance and keeping them away from clueless backyard mechanics...
@@jamesbecker3420 the twin cam has a shopping list of built-in manufactured deficiencies in critical components in critical areas no if ands or buts. Every 40000 miles you need to service the cam change and a tensioner. You have to watch the crankshaft run out before it chews up your oil pump in your cheap stamped Chinese cam plate. We are talkin about endemic flaws that are across the whole line. We're not talking about one or two engines having difficulties we're talking tens of thousands. Chances are you have not ridden the by far enough to have any mechanical issues but that does not mean that you will not have them in the future. Frankly I will not argue the point. It has already been well-established. Look at all the things he recommends in this video very expensive parts and labor to correct horrible manufacturing efficiencies from using cheap parts in critical areas.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 I'm a regular rider and I think you sound over dramatic. My 2005 TC is running strong with 90,000 km and it feels tighter than many Harley hater's buts. Only oil changes, though I have to say I converted it to gear driven cams at 65,000 just for the sake of it.
@@omarsalgado9715 if you had not gotten rid of the chain driven cam shaft you would have had catastrophic engine failure long for now. 65000 mile you were damn lucky the run-out was not too severe to preclude you putting a gear driven camshaft in there. With all of the information and videos out there regarding all the twin-cam foilable you think I am making this up? And ask for a Harley haters excuse I have 400,000 miles on my Sportster that I have owned for almost 25 years still on the original engine. If there were not so many problems with the twin cam, the Milwaukee eight, and the revolution Max there would not be a zillion videos concerning their mechanical failings. I find most of the guys who claim that their twin-cam is perfect put so few miles on the bike before they sell it or trade in that they do not encounters them. Twin cams have a bad reputation well-deserved no if ands or buts. As for something being tighter than someone's ass I would not know because I am not a fagg.
What?!
You're making assumptions out of no where, especially about a bike you don't own and ride - my 2005 TC.
Did you open the cam case? No.
Did you see the state it was? No.
Did you pay for an upgrade just because there's money? No.
Though the tensioner had some wear, it still had a way to go. That's pretty normal in every machine: wear out if use. So no worries.
But, hey, I guess you're entitled to nag about an engine you don't ride. You have spoken volumes of your beliefs and concealed hatred. Good luck with your life, boy.
I agree, love the sound of the twin cam. Still got a lot of miles left on my 2014. My problem is I got the bike running so good, I'm afraid to touch it. Did both engine and suspension, front and back. Did not do the bottom end though. So far no problems. Even if I bot a new bike, I'd have to throw a lot of money into just to get it as good as mine. Thanks for another great video as i watch the snow melt in the yard.
@Mark Do you find your motor running to hot often? Just wondering because i read that a lot.
Im in the market for a streetglide.
Can afford a second hand 103.
If i save money a 2 months maybe a second hand 107.
Drove both and thought 103 had a better sound but more shaking when i released the right hand .
Didnt notice remarkable power differences except for the 107 maybe pulling up a bit faster in the first gears
@@petro77vitchyes sir the 103 is hot. However the research is plentiful. Tank lifts. Tune. Wire tucks etc. will all lower the temps substantially.
I went with a PV3 tuner, I notice the lower temps right away.
@@petro77vitch No, mine does not run hot. One thing I did was to put a K&P Engineering oil filter on. This is an amazing oil filter. I'm looking at the specs, and it says ''Up to 7 times more oil flow than paper filters'. It's made of billet aluminum and finned for heat dispsurtion. jmo I think this is a big reason for less heat. One great thing about it of course, last oil filter I'll ever buy! My specs are 116 ft/lbs of torque and 103 hp. Woods 222 cam, heads by Dan Vance Racing, a thin head gasket from HD and V&H power duels. Hope you found your bike.
yeah and all you have to do is maintain them and leave them alone. 104k on mine and ill ride it across the country right now with no worries. you could put 10k into your engine, or you can ride it till it dies and then buy a used 114 or 107 with 5k on it for 7k.
I need your advice bro. We rebuilded 07 Heritage. Installed 110 big bore. Put in all the goodies you talked about in your video but I still feel it is not running smooth. Secondly, it doesn't goes far in first and second gear and I have to upshift really quick. What do you think the issue is? Are we missing something? Appreciate your feedback.
