In Norway you can buy a good used hd for 10000$ and a new one cost 25000 to 50000$ so I can put 15 to 40 into my dream bike and it will be special with better suspension more horsepower to handle the twisty roads so yes I would buy a used bike plus Harley don't make fxr any more 😉😁
Damn Harley is expensive as it is, they go for way more over there! That's the way to do it, get an older one and make it nicer than a new one cheaper!
Used you do save money.but do yourself a favor and try to find on that absolutely no power enhancing parts have been put on .because if it has loud pipes racing intake high flow air cleaner etc etc it's a good chance its had the shit ran out of it even if it has low miles and is shiney as a new penny.try to buy stock unmodified bike from an individual so you might guage from their personality and mannerism how they more than likely treated the bike.if they brag on how it burns the tires or how far they can ride the back tire my advice is dont buy it.if they carefully start it and let it idle for you and modestly twist the gas to show you engine smoothness. And just speak of riding experience .it will probably be ok bike.but check the oil to make sure it isnt milky from just being started periodically and not allowed to fully warm up...lol ok I'll shut up now
I love my 07 Dyna Lowrider… the 96 will do more than you need it to do plus some. That 96 bonded to a 6 speed is really the sweet spot for torque and gearing. Half the time I don’t even touch 6th gear on the highway, but when I do… man it’s nice and smooth.
I've never paid more than 6k for a Harley. My last one was a 2002 Dyna Wide glide with the 88 motor. Fantastic bike and more than enough power for me! I actually felt like the shorter stroke 88 motor was more peppy than the 96. It would really rip ! I'd never buy a new Harley for 20k when you can get used ones for under half that. Most sit in a garage with low miles. You don't need a new 114 to make power when you can throw a kit on a old twin cam
Be very careful with older 88s, even with low mileage. I had 12k on my 2002 Low Rider and within a year it needed a stator (as they are prone to lose from overheating) , swing arm bearing, and of course the cam chain tensioners will need doing very soon. If I had to do it again, I’d spend the extra money and buy a 96 with very low mileage and in immaculate shape. Because I’ve spent $4000 on repairs in just a year
You could be right that most sit in the garage with low miles, but most bikes offered for sale have at least 30K miles and if well cared for are commanding top dollar.
@@GixxerFoo I was told by a. co work of our local 725 I.b.e.w. back in 1992 when monster motors were first avalible and becoming popular with construction workers who could afford them .. The best balance and rpm was engines at 100 cubic inch ...engine cases and fly wheels have not grown to keep up with heavier and bigger rods and pistons ..you only have so much real estate on the fly wheels to drill out to change and re balance your rotating assembly as around 100 cubic inch in general is the maximum displacement evo a person should build to and still retain a smooth balanced assemble that can be balance at Precision balance of Indianapolis who do one hell of a job..that knowing this fact ..I have spent enormous amounts of cash paying Stil build screaming eagle stage four kits and more beyond that ..the best i done was 120 HP 117 that was not all that smooth ...I have been at this HP game with new Harley's going on 7 years now ..in that time being abscessed for more info ..I came across a review for a two in one supertrapp at revzilla ...as i t was a 9 6 inch twin can with the supertrapp and a tune made 130rwhp ..I didn't even bother to find the torque as this dude made 10 more HP .for less that $1500 to my 120 hp that cost me $8000 ...I done all the calculations for displacement last night and came up with a 99.3 cubic inch evo with a 3 1/2 inch stroke and a 4 1/4 inch bore ..if S&S makes evo cases to accept jugs that big ....and if they. Still build custom crankshaft fly wheels
If you read my comment basically what I was saying a man at revzilla installed a two into one supertrapp with a ecu tune on a 96 inch twin can and made 130 rwhp vs my 117 inch twin cam that made 120 rwhp. ...and at 60 to 80 thousand it is crucial that we change out the am chain before anything should happen ..and the overkill on that is fueling billet can plate and an S&S gear drive cams ..total price right at $3k ..but fixed for ever problem salvoled as all parts in question are all replaced with gear drive .. Never to have to do it again
@@donniebaker5984 i know this is a year old, but youre smoking rocks... 130 to the tire off a tc96 with a 2-1 and powervision/tts/pcv etc is absolutely 100% completely idiotic to even claim. i WILL say that its almost similar to the silicon lottery when buying a twinny 88-96ci scooter, ive had bikes in my shop with simple WWW upgrades (wannabe weekend warrior) like the tried and NOT true vance and hines sh*t shots, tried and somewhat true Ness's Big Sucker intake and barely get the stock numbers bcuz of the horrid exhaust.. but the exhaust removed and adding an entry level 2-1 like the danmoto highwayman, ive tuned 6 total and 2 busted the 90 torque range, the best numbers being 76 horsepower 92 torque! so your telling me a SUPERTRAPP 2-1 has the ability to add 60 something horsepower? to the already gained numbers?? your either inhaling exhaust fumes, or youre talking about a subject you (and millions others admittedly) have ZERO knowledge on, let alone talking about it to others and thats TUNING/AFTERMARKET UPGRADES!!! ppl are already scared to auto-tune their scooters with simple fool proof closed loop tuning on the powervision, fuel pak FP3, and dont understand why their bike still runs like crap, or they dont realize that their narrowband O2 senors only read 14.2-15.0 to 1 AFR's so unless their cruising, the autotune isnt touching crap else to do with the WOT range.. just trying to get THAT point across and tell someone that if they purchase at minimum a STAGE 1 their BEST BET is STILL going to a trusted dyno guy vs auto tuning yourself at home, not adjusting any parameters like lowering the minimum MAP value so it doesnt "over tune" certain parts of the table.... LONG STORY SHORT, DO YOU SEE HOW COMPLICATED THIS ONE SINGLE MESSAGE IS FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON?? i made it this long ON PURPOSE because of the extensive research needed just to get your foot into the door of trying to understand this world thats highly unspoken about bcuz alot of riders are scared to ask for help so they dint get made fun of.. so they DEFINITELY dont need tools like you throwing even more FAKE STATISTICS in their way!!! now hopefully a year later your smarter than you were when you wrote this and can see the idiocrary in your comment
I really liked kick starting, the feel and the sound of my 1948 Panhead that I had in the 1970's and early 80's. My Evo Herritage I had in the 90's ran good, still sounded great, my Twin Cam 88 that I had in the 2000's. But, and this is a big but. What I didn't like about my older Harley's was their lousy Drum (Panhead), and Single Piston Disc Brakes that my Evo and TC 88 had. And that they did not have Cruise Control, and the 4 and 5 speed transmission where my left foot was always looking for another gear. My current ride, a 2010 103 FLHTK is my final Harley, I love the 6 speed transmission, the cruise control, the heated grips, the stereo, but most importantly, the Brembo ABS brakes that actually stop your bike. The 180 rear tire with Brembo ABS brakes, the dual disc ABS front brakes work great on the newer bikes are the main factor for me for not riding an older bike. I havn't locked up that skinny 130 rear tire and slid through an intersection since selling my Twin Cam 88 back in 2007.
Good advice. I bought a used Evo / carb 1988 Electra Glide Classic last August for $3500. Another $2000 for new tires and full service including fork rebuild. It gets down the road very well even if it doesn't have triple digit horsepower. I rode with a passenger towing a trailer from Northern Minnesota to Southern Texas.
When I retired in 2014 I bought a used 2011 Dyna Wide Glide with 4k mi for 9 grand…. Loving the 96 with the 6 speed. Bike has stage 1 remap with hi flow air cleaner and a set of V&H short shots…Plenty of power for me as is..👍
Just picked up an ultra glide with 8000miles and a six speed things a gem ! Literally don't have to change a thing ,good suspension ,good handling ,good motor plenty of torque
The info and opinion in this video is exactly what I did in January of 2022. As a previous multiple-Harley owner, I had ventured into the Triumph world for 10 years. Last month, I re-joined Harley with a spotless black pearl 2007 TC96 Wide Glide. It had a tuner, Vance and Hines Big Radius exhaust, detachable sissy bar and rack, internally wired bars, detachable windshield, new tires, etc etc etc. 20K miles on it - for 8 grand. Some of that was Southern California pricing, but the bike was, and is, immaculate. Very torquey and, with the tuner, it's goes as fast as I ever want it to. The only thing I've done to it was replace the rear disc rotor.
Yeah the TC 96 is awesome! I have a stage 1 kit with Rineharts & I am pretty happy with it. 105,000 miles. Keeping it stock is better for reliability vs power. 07 flhrs. & I have an evo as well.
Keeping them stock is honestly the best way to maintain the reliability, stage 1 never hurts though. Dang you have 105K on the odometer, I am not surprised but still impressed!
I have a 2000 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide with a Twin cam 88 motor and carburetor. The only thing I would like from a Twin cam 96 engine is a sixth gear. I love the way my Dyna Wide Glide looks, sounds and drives. And I have no problem looking at the chain tensioner shoes from time to time.
About two months ago I picked up a 2007 Ultra Glide with the 96” twin cam and the stage 1 screamin eagle intake and exhaust. Only 19K on the odometer. Couldn’t be happier with it👍🏻
My 96 incher has 56000 miles on it. This motor is 11 yrs old and just had it's first "major surgery." Tranny main bearing and clutch basket. To ride a stock bike for 11 yrs with no problems is amazing. All my friends tried to talk me out of buying the bike because of the noisey cams, but I came from a metric bike with overhead cams, so I'm thinking "what noise?" Anyhow, take it from someone who has ridden a '96 for many years, it's a good, solid, reliable motor!
They really are some damn good motors, that's pretty awesome you got that kinda mileage out of one before a major repair. The cams really aren't that noisy on those bikes. Now a sportster with high lift cams they sound like a Ducati dry clutch.
After 35 years on sports bikes I just bought my first Harley. 2018 Fat Bob 114 with 2000km on it and some mods. Saved a bunch and I really love the bike. Never thought I would say "I own and love a Harley" lol.
I rode sport bikes and hated Harleys for years, lol I never thought I would say it either. Fat Bob is a super fun bike and it handles really well, for a Harley. Can't really compare it to a aluminum perimeter frame with the engine as a stressed member.
@@GixxerFoo Yeah same. First time I really took the Fat Bob through corners I was pretty impressed. But it did make me laugh when really cracked the throttle. After GSXR1000s and my last bike Honda SP1... the power is far from scary. But then I remind myself thats not the point and just enjoy the ride. Its a fun bike.
Lol no it's not even close power wise, but they do put power to the ground. I had to learn to be careful throttling out of the corners with amount of torque they put down at a low rpm. Lol they will try and walk out on you.
@@GixxerFoo Yup I learned that one pretty early. Now Im enjoying the fact that generally the bike wants to stand up when you power on so you just lean harder because there is no way known you are going to slide with that weight. Its really fun getting used to the handling.
Even the older Dyna Fat Bob was a really quick handling solid bike too. I laughed when the dealer told me it was the best handling Harley. Then l rode it and l was really surprised.
I have a 2010 Heritage. The bike had V&H Big Shots and a Screaming Eagle air cleaner when I bought it 3 years ago. I haven’t done a thing to it other than maintenance. I think it runs absolutely great. It will pull me over Big Savage Mountain at 80mph no problem. I have a 2020 Heritage also with the 114. It is an absolute beast. I honestly enjoy the 2010 over the 2020 for the all day tour. I’m going to NC in a couple weeks and I will most likely take my 2010.
I don't doubt that one bit! I've heard quite a few people say they prefer their older bike to the new M8. I haven't put enough seat time on an M8 to make that call but l definently like the TC sound better.
GixxerFoo thank you so much for your leadership and technical help on the 96. I had the Woods 222 installed, compensator upgraded and HD clutch plate and set of discs, Screaming Eagle Cam Plate kit and HD oil pump installed. It woke up my beauty and what cam I say: cruiser to HOT ROD! Thanks again!
Thank you and congratulations! That is awesome to hear! That 222 really wakes that 96 up, the aren't much horsepower with the stock cams. I bet it's a blast to ride now!
@@mrpink1216 It is the business! Worth the money and has a dramatic impact of ft lb low rpm 2500 all the way through to 5000 rpm. Imporove your clutch and compensator to absorb the additional ft lb. Best of all it does not require a major head job and all the $$$ and trouble that this entails.
