High Mileage Harley's

Mavagrand

Ok, guys, quick question before I go to work. I read alot on other biker forums about guys getting 200k 250k outta there bikes (japanese scoots) to read their posts, the bikes are bullet proof AND they really trash Harley's. Seems their opinion is that by 70k a stock Harley engine needs an overhaul. I don't believe that. Question: What is the average life of a stock Harley engine AND does modifying the engine effect the life span ( isuspect it does). Would like some replies so that I can counter some of the negativity on the other website. thanx. by the way, I guess I could have posted this in "off topic" so feel free to move it need be. thank you.

gs34

Just smile, and nod your head, cause it's evident that they don't understand why it is that folks buy....and continue to stick with their HD's
Like the old saying goes, "if you gotta ask".......
Seriously though, there are many HD's out there, running on a daily basis, with well over 100k on them.

smitty901

You are wasting your time trying to compare or defend an Hd agisnt a Metric crowd.
First Hd need no defending we know what we have they do not. I most case they wish they could or had save a bit more and bought a HD.
Many Hd go 100,000 or more depends on a lot of factors. Just like cars why does one man get 250,000 onhis and another 100,000.
Some mods have no effect others short the life depending on how your ride it.
Just ride and smile you'll never beable to explain it to them.
My son in law rides a Honda shadow Hd clone neat bike he rides it because it bought it used and cheap.. He rode my fat boy a while back he is now saving for a HD.

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Hobbit

i have said before check around in the back issues of mags - a imported mag i got from the US whilst on holiday did a buell now this is a heavily modified sportster motor that we all love and is dropping 100hp.
the mag had one as a longterm tester and decided to test the reliability of the motor by abusing it and not servicing it - note not servicing does not mean they did not keep it topped with fluids.
after 50K they removed the motor to check tolerances and wear and guess what it was all within tolerance and minimal wear all this on an unserviced machine, so imagine how a nicely serviced and looked after bike would go and even better in the unstressted world of the Twin Cam

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MIHDrider

The moral of the story. Keep your bike serviced and it will continue to perform!!!

cjcavitt

30,500 miles on my 03 EGC and a cam failed (see post under engines) due to the factory not heat treating it. The bike is very well maintained and nothing but AMSOIL ever touched it. This is the kind of thing the metric crowd points out - with good reason. $20K+ for a bike and it craps out.

Seriously thinking of replacing the bike with a 09 Ultra or something else (won't mention them here out of respect) but waiting to see what problems the new touring class bike have (excessive heat, tranny noise, etc).

ProF

As I've noted in this forum before, I've got over 200k on my '86 FXRS. Had 2 top end jobs and a complete top and bottom rebuild in its lifetime, and I was out riding it two days ago. Can't beat that with a stick!

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dboone

I have an 07 streetglide with 18k on it. It runs very well...this summer I went on an Extended Ride (4000 MI) with my 4 brothers all of whom ride metric crusers and swear by them. I live in Texas and they live in Utah so I rode up to meet them. When I got to Utah I had to work on 3 of the 4 metrics before we left (I once was a metric mechanic when I was young and foolish, it paid for college) It was minor tune up items but I am proud to report that My Harley always led the pack, got all the attention when we stopped and the only work my bike required on the trip was a little wash and wax.
p.s One of my brothers even told me confidentially his next bike will be a Harley.

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07 Streetglide

Irish Hog

Well the way I see it is you can still find Harleys out there from the 30's, 40's,50's, 60's, etc...So that should say something..

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smitty901

you can still fine Harleys from 1903 to 2009

I have 46,000 on my fat boy and 21,000 on Rg both doing just fine

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The Infantry leads the way