How many miles

jmackd1 · Oct 12th, 2009, 03:34 PM

How many miles does a Harley big twin typically run before it needs to be rebuilt assuming all maintenance is done at the correct intervals and the bike being ridden in a normal manner...Just bought an '04 softail standard with 15000 miles on it...

Thanks,

springer03 · Oct 12th, 2009, 03:50 PM

depends on care given, speed driven, rpm turned in each gear. Not giving short answers but if it was taken care of it is ok. If not it can wear out in 8000 to 10000. Hope your was taken care and serviced. There are usually tell tale signs. leaks squeeks squeals and rattles. good luck, enjoy the ride.

Hector the Inspector · Oct 12th, 2009, 04:04 PM

Assuming regular maintenance w/quality parts & fluids & no uncorrected cam chain tensioner issues, at least 100K miles is a reasonable expectation

jaceddie · Oct 12th, 2009, 04:05 PM

A guy in our area has over 100k on an Ultra Classic without problems.

2000classic · Oct 12th, 2009, 04:37 PM

I know a fellow with a stock '89 Classic. About a year ago had the factory rebuild done at 180,000 miles.

BOWHIKER · Oct 12th, 2009, 05:31 PM

I usually shift at around 3000 rpm , do you think that's excessive or about right for making the engine last a long time ?

Fatboy 07 · Oct 12th, 2009, 05:41 PM

I think 3,000 RPM's is a very reasonable shift point for the "B" motor. I rode an 07 Fatboy for about 1 1/2 years and that was the point of 80% - 90% of my shifting, unless I got on it a little.

In my opinion, that "B" motor likes the rpm's around 2,800 to 3,200 rpm's. Sounded good, and was up on the torque curve. I find the "A" motor to be quite different in this regard since in stock configuration it reaches it's peak torque at 3,500 rpm's.

BOWHIKER · Oct 12th, 2009, 05:58 PM

fatboy 07 just responded , thanks by the way , but what is the difference between the a motor and the b motor . i guess i have the b motor .

glider · Oct 12th, 2009, 05:59 PM

B motor is internally balanced (softails) with counter weights and the A motor is rubber mounted.

caseydeuce · Oct 12th, 2009, 11:55 PM

I have a question for Glider. This summer riding on a long Trip to Mich, i developed a bad rattle in my engine. From your last post i have a B motor. 2001 softail Deuce fxstdi. You said they were internally balanced? How can i troubleshoot this Problem? Any idea's on what would be causing it to vibrate so bad?
Along the express ways cruising 70-80 mph my engine rev's around 3000 rpm's. It seems high, but that is where is runs (i wish i had a sixth gear), i have since raddled a mirror off, cracked my clutch lever bracket, and vibrated numerous other parts off.

To add to the original post i usually shift just before 4,000rpm. 43,000 miles on the bike, bought brand new 2001 from Bald Eagle HD in Marquette Mi. I have never had any engine problems, except this annoying vibration that began his summer.

Oct 12th, 2009, 03:34 PM	#1
jmackd1 New Family Ride: '04 FXSTI Join Date: Aug 28th, 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1	How many miles How many miles does a Harley big twin typically run before it needs to be rebuilt assuming all maintenance is done at the correct intervals and the bike being ridden in a normal manner...Just bought an '04 softail standard with 15000 miles on it... Thanks,

Oct 12th, 2009, 03:50 PM	#2
springer03 Play The Throttle Ride: 2003 FLSTSI Join Date: Sep 8th, 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 167 My Mood:	Re: How many miles depends on care given, speed driven, rpm turned in each gear. Not giving short answers but if it was taken care of it is ok. If not it can wear out in 8000 to 10000. Hope your was taken care and serviced. There are usually tell tale signs. leaks squeeks squeals and rattles. good luck, enjoy the ride.

Oct 12th, 2009, 04:04 PM	#3
Hector the Inspector Start The Engine Ride: 2001 Electra Glide Standard Join Date: Sep 7th, 2009 Location: Dallas Texas area Posts: 10	Re: How many miles Assuming regular maintenance w/quality parts & fluids & no uncorrected cam chain tensioner issues, at least 100K miles is a reasonable expectation __________________ Hector the Inspector

Oct 12th, 2009, 04:05 PM	#4
jaceddie Contributor$ Ride: 09 ultra classic Join Date: Aug 4th, 2008 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 229 My Mood:	Re: How many miles A guy in our area has over 100k on an Ultra Classic without problems.

Oct 12th, 2009, 04:37 PM	#5
2000classic Contributor$ Ride: 2000 Ultra Join Date: Nov 23rd, 2008 Location: Watertown, WI. Posts: 118 My Mood:	Re: How many miles I know a fellow with a stock '89 Classic. About a year ago had the factory rebuild done at 180,000 miles.

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:31 PM	#6
BOWHIKER Start The Engine Ride: 2009 night train Join Date: Sep 8th, 2009 Location: ANKENY , IA Posts: 46	Re: How many miles I usually shift at around 3000 rpm , do you think that's excessive or about right for making the engine last a long time ? __________________ Live Long Ride Hard

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:41 PM	#7
Fatboy 07 Start The Engine Ride: 2008 Ultra Classic FLHTCU Join Date: Dec 23rd, 2008 Location: Redmond, Oregon Posts: 47 My Mood:	Re: How many miles I think 3,000 RPM's is a very reasonable shift point for the "B" motor. I rode an 07 Fatboy for about 1 1/2 years and that was the point of 80% - 90% of my shifting, unless I got on it a little. In my opinion, that "B" motor likes the rpm's around 2,800 to 3,200 rpm's. Sounded good, and was up on the torque curve. I find the "A" motor to be quite different in this regard since in stock configuration it reaches it's peak torque at 3,500 rpm's.

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:58 PM	#8
BOWHIKER Start The Engine Ride: 2009 night train Join Date: Sep 8th, 2009 Location: ANKENY , IA Posts: 46	Re: How many miles fatboy 07 just responded , thanks by the way , but what is the difference between the a motor and the b motor . i guess i have the b motor . __________________ Live Long Ride Hard

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:59 PM	#9
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: Jun 21st, 2007 Posts: 20,469 My Mood:	Re: How many miles B motor is internally balanced (softails) with counter weights and the A motor is rubber mounted. __________________ Psssst! Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. click me!>>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Oct 12th, 2009, 11:55 PM	#10
caseydeuce Start The Engine Ride: 2001 fxstd Join Date: Apr 25th, 2009 Location: Salisbury MD Posts: 23 My Mood:	Re: How many miles I have a question for Glider. This summer riding on a long Trip to Mich, i developed a bad rattle in my engine. From your last post i have a B motor. 2001 softail Deuce fxstdi. You said they were internally balanced? How can i troubleshoot this Problem? Any idea's on what would be causing it to vibrate so bad? Along the express ways cruising 70-80 mph my engine rev's around 3000 rpm's. It seems high, but that is where is runs (i wish i had a sixth gear), i have since raddled a mirror off, cracked my clutch lever bracket, and vibrated numerous other parts off. To add to the original post i usually shift just before 4,000rpm. 43,000 miles on the bike, bought brand new 2001 from Bald Eagle HD in Marquette Mi. I have never had any engine problems, except this annoying vibration that began his summer.

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How many miles

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