That's awesome! You've got a later year too, they got the compensator issue worked out on those. The 07 to 09 models had a bad compensator design, it worked but it would eventually fail. Congratulations on your first Harley!
Warning! Twin cams are known to be noisy engines and using aggressive cams can drive people crazy with the rattling. I've read forums where guys have taken cams back out because of too much noise. There's a few caveats, the windshield on my Road King reflects front cylinder noise back at me. Also, the rocker arm shafts are kept from rotating by the rocker shaft mounting plate bolts. But there's enough slop that the shaft can rattle against the bolt, but you can buy brass sleeves to press in and take out the slop. At 26k miles on my '04 88 Road King, I was paranoid about the cam tensioners , took it apart and they were fine, but I had planned to do the '06 and later cam plate upgrade kit using the 'conversion cams you can buy from a few places. I used the Andrews 21N conversion cams which are 'baby' cams but are supposed to be the best profile for relatively stock heavy baggers. Also installed a 2 into 1 exhaust that had oxygen sensor holes and so I bought the Dynojet power vision tuner with wide-band O2 sensors from Fuel Moto. Even with baby cams it was noisier than I would have thought. Two years ago I put in the brass sleeves in the rocker plates. With all said and done with another 8k miles, now at 42k, it doesn't rattle that much or I've grown use to it, don't think the rocker shafts were that loose anyways so sleeves didn't seem to do that much. I don't rev it past 3.5k - 4k much either and wear a helmet more and more these days primarily for comfort on long distance rides. That's my 2 cents...
@@GixxerFoo Yes, I made europe from spain, up near to the north pole, later eastern europe and russia. I still have a lot of photos to prove it. There was even a russian motorcycle mag, who made a story.
I remember i had a 2007 Road King with Vance and Hines Head Pipes True Duals and Samson straight Pipes and an Arlen Ness Big Shot Fuel Tuner and WOW was it awesome and I am not kidding. Stock cams and I wish I never got rid of it
I bought my 2010 Heritage new. After break-in or around 5 thousand miles, I got the Orange tuner before it was outlawed. I put American Custom slip-on's, SE air box with stock cover and the SE 259e cams. The bike runs very strong. Not sure how much HP I picked up but the torque in 4th gear is outstanding Very pleased with my bike. By the way, every part including all excessories are HD. No after market anywhere. Even the slip-on's are stock just reworked by American Custom Exhaust.
That's awesome! Hang onto that race tuner, they are awesome and hard to find. Sounds like you built one hell of a machine. I've heard of that company before, did they do good work for you? I've got some stock exhaust l wanted worked over.
@@GixxerFoo I bought the bike from Timms HD in Anderson South Carolina. While they were servicing the bike, I had them to add some the common accessories at that time. I new down the road I would change the slip-ons. When people purchase new exhaust from Timms, most of the time they leave the original slip-ons. So Timms sold me a pair for $40. I sent them to American Custom Exhaust and had them reworked. They take out the guts and add a small amount of mesh inside on the inside wall of the muffler. You can see straight through it. Almost like having straight exhaust but it has some baffle. It has the best sound of any bike out there and people have ask me how I got that sound from stock mufflers. Very low tone and when you punch it, they get loud. The SE 259e cams have a really nice chop. .570 lift. I think 260 duration. I kept the stock air box cover so the bike looks totally stock. I am not into the rad look of after market crap that most times starts to rust the next week. Keeping it simple is my way. I have had several bikes in the past starting with my out of the box Shovelhead 1974. Had two Shovelheads, one Evo and probably my last the one I have, 2010 Heritage. Give them a try at American Custom Exhaust. In my opinion, HD dealers have this thing going with Rinehart. You can't convinced me that they make a bike run any better than what I have and mine sound superior to Rinehart that sound tinny. All in the tuning.
Yes! Every dealer keeps pushing Rinehart exhaust, they do it even at my local dealer. I love how you kept stock look, that's my favorite way to do it! I'll have to check them out, l'd like to get my factory mufflers reworked properly.
@@jerryhubbard4461 sounds like something I need done with the exhaust on my 2009 Rocker C. I purchased it second hand with a Vance and Hines big radius 2 in 2 exhaust and got defected. Now the cops and epa have pictures of it with a standard exhaust, the look must be maintained or I can be fined even more for tampering with it. If I have a stock exhaust gutted and reworked, it will be harder for them to tell. Trouble is I live in New South Wales, Australia. Right now it sounds like a scooter and was detuned to suite the original exhaust. It's like the nuts have been ripped off it.
My '03 RK Classic with the fuel injected 88 Twin Cam is all I need! 15K miles and my cam chain tensioners are fine. Added a Arlen Ness Monster Sucker and Vance & Hines slip ons and a Vance & Hines tuner and she runs and sounds awesome! I wouldn't give her up for any new bike on the road right now!
That's awesome! It's not every 88 that had the tensioner issue, like your some never had a problem. Some blew up before 15k, it's hard to beat the older bikes when you got one like yours!
Just so people out there know, I own a 08 road king olive pearl 96 inch 36000 miles only thing I've ever done ia a starter oil changes, tires and brake pads that's it,runs great, but does get very very 🔥
Picked up a 2011 street glide vance and hines slip ons-i removed baffel and screaming Eagle intake with a vance and hines Fpk-3 and programmed it with custom tune and i love it. Only 3900 miles.
I had an 09 ultra classic in root beer brown. My favorite bike, brakes failed and i smashed into a Lexus. I ride indian now, and won’t ever look back to harley ever again. Too many failures.
Bought a 96 Road Glide with 9,000 miles. The previous owner put a stage 3 SE in it, new pipes, back trunk, 2 seats, 2 windshields, extra speakers, SE tuner, bag liners all for 6,000. Very happy.
I keep on reading Evo 80 is bulletproof whereas TC88 (1999-2007) has spring chain guide issues Milwaukee 8 still has unsolved issues so stay away from 2017+ Might go look at ones before 1998
@@250gtskyline5 do it mate. I Have a twin cam also, still a great bike, but if I had to keep one for sheer feel good factor and riding experience I’d pick my evo. They’ve got a rough edge that’s been engineered out of modern bikes, however at they just feel like a Harley should to me.
I'm thrilled to read all the positive comments. My friends, unfortunately, have had issues with excessive runout on their crankshafts that required total rebuilds. Shame on Harley for considering .012 acceptable when they did such a great job on the 88 twin-cam keeping runout under .003
It all went south when they cut their production costs buy having a bearing pressed into that left side crank case. Getting away from the Timken setup was a huge mistake on Harley's part.
@@GixxerFoo Hate to be negative but I feel most owners barely put miles on their motorcycle and would never experience an issue within the first two years of ownership. Knowing this allows them to cut quality and not be on the hook for repairs. To their credit runout has decreased every year after 2007 settling in at .005/.006 but owners will never be able to run a gear-drive cams on a stock engine after 2006.
I don't think you being negative, honestly l think you're right on the money but saying most riders don't run any miles. I wouldn't doubt for a second if that was Harley's way of thinking with the build quality.
@@GixxerFoo I say that because most people I know here in New England only put a few thousand miles a year on their engines. As you know I am definitely not one of those people. Keep the great content coming.
A motorcycle and especially a classic Harley is about the bond you form with it and the wrench is second only to the ride in this. It will also provide a deeper longer lasting unbreakable bond you can keep running forever.
😆👍 l never thought there would be a thread started about a shelf l threw together in a couple minutes out scrap l had laying around. I can't change it now 😂.
I had 2 and still have 1 Harley’s with a 88 motor, never had any problems, I have the 2006 limited edition superglide, the red white and blue one , it has a 6 speed tranny that came with it,I know it has inner primary bearing issues but just replace it around 16,000 miles and it’s good for another 16,000 miles other than that it’s a good motor
I love those retro bikes myself. Dad ran a Kawasaki shop for 30 years and he always had a monster built KZ. It's awesome seeing the KZ legacy live on in the new Z bikes. I had a Z1000 and wish l never sold it now.
7K's not bad. I also just picked up a mint 08 96ci RKC anniv. for $9000 this Feb -right before all the COVID b.s. hit. Had 5000 miles on it! Was a great buy for the money too I thought for the content. I'll probably never get a deal like this in my lifetime either! Came with a ton of stuff too -Rineharts full exhaust, high-flow and chip, shield and back-rest, the works. Enjoy the ride on your "new" RK, great bike!!:-)
I bought a new super glide in 09 .it was a good running bike .but it did not like to be restarted after you ran into a store then jump back on it.if you tried to hot restart it it would kick back and sound like the starter was going to break.if you let it cool for a bit it would restart fine.also if the stator goes bad you have to take every single piece of the primary drive housing off to get to the stator coil.also on mine when I had it apart to fix stator I realized the splines in the clutch hub were flaking off.. but they are good running bikes very comfortable. But do yourself this favor take someone knowledgable so they can feel if the bottom end feels like it vibrates too much.cause the flywheels are press fit together and have been known to shift. Which causes oil pump failure
Damn that's rough, yeah l was never a fan of the press fit crank. It's inevitable that it comes out of alignment, doesn't happen to every bike but more than it should.
I've got a 2004 88 road king with 42k miles. I was kind of paranoid about the tensioners about 5 years ago at 26k miles, they were fine. I went ahead and did the upgrade with the hydraulic tensioners and cam plate 'kit' using the Andrews 21N conversion cams. There's a few companies making the 'conversion' cams which have the larger diameter outside bearing surface for the later hydraulic cam plate with the larger bearing holes.
It's funny some bikes had the issue and others never had one issue. I dunno if it was bad run of tensioners or if some were built on Friday before a holiday.
Excellent video. Love the options, however, I love this bike stock. For me, there is plenty of power for the style and function of the bike. If I want speed and power and can always use my duc or rc51. When I ride my RK, I just want to relax and enjoy the view.
Totally agree, that's what a Harley is all about. There are options out there but at the end of day it's a cruiser. People want these bikes for being 1800cc and 75 horsepower, it's not trying to win Daytona. Just produce some big torque and put a big smile on your face!
I have a 06 softail with the 88" and upgraded cams when the tensioners were replaced. Plenty of low and mid range torque, never been on a dyno. Very happy for what it is. If I were to look for a second bike for speed and Horse power bragging rights, Yamaha V-max. Just saying.
A hopped up Harley is a blast to ride and there's not feeling like it on anything else. That Vmax is a bad boy, thing was a death trap like everything else in the 80's with crapola suspension and wispy brakes having a 150 horsepower lmfao. Now the second gen was an absolute 200 horse monster with suspension and brakes.
My 11' Deluxe has the 96 and I'm happy with the power. I weigh 270lbs and load the bike down for moto camping. The 96 has no problem, none, nada getting up to speed or up hills, it's a great motor. You'll note the benefits that come of converting really come into play @3000 rpm. In 6th gear @ 75mph I'm at most 2800. I don't beat the shit out of my bike going for stop light to stop light so converting doesn't do much for a guy like me. If a guy thinks a 96 isn't "enough" know you're dealing with a moron.
The 96 makes great torque and it does it down low too. Even as the kits progress the torque just keeps climbing. There's nothing wrong with a 96 with a good intake, exhaust and tune.
That's kind of like saying that anyone who prefers a big block 454 over a small block 400 is a moron. Some people like the added torque, it's not always about the HP at least not for me. Torque is fun, more torque equals more fun to me and more usable power when and if you need it and besides that I'm a tinkerer, I just enjoy working on and trying to improve upon what factory stock offers.
I have an 04 TC88. I am 220 and my wife is 150. We pull a trailer full of camping gear and my stock bike make plenty of power. An upgrade would be fun but not needed. I will wait until I need to rebuild and then build bigger and badder and add a baker 6 speed.
The Super Glide is an awesome bike, really over looked in my opinion. I am really surprised how much cheaper they are selling for on the used market compared to the other Dynas.
@@GixxerFoo Not in Europe. A Super Glide (+/- 2010) cost is around 8 or 9 thausand euros, wich is not cheap. Anyways, to me is one of the best options. Cheers.
I have a 2010 Roadglide Custom 96 inch with 585 S&S gear to gear cams, Fueling cam plate.oil pump, fueling lifters, S&S adjustable push rods, roller rockers, S&S 585 valve springs, and a power commander. The Dyno was 92hp and 102pt.
All these additional options only after a timken conversion and a flywheel from S&S or Darkhorse crankworks. Ad all those bolt on’s without beefing up the bottom end is asking for trouble!