10:36
I ride a stock '99 Heritage Springer last year evolution motor and its already bulletproof. I may down the road put a cam and a carb kit in it. She's still has fairly low miles. Twin Cam is a good motor.
Evo is solid reliable, the Twin Cams already had a few things that needed to be done to make them right.
I’m proud to say I have most of everything stated!but have Harleys hole-shot kit in my primary- chain and 24 tooth motor sprocket! And I keep my old aluminum umbrella valve covers vs the new stamped steel one’s does anyone have any knowledge on Harley’s softail counter balancer’s for the 88B engine? I’m looking for mileage markers and if anyone has had a failure from one
Keep the videos coming love your stuff
I like my 88 TC, but I don’t believe that I like it enough to make an airplane engine out of it. There ain’t no pulling over when you’ve got a cam chain tensioner leaving the building. But I have to admit the sound of the idle most get some strange looks around the old airport!
What's your opinion of the Wood Performance Cam chain conversion kit hydralic cam plate, oil pump etc. that comes with the Fuel Moto 98" big bore kit? Would it work with a stock crank on a 2002 Fatboy with 20k on it?
I regret ever messing with the 103 in my 2014 Fatboy Lo. I had a local shop (well-known) install the Timken bearing along with the S&S 124" with oil pump & cam plate. I swapped the 640 cams for the 585's and this thing has been a flaming pile of shit ever since. A perfectly good 3,000 km bike is now the most unreliable bike I have ever owned. It was in the shop for over a year and then back in 4 times afterwards. I wouldn't buy S&S ANYTHING for my next bike! I'll keep this thing until I can get that new HD 135" in an OEM bike from HD.... then I will trade up and leave it stock except for cams, intake, tune and exhaust. Extensive engine work is a crap-shoot. Either the parts quality is garbage or the shop is. The consumer never knows because both morons point fingers at each other and take no accountability!
I have a stock 05 FLHTI with 22,000 miles, i need to remove the motor to fix broken exhaust studs, i dont think i will do any motor upgrades at this time.
Thanks for the info. Own a basically stock 2001 FXSTB purchased it new. Pipes and filter assembly is the only motor changes. Dependable motorcycle. Not fast. That’s what the 2014 Mustang GT is for.
I like the concept of the Dark Horse comp replacement, to bad they make them only for 2007 and up I believe.
Yeah that one's only on the newer ones, but earlier models you can still get the drive sprocket.
I can only speak on the tc88. After having an EVO that is bulletproof out the box. To say putting 3-5 grand into an engine under 30,000 miles is regular maintenance is a joke! Unless you’re a rich guy who doesn’t care if they get screwed! The twin cam was made to get Harley dealerships service departments rich! They don’t charge enough for them out the door! And 20 years later they’re doing it with M8’s. Need upgrades before you leave or breakdown and pay 3 times the upgrade. So I guess it’s worth it for idiots who don’t know there were better options in the past. Oh and I can get all the speeding tickets you can with all your horse power!
Ya know Big T you're right. I did buy an '05 TC in a low rider frame because it was under $5,000, had 12,000 miles on it, and it rides like an oversized sportster.
I can't do long miles in it, sadly, as much as I'd like to.
My 70 year old ass has too much rust.
But I agree, spending $5,000 on a motor build for a $5,000 bike is kinda crazy.
Understand, Fixergoo is presenting ideas for the gallery. WTF? How fast does anyone need to go?
I don't give two rats shits about racing anybody.
It's the advantage of being an old fuck.
Us old retired peasants just don't have the cash not give a shit about bragging.
@@Fred-jc6yw I’m happy to know I’m not the only person who sees the problem. I love my Roadking but it’s crazy to need major work done just to ride it. My buddies that have the M8 are regretting it. We are forced to fix a known factory problem! Ride as much as you can and enjoy it! There’s nothing like it!
Everything you said about the twin cam is true with the M8. They have bad oil pumps until 2021, crappy cam plate as well (Put in S&S Cam plate, Oil Pump and lifters with lifter guides). My compensator didn’t last 10k miles (Put in Darkhorse). Clutch basket had more cracks in the a 50 year old driveway (Put in Barnett complete clutch).
