Bike -- 2009 FLHT Electra Glide Standard 96 cubic inch -- Stage 1

As it says above , just turned over 100,000 kms . Aways plenty of talk regarding engine longevity and component breakdowns before there time. I am not an expert in motors, etc ,  but over the years , I have tried to learn from experienced people, and the internet has been invaluable the last few years..  just thought I'd share my experience with my twin cam engine and bike.

First off, the engine/ transmission / etc ,--- No probems what so ever ...  The only thing that has been unbuttoned, is the cam cover,(to check tensioners) , reason being, I had the head pipes off , and thought I would check them at 60,000 ,(they were in good condition..

Reason I had the header pipes off , was because the pipe cracked at the active exhaust valve .. welded new pipe on , and I pissed the active exhaust off.

Just recently ,,  replaced brake rotors ,(front and rear) , as there were signs of warping ...  Replaced starter clutch assembly in starter, as there was grinding at hot starts .   I dont have any banging or major clucking at start up or stopping, so I am confident the compsenator is ok...

Had a couple of fairing brackets that cracked and needed replacing ..

All servicing and maintenance are done as per the manual , (mostly before) ,,   all fluids ,, brakes ,, filters (air and fuel),, etc..

Thats about the end of the story ...   Only what I regard as, minor /normal repairs , so I am very happy with the wear and tear and the performance with the bike ..  She has'nt broken down or let me down , she's just a joy to ride !!!!!

I have done some investigations into refreshing /upgrading, some engine components , (or even trading up), but the jury is still out on these ..  The old story,, if she aint broke, leave well alone !!!!

This seems to be a good news story ,,   not something that get's  aired on forums that much !!!!

Ride safe fella's .........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well done Mark.

Great achievement with minimum fuss and outlay.

Let's see what the next 100,000 brings.

Well done Mark . When you,re on a good thing , stick with it .

I was fitting a battery tender to my bike this afternoon and I had a good look at the bike in general. Fuckin Smick. only got 29k on the clock but I like it.

Good run Mark, sounds like you've got the recipe for longevity, stay safe.

Well done Marcus. A good news story for a change!.

Great news ! realistically what sort of ks has the bike got left in it ? i tend to unload bikes at 50,000-60,000km max as i don't want to risk blowing the engine up but like yours the modern Harleys probably have a lot of ks left in them.

Mark, great to see. I know the Evo motors were good for 100k too, if treated right. Do you ride mainly longish trips or a mix of city? And are you a start and ride the bike from cold, or leave to idle and warm up a bit? Interested as you're bike qualifies as a good test case ... maybe? Cheers in advance

Couple of questions have been asked ,,,, First off ,, we in Australia have still got a problem getting around the figure of 100,000 , since we changed from miles to kms ... Plenty of twin cam, efi bikes , (well say , stock to Stage 2), in the land of Harley ,(usa) , and here,, running strong at between 100 - 150,000 MILES , (160 - 200,000kms), serviced and maintained regularly, with normal wear and tear .. What there worth at this time is another topic ,, Some want newer ,(lower km), bikes in their garage , (because they can), and with the understanding that they wont/should'nt), have major repairs needed... I can understand that, but in this day and age, a bike that is well maintained with 100,000 kms and over,, you should'nt be thinking that you need an Undertakers phone number in your wallet , waiting to pick you ride up on the side of the road !!!!

Back to the questions ,,, With regard what type of kms she has done ,,, 99.9% country and highway ... Is this a plus compared to mostly city riding ,, with all the evidence out there on how engines, and there components like to run , I would say yes !!!!

With regard start up ,,, The newer efi bikes dont need to sit at idle to long,, but on average , 1 -2 minutes , take it easy till your up to operating temp ,, then away you go !!! If you live in extreme conditions , (hot or cold) ,, this is when oil selection may come into play ...

Now I dont wont to start an oil thread !!!! So dont ask what oil i use !!!! It's a f-cking secret !!!! But , I can tell you, its really good shit !!!!!

PS ,, be good to hear from others that have high kms late model bikes, that are going strong !!!!!

Hey Plauly ,,,, There are some positives coming out of the dramas your having at the moment with your ride !!!! Just think ,, when you hit the magic 100,000 kms it will be all plain sailing !!!!!

Great story mark.

2012 fatbob has 50,000 ks on it now. Stage 4 installed from new, oil changed every 4000ks
Bike gets a flogging and has never let me down.
Going better the more I ride it.

Pauly ,, Good to hear your back on the road , and thats the last of the dramas !!!!!

I have to agree Paul these things should run up to 150 to 200k without any major issues. So far mine has behaved herself at just over 24k. On Friday she is in for racetech front springs and a service, at least$1k.