The 5 speeds had longer gears. The 6 speed has shorter gears so you're shifting more. Being in 5th gear on a 6 speed will almost match the rpms of a 5 speed in 4th gear. The 6 speed in 6th gear is really just an overdrive. I myself prefer the 5 speed.
That why I stick to my shovelhead. Put Andrews f grind on this pig I can run pretty much with anyone It also weighs under 500#'s. Just cleaned up on a 103 bagger but really I don't think guy could ride
@@GixxerFoo Bought it new in fall of ‘06. I actually stopped at the local Harley dealer to get some cleaning supplies. I had always wanted a white Road King and there she was. She followed me home and it’s been love ever since.
👍 that's awesome, not even there to look at bikes and leave with a new one. I would hang onto to it for sure, there's a lot of people buying used Twin Cams over new these days.
The 95 is an awesome upgrade on those motors. It's just the right amount of power and torque, sounds like you put yours together right! Shouldn't have any worries with your setup.
Your 95" jugs have a bore of 3 7/8 " and a stock stroke is 4 inches ....if you shorten the the stroke by one inch you would have a 72 cubic inch engine ..with the same bore and stroke of a 283 " small block Chevy V8. And you could run connecting rods a half an inch longer ..S&S will cut fly wheels for any custom stroke an stroke cranks and rods. ... They used to charge around 50 to 60 bucks extra back in the 70's. .. If you built a custom configuration.. It would have to be dynamically. Balanced ..but not a problem. . Precision balancing of Indianapolis used to charge around 60 bucks to balance the bottom end of a Harley engine as I had my very first one I ever built balance and believe me it makes the difference between night and day there was nothing like that..with a shorter stroke you with slow down the piston speed a bunch....longer rods will take off side angle frict ion a bunch ..and with a balance job .will take iyt most all vibration ..so basically you would be building can engine mush like a Suzuki v Strom ..over square with ablot less heat and buzzzup making a 100 HP like a v Strom ..when we used to tune two strokes back in the early 70's for motocross using air cooled engines there where after market jugs and heads with cooling fins twice as long...and the low budge boys would heli arc longer cooling fin on stock jus that madeva difference . and a cooler range sparkvplug help end a bunch ..just saying ...if you run a 3 inch or 3 2/2 inch stroke will be the www.odd-bike.com/2016/03/harley-davidson-vr1000-gods-own-voice.html?m=1 ..years agob was asking Carl fields whovrscedvforvS&s in the 50's about big twins with shortvstrojes and bigger bores ..and ol' Carl said ..we did that a long time ago to 60 cubic inch pans with 74 inch jugs that was a bolt on ..that give you a 68 cubic inch engine that was much faster that a 74 inch pan ..something to think about ..and today we can do the same using bigger jugs and newer cases
My 96ci sstreet bob has 102 rrhp 110 rrtq with 103 kit 254e cam 10/1 comp ported heads s&s mufflers/air cleaner race tuner. Runs well. Has 77 rrhp/95 rrtq when stock tunes S&S mufflers and se air cleaner upgrade. Still a nice bike back then. When I hear of the M8 not making much more why buy new. Thanks for your videos from Australia
Thank you, I appreciate the support! I bet that Street Bob is a handful with that motor built out like that, that's one of the lightest big twins in the line up.
My 01 DX with a stage 1 88" makes 85tq and 79hp. I hope to gain another 5-10 on each when I do the cams and get a better pipe. The carbs are soooo easy. With the right tune, it really wakes the bike up. 5spd trans is bulletproof as well. I know the 6 gears had some trouble. If you're looking for a used Harley, the 88" is a great option. Last of the carbed Harley's. The Dyna Frames are also a little smaller before 07 so its really a great, nimble, all-around motorcycle. If the bike has more than 20k miles, make sure to get it inspected before purchase due to the mentioned cam tensioners. Putting in the S&S hydraulic/Gear drive cams is really not that hard. Pretty simple actually. Most of the 88" Harleys can be had for under 5k as well. I personally like carburated over fuel injection. If I ever have a fuel issue, 10 mins, and some wrenches then I'm off. Jets are dirt cheap too. EVO's are another FANTASTIC option!
Well said there, a good tune makes some huge gains on the carb bikes. Fuel injected bikes don't gain nearly as much as a carbed bike. They can get a decent gain with a qualified dyno tuner and hundreds of dollars. It's hard to beat the simplicity of the carbed 5 speed bikes, cheaper to work on too!
I bought an '08 Road King classic with a '96 for $6,900.... It was advertised for 7500. I put $1,600 into it cam chain tensioners camshafts high flow oil pump billet cam plate rocker lockers compensator sprocket intake exhaust tuner... Did all the work myself.... 63,000 mi later... There's no way in hell I would go pay what they're asking for a new Road King. When this engine gives up I'll probably stuff an s&s in there and keep riding it.
That's strong work! That's the beauty of a Harley, you got a damn good price and built a hell of a motor. I love the fact you can keep a Harley forever like that. Either rebuild or swap a new motor in.
Did you 'upgrade' all the innards over stock? The hydraulic tensioners and improved oil pump came out in the dyna's in '06 as a test bed and everything else in '07.
@@gilbertbates8522 I don't really understand the question. it's an '08 Road King so yes I already had the good tensioners... I just replaced them with fueling parts. I upgraded to a high flow oil pump and billet cam plate at the same time I did all that and put the camshafts in.
Putting a good cam in to target where you mainly ride is more than enough for a lot of people. There's a lot of hidden potential in those motors by just swapping the cams.
@@GixxerFoo I actually changed the compensator to a V-Twin Power 34 Tooth Compensator Eliminator as a premature precaution. I just order an S&S Cycle 551CE Easy Start Chain Drive Cam Chest Kit. Really excited to see how the bike will respond after that kit.
I bought an 09 Ultra w/96 and absolutly love it. Had 22k when I bought it. Looking to add new intake and tuner, but worried about whether I should replace the compensator or wait till it goes bad. Planning a road trip this coming year to Sturgis/Yellowstone, what do you think?
The compensator usually gives you some warning before it fails. If you're not having any issues with it l would run it. But if it ever does fail the Dark Horse compensator eliminator is a excellent replacement. It has a cush drive built in and it's rebuildable. Being an 09 they are less likely to have the issues of the 07 and 08 models.
@@GixxerFoo Thank you so much for the response, I have had no issues with mine as of now, but we are planning a big trip next year, heading back to Sturgis, plus heading to Yellowstone, my fear is what happens IF I have an issue knowing this is the weak spot on my bike. When you start to have issues is it something that starts to show some warning can you still ride it for a while or when it happens it happens? Love your informative videos very well done, thank you
Not a problem at all, there are some signs of and l have video a out compensators and eliminators. I don't if you saw it th-cam.com/video/qZNZAiX9Edw/w-d-xo.html. But you'll hear a clang starting the bike and experience some gring noises at low speed. Probably have a a lot of issues shifting into first and find neutral.
Last year I Bought a 2008 street glide with the 96. Had 13,000 on it when I test rode it and I couldn’t hand over the $10,000 fast enough. I’ve been riding the hell out of it, and a year later, I find myself here looking for more fun. :-)
@@GixxerFoo there are guys out in socal passing sport bikes on Dynas at tracks like riverside willow springs and more of all the moto go class on stock Dynas with moto gp suspension system and a jiffy tube ..look it up on you tube ..you gotta see it to believe it ...I started out on a 2011 street Bob with a face kiftvof an exact copy clone of the Vance and Hines Harley Davidson flag ship on the cover of the 2012 screamin' eagle parts book ..five days afterbi bought it ..a brand new Yamaha R1 Yoshimura Factory prepared MotoGP bike pulled up beside me at a stoplight and is revving his engine and I had never even launched this bike for the first time so I decided what the fuck lf i am going to get beat by Japan's fastest faster than a Hayabusa at that day I might as well let him have it..and to both our surprise the R1 never had a chance ...I pegged the 120 speedo in 4th gear ..in two city blocks lifting the front wheel in first and second while the R1 sounded like he was coming on but never caught up ..and have been addicted ever since ..and the police know me very well from terre haute to Indy and back ..and I pay very high insurance premium's
The 2011 has 49 mm fork tubes and race tech has the hard track springs and lnternaly adjustable "gold valves" and together with Ohlins on the back you can cannon carve .. With liter bikes of Europe and Japan ..example my buddy who rides a 955i triumph tiger triple emailed me after a ride and said ..you hit me with rocks 5 times today .and could have busted me headlight ..I say to you ..what was he doing that close to my back tire ???
My first Harley was manufactured in 1968 I bought in 1979 and did a complete top end and lower end upgrade in 1983 .two months ago I was shown my old bike by its new owners as it still has the same engine as it did the day I restored it some 37 years ago ..and the owner ask me what the hell I did to the engine as he said its pretty damn fast ...
@@imapiledriver2462 what is pretty damn funny is the fact the most ridden and owned bikes in Japan are Harley Davidson's ..the Japanese don't ride what they sell to you and laugh at Americans for buying Japanese motorcycles ..they have a big ride once a year in Japan of over 175,000 members who all ride Harley Davidson motorcycles ..and this is just one of their clubs of many more all riding Harleys ..you tube Harley Davidson's in Japan and watch as it will take you days and weeks to see ..as they have a line of motorcycles called TRIJYA ..AS the Japanese buy thousandsbof new Harleys ..give them a custom face lift with all Trijya badging and are selling them back to us on the west coast at new Trijya dealerships ..
The early 96" motors also came with horrendous compensator sprockets that will make for difficulty in starting when hot and will also eat clutch baskets.
@@GixxerFoo You say "were"; I say "still is," as I have replaced my clutch basket and chain tensioner, but haven't made a decision on which way to go with the comp yet.
Wait a minute...The 88ci is the best twin cam Harley ever made! First, it has more HP than a stock 96 and 103 and has the same HP as the stock 110. The motor got bigger over time, but EPA regulations got stricter too so they built the engines differently. The only issue with the 88ci is the cam chain tensioners and maybe the plastic breathers in the rocker boxes which isn't that big of a deal and not that expensive to fix. since 2007, the 96, the 103, and the 110 have had way more problems. The primary tensioner is garbage, the compensator is garbage, but worst of all is the crankshaft which as a runout sometimes up to 0.0012'' because of a bad crankpin, which will cause serious damage to the motor if you do not have the crankshaft trued and welded, or replaced with an aftermarket one. You are lucky if you get to 40 000 miles without having any SERIOUS problems. That is why I would NEVER buy a Harley that was built after 2006. After what I've seen so far, I don't trust the M8s either. And nothing beats the reliability of an old-school EVO even if it does lack power.
Very well said, there were some of the pressed crank pins that went to crap really early on. It just varied engine to engine, some guys got over 100K with those pressed pins. Still can't beat that 88 from 2002 and earlier with the Timken bottom end, that short stroke 88 can really be built into a runner. You're right though that the engine got bigger but the emissions got stricter which killed the stock power potential of these newer engines.
You must have been dropped on your head if you honestly think the 88ci came with more power than the 96/103. 88ci= 57hp/71t, 96ci=69hp/82t, 103ci=75hp/91t, 110ci= 75hp/91t all dyno results from completely stock bikes and i can say from personal experience that a stage 1 88ci will not keep up with a bone stock 96ci or 103ci.
Subbed! Glad I came across your video. Just looked at a 2007 Road King with a 96 CI and Stage 1 (Rinehart pipes & modded air intake). I couldn't test ride it since it needs a brake job (front caliper). The dealer is waiting for the parts. But I could start it up and boy is it loud. My neighbors are going to hate me if I do get this bike. Wealth of info in this video if I do plan on making SE upgrades later on! That's freakin' awesome TQ & HP numbers if one goes all the way to Stage IV 103.
I'm new to Harley and purchased a 2010 Road King. If I leave it stock is it a reliable engine? Friends with Harleys have at times needed a broom and dust pan to clean the parts from their engines off the road. Just wondering what experience board members have had with this engine. I kept my 1800gl wing, 1300r vtx and VLX 600 just in case it didn't work out. Yeah I know but the expectations for the 1800 s 250k miles, the x is fairly and the VLX wa my start bike and you. Cant tear one up. Riding buddies call them rice burners but if they were to. Look theyd see the Wing was built in south Carolina. The x was born in Ohio. A way I'm curious if anyone has stories about the road king theyd like to share.