Definitely an on point review! What's your favorite performance exhaust?
I used to do everything to my bikes but I just don't have the time now...but I don't trust just any mechanic either...I'm about ready to make some changes to my already cammed 2015 Roadglide Special...
It seems like you also do this for a living. Where are you located and how can I hire you to rebuild my 103? Anything it needs...relatively speaking, price isn't a concern...If your interested, please give me a way to contact you directly.
I appreciate the offer but I just do some local work in my spare time, I got out of doing it full time when the industry started to slide back in 2009. There's a lot of excellent indy shops out there with some quick turn around times!
@@GixxerFoo Too bad. I would've felt good riding a bike you wrenched on. Let me know if you ever want a winter project.
What's your opinion on Andrews 57H cams in a 103? The bike has those in it now with a Performance Machine Max HP intake, D&D Fat Cat 2 into 1 pipe (w/ louvered quiet baffle in it now but I have the perforated one too) and its tuned with the HD Race tuner ( I have an V&H FP3 for it too but I just use the tune from the Race Tuner). It goes like hell from 20-120 but it's a little unruly putting around a parking lot and it's really loud, even with the quiet baffle in it. I ride a lot of two-up with my wife on the back plus is has a King tour pack, lowers and some other weight like stage II front and rear speaker amps. I haven't ridden it a lot in the past few years so It's only got 35k miles on it now but I figure its time to at least go into the cam chest and see how the chain tensioner is doing.
Long story short, I'd like to build a motor for it that's 1. quieter 2. smoother at lower RPMs 3. powerful on the highway...but it doesn't need to peg the speedo in a heartbeat like it can now...Although, that's never a bad thing, I'm getting older plus I plan to buy something else for when I want an adrenalin rush.
I bought the bike in 2017 (it's a 2015). I bought it from Classic HD in Reading Pa. It had 2,200 miles on it when I bought it and it hasn't ever given me a problem...except it's making me deaf and it's trickier to ride slow than a stock HD. I've never gone into the motor on this one. The story behind it is that one of the owners from Classic HD had it built for a Tail of the Dragon ride he went on and then put it up for sale at the dealership. They gave me a list of the parts it had installed at the dealership but I didn't see any head work on the invoice. anyway, it's a good engine but not what i want right now.
Optionally, I'm thinking of putting an S&S T111 or T124 crate engine in it. Which way would you go? I figure the adventure will cost me about 12k out the door regardless which way I go...but still a lot cheaper than a new one.
What I have found with both my SGS 103 and Heritage 103 is to do a stage one, tune them and then ride them. I have thousands of trouble free miles on both of them. When I feel like thrashing a V-Twin I get on my KTM Super Duke 1290 and go shred...that's it, stone cold reliable. Love the vids GixxerFoo, keep it up!
Love your channel. May I suggest considering a lapel mic? ☮
Thank you! I used to use a wired one, l'm looking into getting one of the wireless ones. I've heard some mixed reviews on those.
When I had my 78 kz100 engine rebuilt and bored, the guy didn't check the ring gap and ended up putting stock rings in an oversized piston. When I put the engine back in and got it fired up, it blew oil out of the exhaust because of the big ring gap. I took it back, and he fixed it and reused the Cometics head gasket. So now it leaks. I would reise a head gasket on anything. Rockboxes, maybe, but after all that money spent, it sucks to get an oily boot.
Love the Twin Cam content on your channel…thx! Is there a better compensator for my TC88 B from 2001?
For the 88 you'd have to go with what basically is a drive sprocket like the Sportster, not a bad thing though. They are about 200 bucks but you can also change up your gearing a little bit if you want. Evolution Industries has a pretty wide selection of gearing options.
There are no issues with compensators up to 2005 anyone tells you different is full of shit !
Like my TCs. 88 in my 01 fatboy and 103 in my 11 Roadglide....vids are always informative. good job
Thank you very informative information. Keep up the good work.
Thank you! We appreciate the support!
How many performance Harleys have you built? I’m just curious?
I really look forward to your videos for the information you share and appreciate that you make these videos solely to help others. Thankyou.
