The new project '02 fatboy arrived a few days ago from interstate...  turns out to be way more of a project than I was told and basically the bike is a basket case piece of shiit that barely runs. 

Was just planning on a top end rebuild from 88 - 95" but this motor feels like it's done 200,000 kms and probably has as the scumbag who sold it to me didn't tell me the Speedo didn't work. Stuck on 46K and the needle doesn't move. 

I have a new Speedo sensor on the way to fix that hopefully.  

Anyways, my question is, how do you know when a bottom end rebuild is a good idea, and if so what's involved?

Thanks. 

I was just looking at a crank rebalance / rebuild / repair and thought that there might be a shop in Australia that does this sort of stuff? I have no idea on what it would cost or what's involved, just considering my options. 

Cheers

Second hand motor from a wrecked bike? 

I done a cam bearing on my '04 88cu nightrain, in may 2013, this was the quote to fix and upgrade

FXSTB engine repair options
 
88cui 60hp with 80ftlbs approx
 
Complete engine gasket kit  17053-99C  $131.05 in stock
SE upgraded cam support plate with oil pump  25284-11 $630.40  ins tock
Pistons and rings 21930-99   $123.40 each  Backorder 2- 3 week s
Crank shaft 23971-03B $1219.30  backorder 2 -3  weeks
All bearings 24605-07 $38.95  in stock
Camshaft front 25534-99 $168.90 backorder 2 – 3 weeks
Camshaft rear  25544-00 $168.90 backorder 2 – 3 weeks
Cam service kit 17045-99D $138.65  in stock
 
Parts total $2742.95
 
Oils/Sundries $50
Labour $2376
 
Grand total $5168.95
 
Or you can go this much better option!
 
103cui with 204 cams 80hp with 100ftlbs approx
 
Complete engine gasket kit  17053-99C  $131.05 in stock
SE upgraded cam support plate with oil pump  25284-11 $630.40  ins tock
Screamin Eagle piston kit 103 22144-08B   $378.20
Crank shaft $1575.10  backorder 2 -3  weeks
All bearings 24605-07 $38.95  in stock
Screamin Eagle 204 cams 25464-06  $416.05
Cam service kit 17045-99D $138.65  in stock
 
Parts total $3308.40
 
Boring cylinders $240
Oils/Sundries $50
Labour $2376
 
Grand total $5974.44

this bike can loosen the rear wheel into 3rd gear

I know it's old but I was told I could just upgrade the motor cheaper, (this forum) I rebuilt prior to this advice

Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the second option you say 103". I know this is possible with the crank, but how far can the stock tc88 cylinders be bored to? I thought 3.937" was absolute max.  Or, does that that equal 103" once the crank  is changed? 

Cheers

88 and 96in cylinders are the same bore.

The 95 cylinders and pistons are the same as the 103 but the 103 has the longer stroke. 

88 and 95 have the same stroke with different bore cylinders. Just like 96 and 103 have the same stroke with different bore cylinders. 

If I was building from scratch I'd be aiming for a square motor myself, bore and stroke the same dimensions.

Big stroker motors have the piston moving much faster for a given RPM.

I'm thinking it must be because S&S did a drop on 100" kit for tc88s that had a 4.000" bore with the stock 4.000" stroke. I think there are a few left in stock at some places but not being produced by S&S anymore due to to many cases of fractured cylinder spigots?

Then again, just boring the stock cylinders to 98" gets you pretty close to 100" anyways for much less $$$.

My two bobs worth if it runs get the above tested if good then save your pennies and ride. If it needs a top end then get a decent rebore piston etc head tidy, cam and you will be having fun for years. My friend got his 88 - 95 with cam etc for $3K.

As said crank can be assessed when barrels come off.

If crank is in need of rebuild, harley cranks can go huge mileage if oil is kept up to the knocker, then you have an big decision. Getting the crank rebuilt you wouldn't bother you would get a longer stroke one get it balanced, welded and trued. You would also get it bored out maybe 114 this size will still give longevity. Why would you not get a timken. Gear cams and upgraded oil pump. Oh yeah oil cooler. Clutch. That 111 s and s is not that dear with warranty!

Last word dont fixate on the crank, if it is f---- then rest of bike might be too.

Remember there are other crate motors and yes s and s is one of the best. Ultima can offer a good alternative yeah everyone knocks them. Only have a limited experience with them but has been favourable.