This is the third TC Harley they are great motors, and easy to work on. I forgot to list other mods on the bike, V-Twin Power 34 tooth compensator sprocket, full Bassani xhaust, ultra cool oil cooler, and Legend Revo A rear shocks, Legend Axeo front fork cartridges. Thats it for now.
Yeah insuring a new Harley is insane and you have to have full coverage. Even if you paid cash l wouldn't risk it. That's the other thing a lot of people don't consider is insurance cost.
I just bought a nice 96, with the matching factory HD sidecar. I'm an amputee so I'm fitting a Pingle handlebar electric shifter. I don't think that I have enough leg strength. On the left to support a bike if it begins to tip and can't shift or use a sidestand so the hack was the answer. Besides, they are cool. Everybody wants to stop and talk to you. I'm not into trikes.
Consider the 1999-2002 cause they have the Timkin bearing in the case. You can always bore it to my 96 or 98" and make good 100hp. You can also change the spring tensioner to Hydraulic with a plate and better oil pump. The newer engine have the cheap ass bearings and need to be replaced when building the engine up in power. Cheap ass Harley saving money when they should be improving the engine not making it cheaper.
It sucks they switched from the tapered bearing to cut production costs, you can add them to the 2003 on with a sleeve but it's an operation. There's some awesome kits out there for the 88 and you're right they will make some good power, even with the carb.
Just subscribed. That's a lot of essential info on a motor upgrade. And the chart provides the visual! It's especially hard to find the hp specs on a HD. It needs to be highlighted because it's important to riding style. 68 hp ain't jack at 70 mph when you want quick acceleration. So cams are an essential when upgrading.
@@GixxerFoo yeah, that's all over owned. You couldn't give me a brand new one in an even exchange for mine. 142,000 miles and still going strong. If you go to my TH-cam channel you'll see it. One year only Evo powered Road Glide
It truly is right now, buying a nice used one is the way to go. Unless you just gotta have the latest greatest. They are heavy but surprisingly they carry it really well.
Yeah those AMF years were awful, it takes a special person to own a bike from those years. You gotta really enjoy working on them and know the tricks on the shovel heads.
@@GixxerFoo Back when I was getting into bikes some 20 odd years ago, my friends and I made out a dream list, top of which were WLAs, then Shovels, then Pans. The AMF bikes were never even considered.
@@GixxerFoo Hey now...I've got a '79 shovelhead that I bought in '86 with 22k miles on it, it was hacked pretty good but was relatively cheap for the times. Put another 60k miles on it with one top end job before buying an '04 Road King new. It was pretty tired when I bought the RK with over 80k miles on it and smoking due to rings. I've since gone through the entire engine and while it's not my daily rider anymore, I don't plan on selling it.
I wouldn't sell that bike either, that's really impressive out of a shovel. There were some good ones out there despite the factory quality they fought AMF over.
I’ve got an ‘08 Street Glide FLHX and I absolutely love it. Did the tensioners at about 60k mi, and it’s about time again, but otherwise it’s been an incredibly reliable engine. The engine has required nothing else, I’m on my 3rd clutch, 2nd compensator(3rd coming soon), 2nd drive belt, and a bad fuel check valve. That’s it. Sitting at 120k mi now. Can’t complain at all. Even as just a simple Stage 1, I’ve got more than enough power for what I use it for.
GixxerFoo I used a Baker the first time, but as it hasn’t given me substantially longer life I may try a SE this time. Not beef with the Baker, I just want to find something more cost effective. Looking into the Man O War too, as apparently it’s rebuildable.
I am surprised you had a failure with the Baker, it's a high dollar unit too. The Screamin Eagle is more cost effective, that's what a good Harley service department would recommend after an OEM failure.
GixxerFoo I wouldn’t say I have had an outright failure, but it is getting towards the end of its life. It does have 100k kms(~65k mi) on it now. The usual symptoms of a bad compensator are starting to crop up again, and I did notice a fair bit of wear last winter when I pulled it to replace the final drive belt. Given that I ride my bike as if someone else is paying for maintenance and repairs, I really can’t complain. I beat the hell of her, so a little TLC is expected.
I've got a 98 softail EVO chopped out and it's going nowhere trust, but I'm chasing a 96 twinkie street glide for my out of state trips. Thanks for the encouragement.
Or you could do like I did, buy a new Honda 1800. More hp, more torque, Honda reliability, and 1/3 the price of a hd. Don't get me wrong, I love HD, always wanted one, buy they ain't made of gold.
Just picked up a 2008 Rocker C with 96B motor and only 13K miles for $7500 in like new condition with a few added accessories. New out the door was $22,000 back 13 years ago..
@@GixxerFoo after watch some of your vids along with some cam install vids think I might attempt to do a Woods TW222 cam install kit (cams, gaskets/o rings, inner cam bearing(s), EZ adj push rods) from Fuel Moto.. $559 plus another $100 or so for bearing puller/install thingy..
That Scout is the real deal, good 2-1 exhaust, air box, good dyno tune and they will put 100 to the real wheel. They put down 85 to the ground stock, really impressive for a stock motor.
The touring platform definitely wasn't what it is today, they made some huge improvements during project "Rushmore". They took a lot of customer feedback and put into the touring bikes. Having a 2015 RGS, you likely wouldn't be impressed with the older touring models.
I got a 09 rk with many extras including the oem tour pak. I paid 12500 4 year ago. The bike had only 8k miles and looked brand new. The previous owner put about 3k in extras. For me, a 12.5k for a practical new bike is a good deal.
Would you buy a used bike and upgrade it or just buy a new one??
10000 miles I wouldn't be afraid to put 5g in the motor
You would still be under the price of a new one too!
In Norway you can buy a good used hd for 10000$ and a new one cost 25000 to 50000$ so I can put 15 to 40 into my dream bike and it will be special with better suspension more horsepower to handle the twisty roads so yes I would buy a used bike plus Harley don't make fxr any more 😉😁
Damn Harley is expensive as it is, they go for way more over there! That's the way to do it, get an older one and make it nicer than a new one cheaper!
Used you do save money.but do yourself a favor and try to find on that absolutely no power enhancing parts have been put on .because if it has loud pipes racing intake high flow air cleaner etc etc it's a good chance its had the shit ran out of it even if it has low miles and is shiney as a new penny.try to buy stock unmodified bike from an individual so you might guage from their personality and mannerism how they more than likely treated the bike.if they brag on how it burns the tires or how far they can ride the back tire my advice is dont buy it.if they carefully start it and let it idle for you and modestly twist the gas to show you engine smoothness. And just speak of riding experience .it will probably be ok bike.but check the oil to make sure it isnt milky from just being started periodically and not allowed to fully warm up...lol ok I'll shut up now
I love my 07 Dyna Lowrider… the 96 will do more than you need it to do plus some. That 96 bonded to a 6 speed is really the sweet spot for torque and gearing. Half the time I don’t even touch 6th gear on the highway, but when I do… man it’s nice and smooth.
I've never paid more than 6k for a Harley. My last one was a 2002 Dyna Wide glide with the 88 motor. Fantastic bike and more than enough power for me! I actually felt like the shorter stroke 88 motor was more peppy than the 96. It would really rip ! I'd never buy a new Harley for 20k when you can get used ones for under half that. Most sit in a garage with low miles. You don't need a new 114 to make power when you can throw a kit on a old twin cam
That's my thoughts exactly! You can spend a quarter of new and build you a monster twin cam and still be under the retail price of those new bikes.
Be very careful with older 88s, even with low mileage. I had 12k on my 2002 Low Rider and within a year it needed a stator (as they are prone to lose from overheating) , swing arm bearing, and of course the cam chain tensioners will need doing very soon.
If I had to do it again, I’d spend the extra money and buy a 96 with very low mileage and in immaculate shape. Because I’ve spent $4000 on repairs in just a year
Any used bike l go over really well, hell even anything new these days needs gone over with a wrench.
You could be right that most sit in the garage with low miles, but most bikes offered for sale have at least 30K miles and if well cared for are commanding top dollar.
@@jordanblair5410 Yup! That's why I'm expanding my search to TCs rather than only EVOs.
The 96 is my favourite H-D motor.
Does everything I want & runs cooler than bigger inch motors.
I highly recommend it.
I work with a guy that a 96 in his Street Glide, it runs great and like you said it's not nearly as hot s the bigger motors.
@@GixxerFoo I was told by a. co work of our local 725 I.b.e.w. back in 1992 when monster motors were first avalible and becoming popular with construction workers who could afford them .. The best balance and rpm was engines at 100 cubic inch ...engine cases and fly wheels have not grown to keep up with heavier and bigger rods and pistons ..you only have so much real estate on the fly wheels to drill out to change and re balance your rotating assembly as around 100 cubic inch in general is the maximum displacement evo a person should build to and still retain a smooth balanced assemble that can be balance at Precision balance of Indianapolis who do one hell of a job..that knowing this fact ..I have spent enormous amounts of cash paying Stil build screaming eagle stage four kits and more beyond that ..the best i done was 120 HP 117 that was not all
that smooth ...I have been at this HP game with new Harley's going on 7 years now ..in that time being abscessed for more info ..I came across a review for a two in one supertrapp at revzilla ...as i t was a 9 6 inch twin can with the supertrapp and a tune made 130rwhp ..I didn't even bother to find the torque as this dude made 10 more HP .for less that $1500 to my 120 hp that cost me $8000 ...I done all the calculations for displacement last night and came up with a 99.3 cubic inch evo with a 3 1/2 inch stroke and a 4 1/4 inch bore ..if S&S makes evo cases to accept jugs that big ....and if they. Still build custom crankshaft fly wheels
If you read my comment basically what I was saying a man at revzilla installed a two into one supertrapp with a ecu tune on a 96 inch twin can and made 130 rwhp vs my 117 inch twin cam that made 120 rwhp. ...and at 60 to 80 thousand it is crucial that we change out the am chain before anything should happen ..and the overkill on that is fueling billet can plate and an S&S gear drive cams ..total price right at $3k ..but fixed for ever problem salvoled as all parts in question are all replaced with gear drive .. Never to have to do it again
@@donniebaker5984 i know this is a year old, but youre smoking rocks... 130 to the tire off a tc96 with a 2-1 and powervision/tts/pcv etc is absolutely 100% completely idiotic to even claim. i WILL say that its almost similar to the silicon lottery when buying a twinny 88-96ci scooter, ive had bikes in my shop with simple WWW upgrades (wannabe weekend warrior) like the tried and NOT true vance and hines sh*t shots, tried and somewhat true Ness's Big Sucker intake and barely get the stock numbers bcuz of the horrid exhaust.. but the exhaust removed and adding an entry level 2-1 like the danmoto highwayman, ive tuned 6 total and 2 busted the 90 torque range, the best numbers being 76 horsepower 92 torque! so your telling me a SUPERTRAPP 2-1 has the ability to add 60 something horsepower? to the already gained numbers?? your either inhaling exhaust fumes, or youre talking about a subject you (and millions others admittedly) have ZERO knowledge on, let alone talking about it to others and thats TUNING/AFTERMARKET UPGRADES!!! ppl are already scared to auto-tune their scooters with simple fool proof closed loop tuning on the powervision, fuel pak FP3, and dont understand why their bike still runs like crap, or they dont realize that their narrowband O2 senors only read 14.2-15.0 to 1 AFR's so unless their cruising, the autotune isnt touching crap else to do with the WOT range.. just trying to get THAT point across and tell someone that if they purchase at minimum a STAGE 1 their BEST BET is STILL going to a trusted dyno guy vs auto tuning yourself at home, not adjusting any parameters like lowering the minimum MAP value so it doesnt "over tune" certain parts of the table....
LONG STORY SHORT, DO YOU SEE HOW COMPLICATED THIS ONE SINGLE MESSAGE IS FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON?? i made it this long ON PURPOSE because of the extensive research needed just to get your foot into the door of trying to understand this world thats highly unspoken about bcuz alot of riders are scared to ask for help so they dint get made fun of.. so they DEFINITELY dont need tools like you throwing even more FAKE STATISTICS in their way!!!
now hopefully a year later your smarter than you were when you wrote this and can see the idiocrary in your comment
My 96 is also very smooth running
I just got a 2012 super glide custom with the 96 . I absolutely love it.