What I do not appreciate though, is that the need exists to for you to do so, in order to make an American motorcycle from one of the oldest, most recognizable major brands in the world, with possibly the highest cost, (but certainly the most loyal customer base worldwide. Hell, even kids in the poorest of countries covet a Harley T-shirt!), all because HD appear incapable of ever getting engine design right. At this stage they really should understand better.
Japan does.
Improving performance is different (if the customer really wants that), and often comes with penalties, but ensuring customers can simply use the motorcycle in a way that other motorcycle manufacturers manage to get right straight from the factory, is sad....very sad.
Harley need to add step up their game and seriously consider their mechanical design hiring metrics, as opposed to why sales are hurting, increasing their prices and peddling trashy accessories. They are not boutique, they are cool agricultural!
I've owned ironhead Sportsters, Panheads, Evo big twins, one V-Rod, one Buell and now an 88 TC Softail; and loved them all! However only the V-Rod appeared "almost" bulletproof. (Ground clearance, thimble sized gas tank and riding position all were questionable).
Please keep the videos coming, as I doubt HD will be stepping up to the plate any time soon.
Running my tween cam 103 more than 10 years and 50k miles and never had a problem, well, the compensator of course, I think it’s an excellent motor. At 50k I checked the runout in it, it was about 4 thousands, replaced some essential parts such as cams, tensioners and such and the bike is running like brand new. Would I like to do some flywheel work down the road? Yes would it be worth it? I don’t know. Thanks for the video.
Isn't your crankshaft run out at 4000 is it that too much to replace it with a Gear Drive?
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 S&S wants less than 5 thou runout for their gear drive kit.
@@jaym8027 as a previous Honda owner who had three motorcycles destroyed by cam chain failure resulting and catastrophic engine failure. If I were you I would change to the gear-driven cam shaft while you still can. The cam chain is the Achilles heel of many modern motorcycles because it is a cheap and easy way to drive the valve train but when it fails it results in catastrophic engine failure. A motorcycle as expensive as a Harley big twin should not have cheap parts in the engine resulting in the owner having to drop $5,000 into changing the cheap parts that they put in there. If I were you I would do this just to have the Peace of Mind knowing that you never will have to deal with a cam chain snapping and destroying your engine. Of course I keep my motorcycles for decades. I don't have to worry about my gear driven Sportster or any of my ear driven vintage British motorcycles. Now my Airhead BMWs from the 1970s having campaign but BMWs are different. My BMW 100 / 7 had 500,000 Mi at the time of her demise. I never worried about the cam chain with the BMW.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Thannk you Frank. I meant that S&S requires less than .005 runout in the crankshaft in order to install their gear driven cam chest. I didn't write that very clearly.
I always wanted one of those 70's era BMWs, they're really good looking bikes.
I do have an old Triumph squirrelled away in the garage - I'm not worried about cam timing, but the brakes are so primitive that I only ride it around the immediate neighborhood once in a while.
Have a great day!
Iam having my 2012 streetglide done now. .005 runout. Using stock HD cam plate. Cyclorama 570-2 cams. Fueling lifters. S and s oil pump. Leaving top end together. It has 56k miles on it and had no major issues. Oh new head pipe and monster rounds v and h with dyno jet tuner. It gets dyno d this coming week.
My 2012 RK goes into the shop tomorrow, it is making some noise in the camchest, it just turned passed 50,000 miles, I still can't complain.
50k, you did good and had fun! It's that opportunity to upgrade it and pack in another 50K or more on a new bike. Putting power in the bike will make you fall in love all over again.
@@GixxerFoo I know where my income tax return is going, maybe next year house.
Hey Gixxerfoo, how many twin cam motors have you actually worked on.
My 96 built out to a 107 had all of that done barring the bottom end . Builder said mine was good even though I was keen for a Darkhorse Crank to give me that forever feels..👍🏻🇦🇺
07 and up TC engines are impressing me . Couple of bikes I take care of are approaching 200,000 km (124,000 miles) with no issues. MOCO in 07 transferred problems to drivetrain with there adjustable primary chain adjuster destroying most bearings on mainshaft, along with disintegrating splines in clutch hub.
Yes, I experienced those issues with the auto tensioner.