Those are some awesome bikes! Do you plan on upgrading your engine or keeping it a 96?
Best video that summarizes what the 96” is capable of for upgrades. Thanks man!!
I really liked kick starting, the feel and the sound of my 1948 Panhead that I had in the 1970's and early 80's. My Evo Herritage I had in the 90's ran good, still sounded great, my Twin Cam 88 that I had in the 2000's. But, and this is a big but. What I didn't like about my older Harley's was their lousy Drum (Panhead), and Single Piston Disc Brakes that my Evo and TC 88 had. And that they did not have Cruise Control, and the 4 and 5 speed transmission where my left foot was always looking for another gear. My current ride, a 2010 103 FLHTK is my final Harley, I love the 6 speed transmission, the cruise control, the heated grips, the stereo, but most importantly, the Brembo ABS brakes that actually stop your bike. The 180 rear tire with Brembo ABS brakes, the dual disc ABS front brakes work great on the newer bikes are the main factor for me for not riding an older bike. I havn't locked up that skinny 130 rear tire and slid through an intersection since selling my Twin Cam 88 back in 2007.
Good advice. I bought a used Evo / carb 1988 Electra Glide Classic last August for $3500. Another $2000 for new tires and full service including fork rebuild. It gets down the road very well even if it doesn't have triple digit horsepower. I rode with a passenger towing a trailer from Northern Minnesota to Southern Texas.
That's awesome! That EVO is a very stout high torque motor, they are very reliable too!
When I retired in 2014 I bought a used 2011 Dyna Wide Glide with 4k mi for 9 grand…. Loving the 96 with the 6 speed.
Bike has stage 1 remap with hi flow air cleaner and a set of V&H short shots…Plenty of power for me as is..👍
Just picked up an ultra glide with 8000miles and a six speed things a gem ! Literally don't have to change a thing ,good suspension ,good handling ,good motor plenty of torque
You found a heck of a deal, it's good used bikes like that Harley is fighting. That bike new is almost 27k now!
The info and opinion in this video is exactly what I did in January of 2022. As a previous multiple-Harley owner, I had ventured into the Triumph world for 10 years. Last month, I re-joined Harley with a spotless black pearl 2007 TC96 Wide Glide. It had a tuner, Vance and Hines Big Radius exhaust, detachable sissy bar and rack, internally wired bars, detachable windshield, new tires, etc etc etc. 20K miles on it - for 8 grand. Some of that was Southern California pricing, but the bike was, and is, immaculate. Very torquey and, with the tuner, it's goes as fast as I ever want it to. The only thing I've done to it was replace the rear disc rotor.
Welcome back! You got a hell of a deal on that bike! It's hard to find one like these days!
Yeah the TC 96 is awesome! I have a stage 1 kit with Rineharts & I am pretty happy with it. 105,000 miles. Keeping it stock is better for reliability vs power. 07 flhrs. & I have an evo as well.
Keeping them stock is honestly the best way to maintain the reliability, stage 1 never hurts though. Dang you have 105K on the odometer, I am not surprised but still impressed!
I own a 07 glide 96 inch , 81000 miles not a hitch
@@Ratridez I have a 08 flht over 86000 bone stock engine 96ci has been all over this great USA. I'm good
They will get the miles, bet you've kept on your maintenance too.
My 08 ultra 86,000 miles stil runs like a 10 when it gets tired will go upgrade for sure
I like my lil ol 80in evo
That's an awesome motor, they will chug along all day every day forever.
I am hoping you don't know this from experience...
@dan winright Damn you rebuilt it to last for sure!
I have a 2000 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide with a Twin cam 88 motor and carburetor. The only thing I would like from a Twin cam 96 engine is a sixth gear. I love the way my Dyna Wide Glide looks, sounds and drives. And I have no problem looking at the chain tensioner shoes from time to time.
About two months ago I picked up a 2007 Ultra Glide with the 96” twin cam and the stage 1 screamin eagle intake and exhaust.
Only 19K on the odometer.
Couldn’t be happier with it👍🏻
19K on a 2007? Someone bought that and never really rode it much! Sounds like you found a deal on barely broke in 07!
My 96 incher has 56000 miles on it. This motor is 11 yrs old and just had it's first "major surgery." Tranny main bearing and clutch basket. To ride a stock bike for 11 yrs with no problems is amazing. All my friends tried to talk me out of buying the bike because of the noisey cams, but I came from a metric bike with overhead cams, so I'm thinking "what noise?"
Anyhow, take it from someone who has ridden a '96 for many years, it's a good, solid, reliable motor!
They really are some damn good motors, that's pretty awesome you got that kinda mileage out of one before a major repair. The cams really aren't that noisy on those bikes. Now a sportster with high lift cams they sound like a Ducati dry clutch.
@@GixxerFoo 🤣👍
Lmao! I've been riding my honda cbr 929 since 01 with nothing but oil changes tires and spark plugs....beat that!
@@brittanyjackson1718 You probably look better on yours too!👍😎
You ain't gonna beat a Honda, 929 is an awesome bike. When l had my gixxer 1000 l rode with several people that had them.
I had an 07 FXD with a 96 engine. Good engine
After 35 years on sports bikes I just bought my first Harley. 2018 Fat Bob 114 with 2000km on it and some mods. Saved a bunch and I really love the bike. Never thought I would say "I own and love a Harley" lol.
I rode sport bikes and hated Harleys for years, lol I never thought I would say it either. Fat Bob is a super fun bike and it handles really well, for a Harley. Can't really compare it to a aluminum perimeter frame with the engine as a stressed member.
@@GixxerFoo Yeah same. First time I really took the Fat Bob through corners I was pretty impressed. But it did make me laugh when really cracked the throttle. After GSXR1000s and my last bike Honda SP1... the power is far from scary. But then I remind myself thats not the point and just enjoy the ride. Its a fun bike.
Lol no it's not even close power wise, but they do put power to the ground. I had to learn to be careful throttling out of the corners with amount of torque they put down at a low rpm. Lol they will try and walk out on you.
@@GixxerFoo Yup I learned that one pretty early. Now Im enjoying the fact that generally the bike wants to stand up when you power on so you just lean harder because there is no way known you are going to slide with that weight. Its really fun getting used to the handling.
Even the older Dyna Fat Bob was a really quick handling solid bike too. I laughed when the dealer told me it was the best handling Harley. Then l rode it and l was really surprised.
I have a 2010 Heritage. The bike had V&H Big Shots and a Screaming Eagle air cleaner when I bought it 3 years ago. I haven’t done a thing to it other than maintenance. I think it runs absolutely great. It will pull me over Big Savage Mountain at 80mph no problem. I have a 2020 Heritage also with the 114. It is an absolute beast. I honestly enjoy the 2010 over the 2020 for the all day tour. I’m going to NC in a couple weeks and I will most likely take my 2010.
I don't doubt that one bit! I've heard quite a few people say they prefer their older bike to the new M8. I haven't put enough seat time on an M8 to make that call but l definently like the TC sound better.
GixxerFoo thank you so much for your leadership and technical help on the 96. I had the Woods 222 installed, compensator upgraded and HD clutch plate and set of discs, Screaming Eagle Cam Plate kit and HD oil pump installed. It woke up my beauty and what cam I say: cruiser to HOT ROD! Thanks again!
Thank you and congratulations! That is awesome to hear! That 222 really wakes that 96 up, the aren't much horsepower with the stock cams. I bet it's a blast to ride now!
That's the cam I'm looking at for my 08 FLHRC.
What are your thoughts on the 222 after running it on the bike?
@@mrpink1216 It is the business! Worth the money and has a dramatic impact of ft lb low rpm 2500 all the way through to 5000 rpm. Imporove your clutch and compensator to absorb the additional ft lb. Best of all it does not require a major head job and all the $$$ and trouble that this entails.
@@hollywoodboggie Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'm going to install a very similar set up .
I just got a 2011 dyna wide glide with the 96 used with 16k miles. First Harley ever and I road over 200 miles today and it was great
That's awesome! You've got a later year too, they got the compensator issue worked out on those. The 07 to 09 models had a bad compensator design, it worked but it would eventually fail. Congratulations on your first Harley!
Warning! Twin cams are known to be noisy engines and using aggressive cams can drive people crazy with the rattling. I've read forums where guys have taken cams back out because of too much noise. There's a few caveats, the windshield on my Road King reflects front cylinder noise back at me. Also, the rocker arm shafts are kept from rotating by the rocker shaft mounting plate bolts. But there's enough slop that the shaft can rattle against the bolt, but you can buy brass sleeves to press in and take out the slop. At 26k miles on my '04 88 Road King, I was paranoid about the cam tensioners , took it apart and they were fine, but I had planned to do the '06 and later cam plate upgrade kit using the 'conversion cams you can buy from a few places. I used the Andrews 21N conversion cams which are 'baby' cams but are supposed to be the best profile for relatively stock heavy baggers. Also installed a 2 into 1 exhaust that had oxygen sensor holes and so I bought the Dynojet power vision tuner with wide-band O2 sensors from Fuel Moto. Even with baby cams it was noisier than I would have thought. Two years ago I put in the brass sleeves in the rocker plates. With all said and done with another 8k miles, now at 42k, it doesn't rattle that much or I've grown use to it, don't think the rocker shafts were that loose anyways so sleeves didn't seem to do that much. I don't rev it past 3.5k - 4k much either and wear a helmet more and more these days primarily for comfort on long distance rides. That's my 2 cents...
That's some good points, Sportster cams are stupid noisy when you get anything with higher lift over the W cams.
My 2009 Fat Bob, bought new, has about 140000 miles now. Never a problem, even the first battery made it five years!
You have 140k on you're bike?! Holy hell! What kinda of riding have you been doing?
@@GixxerFoo It's my daily bike, and I was a MC- Member for more than 20 years, so you ride!
Damn l would say so! I figured you were going cross country with that kinda mileage.
@@GixxerFoo Yes, I made europe from spain, up near to the north pole, later eastern europe and russia. I still have a lot of photos to prove it. There was even a russian motorcycle mag, who made a story.
That's awesome! I would live to make a ride that over there!
I remember i had a 2007 Road King with Vance and Hines Head Pipes True Duals and Samson straight Pipes and an Arlen Ness Big Shot Fuel Tuner and WOW was it awesome and I am not kidding. Stock cams and I wish I never got rid of it
I had a twin cam 88, beat it bad, never had a problem with it.
I bought my 2010 Heritage new. After break-in or around 5 thousand miles, I got the Orange tuner before it was outlawed. I put American Custom slip-on's, SE air box with stock cover and the SE 259e cams. The bike runs very strong. Not sure how much HP I picked up but the torque in 4th gear is outstanding Very pleased with my bike. By the way, every part including all excessories are HD. No after market anywhere. Even the slip-on's are stock just reworked by American Custom Exhaust.
That's awesome! Hang onto that race tuner, they are awesome and hard to find. Sounds like you built one hell of a machine. I've heard of that company before, did they do good work for you? I've got some stock exhaust l wanted worked over.
@@GixxerFoo I bought the bike from Timms HD in Anderson South Carolina. While they were servicing the bike, I had them to add some the common accessories at that time. I new down the road I would change the slip-ons. When people purchase new exhaust from Timms, most of the time they leave the original slip-ons. So Timms sold me a pair for $40. I sent them to American Custom Exhaust and had them reworked. They take out the guts and add a small amount of mesh inside on the inside wall of the muffler. You can see straight through it. Almost like having straight exhaust but it has some baffle. It has the best sound of any bike out there and people have ask me how I got that sound from stock mufflers. Very low tone and when you punch it, they get loud. The SE 259e cams have a really nice chop. .570 lift. I think 260 duration. I kept the stock air box cover so the bike looks totally stock. I am not into the rad look of after market crap that most times starts to rust the next week. Keeping it simple is my way. I have had several bikes in the past starting with my out of the box Shovelhead 1974. Had two Shovelheads, one Evo and probably my last the one I have, 2010 Heritage. Give them a try at American Custom Exhaust. In my opinion, HD dealers have this thing going with Rinehart. You can't convinced me that they make a bike run any better than what I have and mine sound superior to Rinehart that sound tinny. All in the tuning.
Yes! Every dealer keeps pushing Rinehart exhaust, they do it even at my local dealer. I love how you kept stock look, that's my favorite way to do it! I'll have to check them out, l'd like to get my factory mufflers reworked properly.
@@jerryhubbard4461 sounds like something I need done with the exhaust on my 2009 Rocker C. I purchased it second hand with a Vance and Hines big radius 2 in 2 exhaust and got defected. Now the cops and epa have pictures of it with a standard exhaust, the look must be maintained or I can be fined even more for tampering with it. If I have a stock exhaust gutted and reworked, it will be harder for them to tell. Trouble is I live in New South Wales, Australia. Right now it sounds like a scooter and was detuned to suite the original exhaust. It's like the nuts have been ripped off it.
My '03 RK Classic with the fuel injected 88 Twin Cam is all I need! 15K miles and my cam chain tensioners are fine. Added a Arlen Ness Monster Sucker and Vance & Hines slip ons and a Vance & Hines tuner and she runs and sounds awesome! I wouldn't give her up for any new bike on the road right now!
That's awesome! It's not every 88 that had the tensioner issue, like your some never had a problem. Some blew up before 15k, it's hard to beat the older bikes when you got one like yours!
Just so people out there know, I own a 08 road king olive pearl 96 inch 36000 miles only thing I've ever done ia a starter oil changes, tires and brake pads that's it,runs great, but does get very very 🔥
Every twin cam needs a high volume oil pump and oil cooler. Just one or the other really keeps the heat down on the twin cam.
Picked up a 2011 street glide vance and hines slip ons-i removed baffel and screaming Eagle intake with a vance and hines Fpk-3 and programmed it with custom tune and i love it. Only 3900 miles.
3900 miles is really low for a 2011, where did you find such a late model low mile bike?
@@GixxerFoo in a man cave in Alabama
😆😂 that's awesome! It must of spent a lot of time in there.
I bought a used 2009 Ultra Classic with the 96 cuid engine. Had it for almost 3 years and it's ran flawlessly. Got about 40k miles on it.
How many miles have you put on it since you bought it?
@@GixxerFoo about 18,000 miles. All I've had to do is change oil , brake pads and tires. It's the most comfortable bike I've ever owned.
That's awesome to hear! Hopefully it'll keep going like that!
I had an 09 ultra classic in root beer brown. My favorite bike, brakes failed and i smashed into a Lexus. I ride indian now, and won’t ever look back to harley ever again. Too many failures.
Holy crap, dang that sucks l remember the brake recalls they had on those.
Bought a 96 Road Glide with 9,000 miles. The previous owner put a stage 3 SE in it, new pipes, back trunk, 2 seats, 2 windshields, extra speakers, SE tuner, bag liners all for 6,000. Very happy.
That's why the used market is destroying new Harleys right now!
Nothin sweeter than a 80” Evo fitted with a EV46 Andrews cam mikuni 42Carb V&H Pipes
That's a setup, those bikes sound so good and you can't replicate that sound even with a carb twin cam.
Fuck yeah 100% mate
I keep on reading Evo 80 is bulletproof whereas TC88 (1999-2007) has spring chain guide issues
Milwaukee 8 still has unsolved issues so stay away from 2017+
Might go look at ones before 1998
@@250gtskyline5 do it mate. I Have a twin cam also, still a great bike, but if I had to keep one for sheer feel good factor and riding experience I’d pick my evo. They’ve got a rough edge that’s been engineered out of modern bikes, however at they just feel like a Harley should to me.
Thank you. Quite informative and to the point. You are well spoken.
I'm thrilled to read all the positive comments. My friends, unfortunately, have had issues with excessive runout on their crankshafts that required total rebuilds. Shame on Harley for considering .012 acceptable when they did such a great job on the 88 twin-cam keeping runout under .003
It all went south when they cut their production costs buy having a bearing pressed into that left side crank case. Getting away from the Timken setup was a huge mistake on Harley's part.
@@GixxerFoo Hate to be negative but I feel most owners barely put miles on their motorcycle and would never experience an issue within the first two years of ownership. Knowing this allows them to cut quality and not be on the hook for repairs. To their credit runout has decreased every year after 2007 settling in at .005/.006 but owners will never be able to run a gear-drive cams on a stock engine after 2006.
I don't think you being negative, honestly l think you're right on the money but saying most riders don't run any miles. I wouldn't doubt for a second if that was Harley's way of thinking with the build quality.
@@GixxerFoo I say that because most people I know here in New England only put a few thousand miles a year on their engines. As you know I am definitely not one of those people. Keep the great content coming.
Thank you will do! Lol me either, l at least hit my oil change interval every year!
A motorcycle and especially a classic Harley is about the bond you form with it and the wrench is second only to the ride in this. It will also provide a deeper longer lasting unbreakable bond you can keep running forever.
Dare you to put one more can on that shelf behind your head!
😆😂 l am not a gambler.
Sure you are! Look at your shelf! 😂😂
That shelf has just become a conversation piece 😆😂🤷♂️
@@GixxerFoo look what i started! The shelf of doom!
😆👍 l never thought there would be a thread started about a shelf l threw together in a couple minutes out scrap l had laying around. I can't change it now 😂.
I've got a wide glide with the 96, with just a k&n filter, FP3, and v&h slip ons and it runs great, plenty fast for cruising around
Stage 1 setup makes a huge difference, 96 is an awesome torque producer.
The crank run out on the 88 is within specs for the S&S gear to gear timing.
Best thing to put on an 88, not sure how much run out you would end up with on one with some miles though.
That's very true, better to get it down and check it before you order parts. Suck to order an expensive gear and not be able to use it.
I had 2 and still have 1 Harley’s with a 88 motor, never had any problems, I have the 2006 limited edition superglide, the red white and blue one , it has a 6 speed tranny that came with it,I know it has inner primary bearing issues but just replace it around 16,000 miles and it’s good for another 16,000 miles other than that it’s a good motor
Great points..i got a 2008 road king anniversary with low miles an extra accessories for 7k..probably my best buy to date..n pretty too!!.. 😀
Holy crap 7k for an 08 RK? Damn you got a hell of deal on that bike!
I love those retro bikes myself. Dad ran a Kawasaki shop for 30 years and he always had a monster built KZ. It's awesome seeing the KZ legacy live on in the new Z bikes. I had a Z1000 and wish l never sold it now.
7K's not bad. I also just picked up a mint 08 96ci RKC anniv. for $9000 this Feb -right before all the COVID b.s. hit. Had 5000 miles on it! Was a great buy for the money too I thought for the content. I'll probably never get a deal like this in my lifetime either! Came with a ton of stuff too -Rineharts full exhaust, high-flow and chip, shield and back-rest, the works. Enjoy the ride on your "new" RK, great bike!!:-)
@@jeffstonecipher1594 nice!!👌
Damn you got a steal on that CVO, l have never found a deal like that. Plus all the extras, you can't beat that.
I bought a new super glide in 09 .it was a good running bike .but it did not like to be restarted after you ran into a store then jump back on it.if you tried to hot restart it it would kick back and sound like the starter was going to break.if you let it cool for a bit it would restart fine.also if the stator goes bad
you have to take every single piece of the primary drive housing off to get to the stator coil.also on mine when I had it apart to fix stator I realized the splines in the clutch hub were flaking off.. but they are good running bikes very comfortable. But do yourself this favor take someone knowledgable so they can feel if the bottom end feels like it vibrates too much.cause the flywheels are press fit together and have been known to shift. Which causes oil pump failure
Damn that's rough, yeah l was never a fan of the press fit crank. It's inevitable that it comes out of alignment, doesn't happen to every bike but more than it should.
After 16 years and 65k miles, my 2004 88 is still good enough for me. I may take a look at the original cam chain tensioners during the winter.
That's frickin awesome! Some bikes went just fine like that and others shelled at 15k.
Have an 06 softail love it
I've got a 2004 88 road king with 42k miles. I was kind of paranoid about the tensioners about 5 years ago at 26k miles, they were fine. I went ahead and did the upgrade with the hydraulic tensioners and cam plate 'kit' using the Andrews 21N conversion cams. There's a few companies making the 'conversion' cams which have the larger diameter outside bearing surface for the later hydraulic cam plate with the larger bearing holes.
It's funny some bikes had the issue and others never had one issue. I dunno if it was bad run of tensioners or if some were built on Friday before a holiday.
Right on, those are some awesome bikes. I still like TC and the Evo, l am not sold on that M8.
Love my 2012 Dyna 96. Thank you for your expertise.
Excellent video. Love the options, however, I love this bike stock. For me, there is plenty of power for the style and function of the bike. If I want speed and power and can always use my duc or rc51. When I ride my RK, I just want to relax and enjoy the view.
Totally agree, that's what a Harley is all about. There are options out there but at the end of day it's a cruiser. People want these bikes for being 1800cc and 75 horsepower, it's not trying to win Daytona. Just produce some big torque and put a big smile on your face!
I have a 06 softail with the 88" and upgraded cams when the tensioners were replaced. Plenty of low and mid range torque, never been on a dyno. Very happy for what it is. If I were to look for a second bike for speed and Horse power bragging rights, Yamaha V-max. Just saying.
A hopped up Harley is a blast to ride and there's not feeling like it on anything else. That Vmax is a bad boy, thing was a death trap like everything else in the 80's with crapola suspension and wispy brakes having a 150 horsepower lmfao. Now the second gen was an absolute 200 horse monster with suspension and brakes.
My 11' Deluxe has the 96 and I'm happy with the power. I weigh 270lbs and load the bike down for moto camping. The 96 has no problem, none, nada getting up to speed or up hills, it's a great motor. You'll note the benefits that come of converting really come into play @3000 rpm. In 6th gear @ 75mph I'm at most 2800. I don't beat the shit out of my bike going for stop light to stop light so converting doesn't do much for a guy like me. If a guy thinks a 96 isn't "enough" know you're dealing with a moron.
The 96 makes great torque and it does it down low too. Even as the kits progress the torque just keeps climbing. There's nothing wrong with a 96 with a good intake, exhaust and tune.
That's kind of like saying that anyone who prefers a big block 454 over a small block 400 is a moron. Some people like the added torque, it's not always about the HP at least not for me. Torque is fun, more torque equals more fun to me and more usable power when and if you need it and besides that I'm a tinkerer, I just enjoy working on and trying to improve upon what factory stock offers.
@@bodeine454
Sorry, but no it is not. I believe you missed the point of my post.
@@jefferythomas4414 If I missed the point of your post I apologize....
I have an 04 TC88. I am 220 and my wife is 150. We pull a trailer full of camping gear and my stock bike make plenty of power. An upgrade would be fun but not needed. I will wait until I need to rebuild and then build bigger and badder and add a baker 6 speed.
My 06 fxdbi has the 96 and I love it 5k from a third party.
The Super Glide is a beautiful option.
The Super Glide is an awesome bike, really over looked in my opinion. I am really surprised how much cheaper they are selling for on the used market compared to the other Dynas.
@@GixxerFoo Not in Europe.
A Super Glide (+/- 2010) cost is around 8 or 9 thausand euros, wich is not cheap.
Anyways, to me is one of the best options.
Cheers.
Damn yeah over in your market that's nuts. They are really cheap here in the US.
@@GixxerFoo For sure.
Yes! I had a 2011, Great bike!
I have a 2010 Roadglide Custom 96 inch with 585 S&S gear to gear cams, Fueling cam plate.oil pump, fueling lifters, S&S adjustable push rods, roller rockers, S&S 585 valve springs, and a power commander. The Dyno was 92hp and 102pt.
That's pretty good number at the rear wheel and still reliable!
@@GixxerFoo runs great
Hell l imagine, you put the good stuff in it!
I am new to harley this was extremely helpful and informative
That's awesome! That's exactly why do it, l appreciate you watching and your support!
Thank you for this video. I'm about to buy an 11 dyna wide glide 96. Im more stoked after watching
Good choice! You'll have a lot of fun with that bike!
Are you related to Scotty Kilmer? That hand movement !
😆😂 l watch Scotty Kilmer too, l get excited talking about this stuff. Unfortunately no, wish l had his pay check though 😆.
Scott Kilmer uses clip bate to make money.
All these additional options only after a timken conversion and a flywheel from S&S or Darkhorse crankworks.
Ad all those bolt on’s without beefing up the bottom end is asking for trouble!
I have an 88 and changed to the upgraded better Cam Chain tensioner and I prefer the 5 speed
You know l never really understood the 6 speed on the cruiser, l never had an issue with a 5 speed myself.