Splines in the clutch hub, etc. First time I got into the primary, I discovered the chain was tight as a piano string. Something just didn't seem right about the way it functioned.
I converted my factory auto tensioner to manual, with a little work and about a buck and a half.
@@williamolson3704 Just goes to show you that modern engineers probably never had a pedal bike in their youths, that needed chain adjustment. They were too busy on their smart phones.
I have heard the run out should be less than 3000th
That's where we would want to see it ideally, up to 5 is okay on a pump. Now gear driven cam I wouldn't risk at 3.
2015 TC 22k miles so far. Just had the tw222 put in, and that OE fuel moto oil pump. I originally ordered the SS oil pump, then I seen one of your previous videos, and returned it and bought the OE+. Thanks for the advice
Great video Gixx, if you are looking for topics for future videos, I would love to know what goes into splitting the cases. Time and materials, what to watch out for,ect. Not sure if I want to go all out with timken bottom end or lefty bearing.
What exhaust was that at 10:07? Are those hi-flow cats, mini mufflers or resonators? Never saw that before. Wouldn't they slow the exhaust velocity down being that close to the heads?
My TC103 is awesome.
Cams, heads, inlet, injector, tune, open header, baker trans etc etc etc.
Pulls like a train.
The Road King gets along.
Love my 2002 95 cubic inch built by Jerry Branch. It will eat them M8's.
Matching numbers. I don't know about other states. Here in Az the numbers on the engine are meaningless. The title only goes to the frame. What's in the frame doesn't matter Here. For instance I have a 73 ironhead engine in a 74 frame . It kept its 74 Harley title.
70,000 miles on my 09 stock crank, 45,000 of those pushing 120 tq and hp and it finally had enough.
Getting ready to order some cams for the 96" either Andrews 48H, Woods TW222 or S&S 583. Not looking for massive power just a little bump up from stock without having to upgrade everything else in the motor.
Any one of those cams you just named are perfect for what you're looking to do. Those are all bolt in cams that will get the job done!
I love the Wood TW222 in my 103. SE cam plate and pump. And Bobby Wood is a helluva great American.
I like my S&S 583 in my 103. Gave me 89hp and 106tq at the rear wheel with a tune. Curve is very very smooth, 42-43 mpg at 80-85 mph in late summer Florida, perfect for touring.
I just put the tw222’s in mine. And just recently got it retuned. Can’t wait for the weather to break.. I did and do a video on it so far, but better one’s coming soon
I love your channel and all the great information 👍. I have said this before, I'm lucky, I have a couple of 2002 Dynas that I have fixed those issues early. I agree with you about solid push rods also. However, I do have adjustable 😪. Keep the channel going!!
Love your videos brother
G'day, mate. Appreciate all your helpful content. I'm installing an S&S 110 big bore kit on my 2014 FXDF. I've also got a Barnett clutch & Baker compensator (too late to swap for the Darkhorse!). Considering I've got a 2014 model 103ci, you reckon I should do the crank as well? Cheers for all the great work.
If You have a 2006 or older twin cam,dark horse and baker don’t have a compensator for your bike.Harley doesn’t make them for our model years below 06 anymore.Your only option is twin power or drag specialties.
Wow.
Dead crowd.
2005 and the only things I have yet to replace are the bearings to the Timken and flywheel. R&R Cycles makes good flywheels and then Johnson Hylift makes just about everybody’s lifters.
Please never stop making these videos Gixer, we really appreciate all the wisdom 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Great channel.
I enjoy tuning in to your show.
Dumb question.......
Without doing any research, where did you come up with "gixerfoo"?
Zippers 107 Muscle Kit
What do you think of using solid lifters.
Are you sure about olt together TC flywheels ? I've had lots of TC engines apart & have never seen one . The flywheels would have to be way different cause there is no room in the cases for the crank pin nut !
Lol I need to open my transmission, but I keep finding cheap twincam parts😢
I still grin right before gear shift on my tc88b, it done well!
Good stuff brother thank you ✌️
Thank you for the support!
Dang fine content..Carry on
I can see a 22 just bouncing off... maybe damaging a fin; but a 223 is going through.
Thanks for more great content bro 😊
Did a stage one a few years ago and then put s&s 583 cams no lifters or cam plate . My 2015 103 is a monster for power and torque. However I never abuse it.