@@GixxerFoo when you ride on the straight highway you notice a huge difference better gas mileage and you can go faster without the rpms going so high
That's true, lol l often find myself looking for that 6th gear. 😆 l rode a GSX-R for years.
The 5 speeds had longer gears. The 6 speed has shorter gears so you're shifting more. Being in 5th gear on a 6 speed will almost match the rpms of a 5 speed in 4th gear. The 6 speed in 6th gear is really just an overdrive. I myself prefer the 5 speed.
I have a 2010 street Bob with a 96ci and I love that bike more than words can describe. I can't wait to get the cash together to put some cams in it.
A good set of cams and it will feel like a whole new bike, amazing what a set of cams will do!
Harley intentionally leaves a lot of power on the table, lol then conveniently they have the Screamin Eagle catalog.
Still not convinced to change from my 93 Evo.....single cam, no chani to bugger up.
I wouldn't get rid of an EVO for a TC, the EVO is just too good of a motor.
@@GixxerFoo I just got my 1st Harley, a '92 Electra Glide Sport. What do you recommend to get a little more oomph?
If it's all stock, start with some good exhaust and a jet kit. Those carbed bikes respond really well free flowing exhaust and some fuel!
@@GixxerFoo .....also a better breathing air cleaner and a decent cam....I am running a Head Quarters Rumble stick...huge difference.
That why I stick to my shovelhead. Put Andrews f grind on this pig I can run pretty much with anyone It also weighs under 500#'s. Just cleaned up on a 103 bagger but really I don't think guy could ride
I have a 96 in 2007 Road King. Totally stock. 60k trouble free miles. Probably have this bike forever!
That's awesome to hear! Did you get it new or buy it used?
@@GixxerFoo Bought it new in fall of ‘06. I actually stopped at the local Harley dealer to get some cleaning supplies. I had always wanted a white Road King and there she was. She followed me home and it’s been love ever since.
👍 that's awesome, not even there to look at bikes and leave with a new one. I would hang onto to it for sure, there's a lot of people buying used Twin Cams over new these days.
I like my 88 twin cam with the big bore jugs (95") Smoother than the stroker 96"
I also did the cam plate upgrade with hydraulic tensioners.
The 95 is an awesome upgrade on those motors. It's just the right amount of power and torque, sounds like you put yours together right! Shouldn't have any worries with your setup.
Your 95" jugs have a bore of 3 7/8 " and a stock stroke is 4 inches ....if you shorten the the stroke by one inch you would have a 72 cubic inch engine ..with the same bore and stroke of a 283 " small block Chevy V8. And you could run connecting rods a half an inch longer
..S&S will cut fly wheels for any custom stroke an stroke cranks and rods. ... They used to charge around 50 to 60 bucks extra back in the 70's. .. If you built a custom configuration.. It would have to be dynamically. Balanced ..but not a problem. . Precision balancing of Indianapolis used to charge around 60 bucks to balance the bottom end of a Harley engine as I had my very first one I ever built balance and believe me it makes the difference between night and day there was nothing like that..with a shorter stroke you with slow down the piston speed a bunch....longer rods will take off side angle frict ion a bunch ..and with a balance job .will take iyt most all vibration ..so basically you would be building can engine mush like a Suzuki v Strom ..over square with ablot less heat and buzzzup making a 100 HP like a v Strom ..when we used to tune two strokes back in the early 70's for motocross using air cooled engines there where after market jugs and heads with cooling fins twice as long...and the low budge boys would heli arc longer cooling fin on stock jus that madeva difference . and a cooler range sparkvplug help end a bunch ..just saying ...if you run a 3 inch or 3 2/2 inch stroke will be the www.odd-bike.com/2016/03/harley-davidson-vr1000-gods-own-voice.html?m=1 ..years agob was asking Carl fields whovrscedvforvS&s in the 50's about big twins with shortvstrojes and bigger bores ..and ol' Carl said ..we did that a long time ago to 60 cubic inch pans with 74 inch jugs that was a bolt on ..that give you a 68 cubic inch engine that was much faster that a 74 inch pan ..something to think about ..and today we can do the same using bigger jugs and newer cases
My 96ci sstreet bob has 102 rrhp 110 rrtq with 103 kit 254e cam 10/1 comp ported heads s&s mufflers/air cleaner race tuner. Runs well. Has 77 rrhp/95 rrtq when stock tunes S&S mufflers and se air cleaner upgrade. Still a nice bike back then. When I hear of the M8 not making much more why buy new.
Thanks for your videos from Australia
Thank you, I appreciate the support! I bet that Street Bob is a handful with that motor built out like that, that's one of the lightest big twins in the line up.
Prices on 10+ year old Dynas in my neck of the woods have dropped by about 20% in the past 2 years. Time to buy a project bike may be now...
That's awesome, Dynas around here are pretty cheap too. Most with decent mileage too.
My 01 DX with a stage 1 88" makes 85tq and 79hp. I hope to gain another 5-10 on each when I do the cams and get a better pipe. The carbs are soooo easy. With the right tune, it really wakes the bike up. 5spd trans is bulletproof as well. I know the 6 gears had some trouble. If you're looking for a used Harley, the 88" is a great option. Last of the carbed Harley's. The Dyna Frames are also a little smaller before 07 so its really a great, nimble, all-around motorcycle. If the bike has more than 20k miles, make sure to get it inspected before purchase due to the mentioned cam tensioners. Putting in the S&S hydraulic/Gear drive cams is really not that hard. Pretty simple actually. Most of the 88" Harleys can be had for under 5k as well. I personally like carburated over fuel injection. If I ever have a fuel issue, 10 mins, and some wrenches then I'm off. Jets are dirt cheap too. EVO's are another FANTASTIC option!
Well said there, a good tune makes some huge gains on the carb bikes. Fuel injected bikes don't gain nearly as much as a carbed bike. They can get a decent gain with a qualified dyno tuner and hundreds of dollars. It's hard to beat the simplicity of the carbed 5 speed bikes, cheaper to work on too!
I bought an '08 Road King classic with a '96 for $6,900.... It was advertised for 7500. I put $1,600 into it cam chain tensioners camshafts high flow oil pump billet cam plate rocker lockers compensator sprocket intake exhaust tuner... Did all the work myself.... 63,000 mi later... There's no way in hell I would go pay what they're asking for a new Road King. When this engine gives up I'll probably stuff an s&s in there and keep riding it.
That's strong work! That's the beauty of a Harley, you got a damn good price and built a hell of a motor. I love the fact you can keep a Harley forever like that. Either rebuild or swap a new motor in.
Did you 'upgrade' all the innards over stock? The hydraulic tensioners and improved oil pump came out in the dyna's in '06 as a test bed and everything else in '07.
@@gilbertbates8522 I don't really understand the question. it's an '08 Road King so yes I already had the good tensioners... I just replaced them with fueling parts. I upgraded to a high flow oil pump and billet cam plate at the same time I did all that and put the camshafts in.
Sounds like you updated all the factory parts that had the weak points 🤷♂️
Amen Brother!
Ive got a 07 fxstc with se 255 cams vance and hines slip ons se air filter made 87hp 100tq at the rear wheel not bad for se cams and a 96ci
I just bought a 2003 Softail with 8000 miles on it for $5000 . Harley can keep their new bikes !
Damn that's a steal! Hell someone never road that bike!
@@GixxerFoo It spent most of its life in Hawaii sitting and then ended up in Minnesota where I bought it .
Oh wow, damn that's crazy! Yeah you'd have to ride a lot of circles on the islands to rack up 8k.
New bikes are over priced junk. 😂
This makes me feel great about picking up my 08 Low Rider 105th.
you always speak about important subjects. keep up the good work.
Thank you, l appreciate you watching and supporting us over here!
Get it. Cam it. Leave the bore alone
Putting a good cam in to target where you mainly ride is more than enough for a lot of people. There's a lot of hidden potential in those motors by just swapping the cams.
I currently own a 2009 Road King and had a 2007 Ultra classic before that. Not a single issue at all combined.
That's great to hear! They are really awesome bikes, some had that compensator issue but like your bikes it wasn't all of them.
@@GixxerFoo I actually changed the compensator to a V-Twin Power 34 Tooth Compensator Eliminator as a premature precaution. I just order an S&S Cycle 551CE Easy Start Chain Drive Cam Chest Kit. Really excited to see how the bike will respond after that kit.
That's a great setup, that way you don't have to worry about the compensator going out.
I bought an 09 Ultra w/96 and absolutly love it. Had 22k when I bought it. Looking to add new intake and tuner, but worried about whether I should replace the compensator or wait till it goes bad. Planning a road trip this coming year to Sturgis/Yellowstone, what do you think?
The compensator usually gives you some warning before it fails. If you're not having any issues with it l would run it. But if it ever does fail the Dark Horse compensator eliminator is a excellent replacement. It has a cush drive built in and it's rebuildable. Being an 09 they are less likely to have the issues of the 07 and 08 models.
@@GixxerFoo Thank you so much for the response, I have had no issues with mine as of now, but we are planning a big trip next year, heading back to Sturgis, plus heading to Yellowstone, my fear is what happens IF I have an issue knowing this is the weak spot on my bike. When you start to have issues is it something that starts to show some warning can you still ride it for a while or when it happens it happens? Love your informative videos very well done, thank you
Not a problem at all, there are some signs of and l have video a out compensators and eliminators. I don't if you saw it th-cam.com/video/qZNZAiX9Edw/w-d-xo.html. But you'll hear a clang starting the bike and experience some gring noises at low speed. Probably have a a lot of issues shifting into first and find neutral.
Last year I Bought a 2008 street glide with the 96. Had 13,000 on it when I test rode it and I couldn’t hand over the $10,000 fast enough. I’ve been riding the hell out of it, and a year later, I find myself here looking for more fun. :-)
If you're looking for a Dyna, buy one with the 6-speed and larger fork tubes. Then modify the hell out of it.
Amen to that! Dynas have unlimited potential to make anything you want!
@@GixxerFoo there are guys out in socal passing sport bikes on Dynas at tracks like riverside willow springs and more of all the moto go class on stock Dynas with moto gp suspension system and a jiffy tube ..look it up on you tube ..you gotta see it to believe it ...I started out on a 2011 street Bob with a face kiftvof an exact copy clone of the Vance and Hines Harley Davidson flag ship on the cover of the 2012 screamin' eagle parts book ..five days afterbi bought it ..a brand new Yamaha R1 Yoshimura Factory prepared MotoGP bike pulled up beside me at a stoplight and is revving his engine and I had never even launched this bike for the first time so I decided what the fuck lf i am going to get beat by Japan's fastest faster than a Hayabusa at that day I might as well let him have it..and to both our surprise the R1 never had a chance ...I pegged the 120 speedo in 4th gear ..in two city blocks lifting the front wheel in first and second while the R1 sounded like he was coming on but never caught up ..and have been addicted ever since ..and the police know me very well from terre haute to Indy and back ..and I pay very high insurance premium's
The 2011 has 49 mm fork tubes and race tech has the hard track springs and lnternaly adjustable "gold valves" and together with Ohlins on the back you can cannon carve .. With liter bikes of Europe and Japan ..example my buddy who rides a 955i triumph tiger triple emailed me after a ride and said ..you hit me with rocks 5 times today .and could have busted me headlight ..I say to you ..what was he doing that close to my back tire ???
My 09 Dyna 96 ci hasn't had any modifications and I smoke any bike if challenged......I love it.
Plus it rides like a Cadillac
They are some some strong high torque motors, and run a lot cooler than the 103.
A H/D dealer once told me that 90% of all Harley Davidson motorcycles manufactured since 1972, are still on the road...
The others made it home. 🤣
😆😂 l remember years ago going some big rides and the Harleys would "expire", needless to say the group was a lot smaller at the destination.
My first Harley was manufactured in 1968 I bought in 1979 and did a complete top end and lower end upgrade in 1983 .two months ago I was shown my old bike by its new owners as it still has the same engine as it did the day I restored it some 37 years ago ..and the owner ask me what the hell I did to the engine as he said its pretty damn fast ...
@@imapiledriver2462 what is pretty damn funny is the fact the most ridden and owned bikes in Japan are Harley Davidson's ..the Japanese don't ride what they sell to you and laugh at Americans for buying Japanese motorcycles ..they have a big ride once a year in Japan of over 175,000 members who all ride Harley Davidson motorcycles ..and this is just one of their clubs of many more all riding Harleys ..you tube Harley Davidson's in Japan and watch as it will take you days and weeks to see ..as they have a line of motorcycles called TRIJYA ..AS the Japanese buy thousandsbof new Harleys ..give them a custom face lift with all Trijya badging and are selling them back to us on the west coast at new Trijya dealerships ..
Damn that's awesome! Still in good shape l hope! Every one of my old bikes l came across weren't in the best shape.
It's crazy how big Harley is over there. They love those bikes, hell Harley has one in the museum from Japan that washed up from the tsunami.
The early 96" motors also came with horrendous compensator sprockets that will make for difficulty in starting when hot and will also eat clutch baskets.
They were an absolute nightmare for sure!
@@GixxerFoo You say "were"; I say "still is," as I have replaced my clutch basket and chain tensioner, but haven't made a decision on which way to go with the comp yet.
Wait a minute...The 88ci is the best twin cam Harley ever made! First, it has more HP than a stock 96 and 103 and has the same HP as the stock 110. The motor got bigger over time, but EPA regulations got stricter too so they built the engines differently. The only issue with the 88ci is the cam chain tensioners and maybe the plastic breathers in the rocker boxes which isn't that big of a deal and not that expensive to fix. since 2007, the 96, the 103, and the 110 have had way more problems. The primary tensioner is garbage, the compensator is garbage, but worst of all is the crankshaft which as a runout sometimes up to 0.0012'' because of a bad crankpin, which will cause serious damage to the motor if you do not have the crankshaft trued and welded, or replaced with an aftermarket one. You are lucky if you get to 40 000 miles without having any SERIOUS problems. That is why I would NEVER buy a Harley that was built after 2006. After what I've seen so far, I don't trust the M8s either. And nothing beats the reliability of an old-school EVO even if it does lack power.
Very well said, there were some of the pressed crank pins that went to crap really early on. It just varied engine to engine, some guys got over 100K with those pressed pins. Still can't beat that 88 from 2002 and earlier with the Timken bottom end, that short stroke 88 can really be built into a runner. You're right though that the engine got bigger but the emissions got stricter which killed the stock power potential of these newer engines.
You must have been dropped on your head if you honestly think the 88ci came with more power than the 96/103. 88ci= 57hp/71t, 96ci=69hp/82t, 103ci=75hp/91t, 110ci= 75hp/91t all dyno results from completely stock bikes and i can say from personal experience that a stage 1 88ci will not keep up with a bone stock 96ci or 103ci.
I wish my 2007 96” twin cam had a tight tolerance of .0012 I’m a tool and die maker. 12 ten thousand of an inch is different than .012, like major.
I would definitely go stage 4 on my 09 fatbob, which has a stage 2 with road rage & a dyno tune. Has 60.000 miles on it.
cool video! love my 96!
It's a very nice torque producing motor, it can definitely be woke up if you want to!
Subbed! Glad I came across your video. Just looked at a 2007 Road King with a 96 CI and Stage 1 (Rinehart pipes & modded air intake). I couldn't test ride it since it needs a brake job (front caliper). The dealer is waiting for the parts. But I could start it up and boy is it loud. My neighbors are going to hate me if I do get this bike. Wealth of info in this video if I do plan on making SE upgrades later on!
That's freakin' awesome TQ & HP numbers if one goes all the way to Stage IV 103.
Thank you for sub, 2007 is a good year. Screamin Eagle kits make some sweet reliable power.
I'll stick with my '97 Roadking!!! EVO'S RULE, TWIN CAMS DROOL!!!!!!
Evo's are still a stout motor even today, some guys trade TC's for them.
I'm new to Harley and purchased a 2010 Road King. If I leave it stock is it a reliable engine? Friends with Harleys have at times needed a broom and dust pan to clean the parts from their engines off the road. Just wondering what experience board members have had with this engine. I kept my 1800gl wing, 1300r vtx and VLX 600 just in case it didn't work out. Yeah I know but the expectations for the 1800 s 250k miles, the x is fairly and the VLX wa my start bike and you. Cant tear one up. Riding buddies call them rice burners but if they were to. Look theyd see the Wing was built in south Carolina. The x was born in Ohio. A way I'm curious if anyone has stories about the road king theyd like to share.
@@jamesgarrett2129 Just stick with your rice burner, we don't need you!! All you wanted to do was brag about how great they are!!
@@jamesgarrett2129 Sounds like you're looking for a reason to dislike your king.
This is the third TC Harley they are great motors, and easy to work on. I forgot to list other mods on the bike, V-Twin Power 34 tooth compensator sprocket, full Bassani xhaust, ultra cool oil cooler, and Legend Revo A rear shocks, Legend Axeo front fork cartridges. Thats it for now.
Thanks for the info! That may be it for now but we both know it never really ends lol.
I would buy new but I don't want to have to buy collision insurance. Collision is $3k a year.
Yeah insuring a new Harley is insane and you have to have full coverage. Even if you paid cash l wouldn't risk it. That's the other thing a lot of people don't consider is insurance cost.
You are getting ripped off dude...full coverage of harleys costing over $20,000 is less than $1000/year
@@donniebaker5984 Please give me the link to your insurance company. If I can get insurance that cheap I will buy a new Lowrider.
@@donniebaker5984 Please tell me what insurance company you use.
I use Progressive, they've been really inexpensive for me.
I just bought a nice 96, with the matching factory HD sidecar. I'm an amputee so I'm fitting a Pingle handlebar electric shifter. I don't think that I have enough leg strength. On the left to support a bike if it begins to tip and can't shift or use a sidestand so the hack was the answer. Besides, they are cool. Everybody wants to stop and talk to you. I'm not into trikes.
Consider the 1999-2002 cause they have the Timkin bearing in the case.
You can always bore it to my 96 or 98" and make good 100hp.
You can also change the spring tensioner to Hydraulic with a plate and better oil pump.
The newer engine have the cheap ass bearings and need to be replaced when building the engine up in power.
Cheap ass Harley saving money when they should be improving the engine not making it cheaper.
It sucks they switched from the tapered bearing to cut production costs, you can add them to the 2003 on with a sleeve but it's an operation. There's some awesome kits out there for the 88 and you're right they will make some good power, even with the carb.
Just subscribed. That's a lot of essential info on a motor upgrade. And the chart provides the visual! It's especially hard to find the hp specs on a HD. It needs to be highlighted because it's important to riding style. 68 hp ain't jack at 70 mph when you want quick acceleration. So cams are an essential when upgrading.
Definitely got to add cams on those bikes, that allows you to put the power where you want it!
I'll take a carbureted Evo powered ANYTHING over any Twinkie or Milwaukee 8.
The reliability and simplicity of the EVO is hard to beat. They sound awesome, easy to work on and make great cruiser power with a little tuning.
@@GixxerFoo yeah, that's all over owned. You couldn't give me a brand new one in an even exchange for mine. 142,000 miles and still going strong. If you go to my TH-cam channel you'll see it. One year only Evo powered Road Glide
@Krieger plenty of them still out there
For the money they are great value, there are several here in North Florida. Too heavy for me but for someone wanting a Harley it is a buyers market.
It truly is right now, buying a nice used one is the way to go. Unless you just gotta have the latest greatest. They are heavy but surprisingly they carry it really well.
I would love any Harley Except for the oil disasters from the 70s
Yeah those AMF years were awful, it takes a special person to own a bike from those years. You gotta really enjoy working on them and know the tricks on the shovel heads.
@@GixxerFoo Back when I was getting into bikes some 20 odd years ago, my friends and I made out a dream list, top of which were WLAs, then Shovels, then Pans. The AMF bikes were never even considered.
Yeah there's really no way to make those AMF bikes reliable. They cut corners on materials, castings, parts, assembly, the list just goes on.
@@GixxerFoo Hey now...I've got a '79 shovelhead that I bought in '86 with 22k miles on it, it was hacked pretty good but was relatively cheap for the times. Put another 60k miles on it with one top end job before buying an '04 Road King new. It was pretty tired when I bought the RK with over 80k miles on it and smoking due to rings. I've since gone through the entire engine and while it's not my daily rider anymore, I don't plan on selling it.
I wouldn't sell that bike either, that's really impressive out of a shovel. There were some good ones out there despite the factory quality they fought AMF over.
I’ve got an ‘08 Street Glide FLHX and I absolutely love it. Did the tensioners at about 60k mi, and it’s about time again, but otherwise it’s been an incredibly reliable engine. The engine has required nothing else, I’m on my 3rd clutch, 2nd compensator(3rd coming soon), 2nd drive belt, and a bad fuel check valve. That’s it. Sitting at 120k mi now. Can’t complain at all. Even as just a simple Stage 1, I’ve got more than enough power for what I use it for.
That's awesome, that is what l like to hear! What compensator are you replacing with?
GixxerFoo I used a Baker the first time, but as it hasn’t given me substantially longer life I may try a SE this time. Not beef with the Baker, I just want to find something more cost effective. Looking into the Man O War too, as apparently it’s rebuildable.
I am surprised you had a failure with the Baker, it's a high dollar unit too. The Screamin Eagle is more cost effective, that's what a good Harley service department would recommend after an OEM failure.
GixxerFoo I wouldn’t say I have had an outright failure, but it is getting towards the end of its life. It does have 100k kms(~65k mi) on it now. The usual symptoms of a bad compensator are starting to crop up again, and I did notice a fair bit of wear last winter when I pulled it to replace the final drive belt. Given that I ride my bike as if someone else is paying for maintenance and repairs, I really can’t complain. I beat the hell of her, so a little TLC is expected.
Damn 65k and riding the crap out of it, that's pretty good l would say.
S&S / evo type
S&S makes some quality parts and motors for the EVO, can't go wrong there.
I've got a 98 softail EVO chopped out and it's going nowhere trust, but I'm chasing a 96 twinkie street glide for my out of state trips. Thanks for the encouragement.
Or you could do like I did, buy a new Honda 1800. More hp, more torque, Honda reliability, and 1/3 the price of a hd. Don't get me wrong, I love HD, always wanted one, buy they ain't made of gold.
No they ain't made of gold, the Honda makes some power for sure!
Kevin Lorren yea but it’s still a Honda,and to make it worse it’s a Honda TRYING to be a HD.😉
Just picked up a 2008 Rocker C with 96B motor and only 13K miles for $7500 in like new condition with a few added accessories. New out the door was $22,000 back 13 years ago..
That's awesome! I love scooping up used bike like that, they still hold their value pretty well all things considered too.
@@GixxerFoo after watch some of your vids along with some cam install vids think I might attempt to do a Woods TW222 cam install kit (cams, gaskets/o rings, inner cam bearing(s), EZ adj push rods) from Fuel Moto.. $559 plus another $100 or so for bearing puller/install thingy..
Or buy a used Indian Scout that came with over 100hp + tq out of the box.
That Scout is the real deal, good 2-1 exhaust, air box, good dyno tune and they will put 100 to the real wheel. They put down 85 to the ground stock, really impressive for a stock motor.
If your a little fella.
No
Great video! As a bigger guy I would want the touring bike and the frame before 2009 wasn’t the best I hear. But my 2015 RGS is a great platform.
The touring platform definitely wasn't what it is today, they made some huge improvements during project "Rushmore". They took a lot of customer feedback and put into the touring bikes. Having a 2015 RGS, you likely wouldn't be impressed with the older touring models.
Bet if we tied your hands you couldn't talk
😆😂👍 probably not...
I love that Knuckleheads Garage sign behind you! LOL
😆😂 thank you, l saw that and l had to have it!
Those creepy hand and arm movements are casting spells!🤣🤣🙈
😆😂 yes, yes they are... buy a used bike and save yourself a lot of money 👍
I got a 09 rk with many extras including the oem tour pak. I paid 12500 4 year ago. The bike had only 8k miles and looked brand new. The previous owner put about 3k in extras. For me, a 12.5k for a practical new bike is a good deal.
Especially for a Road King, you can add another 10 to 15K to what you paid for a new Road King off the floor depending on which model you get.
Is this dude signing for the deaf folks watching? I hope so.
😆😂 l just get excited talking about bikes 🤷♂️
I have a 2006 dyna Street Bob with the 6 speed and FI 88 w/43k miles still going strong!
Frickin sweet bike! Street Bobs are fun bikes, l those and the Low Rider.