Going into the cam chest of my 06 88”, wish me luck
Awesome content my friend! I appreciate you and your input! Im building a stocker 103"( not stroker) road glide fltrx, im a old side Harley wrench.also worked in a circle track race engine shop, just race engines. I understand fuel injection and timing fully also alignment with cams. Im curious though, what is your suggestions for camshafts with stock or not pistons, but, your suggestion on cams for 8- 10lbs of booste? Should i send my heads out to be cnc machined to zippers or others? With the cam change? I don't want the top to overkill the bottom! Thank you!
45,000 beautiful memorable trouble free miles on my 2015 flhxs. Team twin cam!
Thanks for the Vid... at a very minimum, High Volume Oil Pump, Oil Cooler, and a Guage to monitor. Target oil change at 2500 miles. I run Amsoil. It's worked for me, 20 years on TC's.... (knock on wood) no mechanical downtime. One more thing, 1 to 1.1 hp per inch. It's a Harley, not gonna keep up with a Busa.... lol
Where are you located? do you take on motor jobs?
With my 14 ,103 ho did Harley improve the crank ?
Nothing
The only thing I don’t like about mine is the fuel injection system. Other than that it is a great engine.
With this build, heads , cams , etc..., do you need to upgrade the transmission and clutch ??
The twin cam engine should have been as reliable as the Evolution motor but it isn't. To take care of all of the mechanical shortcomings and make it reliable cost a fortune. Sure you can do stuff to make it more reliable but it will cost you dearly. I would still buy an EVO over a reconditioned twin cam.
TC88 over Evo all day.
@@ajb1117 you can make more horsepower with a twin cam after you drop tons of money into it but it will never be as reliable as an EVO. Evos were built for reliability at your run cool something a twin cam has no knowledge of. The twin cam motor is when Harley started to go wrong and left a bean-counter design their engine cheap for them expensive for you.
My 09' fxd is reliable af...but want a mild cam AND keep the reliable aspect...what's the best way to go ?🤘
I have a 2000 Electra glide with 33,000 miles. It's had a rough life,started in New York,went to Michigan,now resides in Maine. Noone knows anything about it,vin# doesn't bring anything up thru Harley.
Time to pull it and have it BUILT. It's 24 y.o. but it's "old school" and looks nice now!
Lol. Tatro and his Christmas sweaters.
If anyone sets them up right it's him!
Well Gixxer talk about timing two days ago I had a clanking noise in my 103 started stripping it now still haven't found the issues now my Mrs is listening to your video and I'm saying perfect timing just what I need to know and what I should do now she's still laughing for now lmao.
Oh well I think it's time to take it out and do it properly once and for all.
Here comes huge amount of overtime to pay for it but it's worth every cent.
Awesome video brother thanks again.
All the best from NZ 🇳🇿
Just buy an EVO and forget about it
Fantastic if you want 20hp 🤣
Incredible motors but come on, they don't hold a candle to a 103
To get a big Evo up to 103 levels of power, you'd spend more than just buying.....a whole bike with a 103 in it.
@@yanceyboyz I agree incredibly good motors, but me personally that's all I need or I would buy a ninja out of the box n save thousands and the headache of a tear down n build up. A Harley is 2 cylinder compared to a 4, just my opinion.
@@yanceyboyz 80 cubic inch Evolution powered big twin to up with luggage will cruise down I-95 all day 90 miles an hour and it will run cool-as-a-cucumber doing so
I bought my bike used and the Harley Dealership put the S&S big bore kit in it with cams before I bought it and I need the courage to take a few things apart and try to find out exactly what else was done. Should priority number one for me be checking the compensator? It runs amazing and only has 11k miles on it total. 96 brought up to 103.
My plan: swap in a SE 135 crate motor with a Baker grunge box. 👍🏼
Had a 2007 Electra glide, they say one of the worst bikes made, put 50,000 miles on it never a problem , not a lot of power though just adjusted my riding style, loved my 87 evo Electra glide put a good cam in it and bumped tranny pulley two teeth great riding bike, now have a 2022 road glide 107 m8 learning about that motor now, just ride them take care of them and u usually have a freak bike, thanks for the videos