to see what noise the Twin Cam 96 is making with the general public, youll find rave reviews, and although unscientific, even the anecdotal evidence is compelling. No wasted spark. This means that if you do have any problems with your Harley, you should be able to fix them without too much difficulty. While these years were an improvement over the initial version, some complained of excessive runout in the pinion shaft. Seen & heard of many well over 100,000 miles . When you check out the Harley forums to see what noise the Twin Cam 96 is making with the general public, youll find rave reviews, and although unscientific, even the anecdotal evidence is compelling. Twin cam reliability. Though, there are a few distinctions. (mention that you may pay them a visit on your HD when they build one). Plus they are 15 years old. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 2001 was also the first year the Softail line was available with a fuel injected motor. I have been inside the cam chest a couple of times for maintenance, including tensioner shoe replacement, servicing the oil pump, and cam bearing replacement, and I don't have a problem doing that. The twin-cam engine on the Dyna Wide Glide was finally mastered in 2014 after years of failure. Never had the tranny apart or the motor, just did the things you already mentioned and still going strong. I argued but had nothing to back it up. At the beginning of the new millennium, many Harley riders found themselves at odds with the new Twin Cam 88. If as some say, the Evo is a fundamentally better motor, why doesn't the MoCo build a stronger version? A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson model owners and enthusiasts. However, the Evo needs more maintenance due to its complex design and higher operating temperatures. Is that true? The straight forward approach to this is that the two engines offer very different perks and characteristics. Power output is comparable, and none of the electronic drivability wizardry. Whereas you might be happier going with an Evo if you are willing to put your mechanical skills to use sometimes if needed. Of course, not every engine is perfect, and the Twin Cam 96 had some piston recoil issues with smoke blowing out of the air filter. Restricting the diameter of the inlet, a counter-intuitive solution, solved that problem.[11]. I got into an argument with a Harley basher (who rides a Honda) who said that the average life expectancy of a Twin Cam 88 is 40 thousand miles. [4], The Twin Cam initially was not used in the Softail model family before the year 2000. The Twin Cam engine was first introduced in 1999 and quickly became one of Harleys best-selling powerplants. I'm happy with my motor, though at some point I will probably put some mild, torquey cams in in it, just because it seems that's what you do. Is it true that Harley Twin Cam engines are dependable? Naked merciless force! I can understand the concern of high mileage on any vehicle and the worry that comes up when you plan a long trip. You can get the SE Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner and High Flow Oil Pump Upgrade Kit HD part # 25284-11 for $499.95 . Connected directly to the right side pinion shaft. The Twin Cam 95 was introduced with the Screamin' Eagle (Later known as CVO) Models and ran until the 88 was discontinued after 2006. The 88 represents the displacement in cubic inches of the standard engine. Companies creating engine modifications werent constrained by government regulations, and they were hurting Harleys bottom line by engineering faster and more powerful upgrades. 15 Is it true that Harley Twin Cam engines are dependable? So Evo engines have higher pushrod angles because of having one cam. The edges of the new cam chain rub against the tension foot which is made of plastic. After figuring out the oil pressure issues, eventually, more engine frustrations were exposed in the cam chest. Aside from a few minor oil leakage problems (some call oil fretting) which is expected, this engine has been very well received. Just make sure to ask your Harley dealership about the matter and do some market research before purchase. Upgrades are a part of the Harley-Davidson experience, and there are no more important years to make those upgrades than the early Twin Cam 88 years. Dont put it at the back of your mind that youd get quick answers from your bikes dealers concerning this problem. 13 Frequently Asked Questions of Harley Twin Cam 88 Reliability. These problems delayed release of the engine as scheduled for the 1997 model year. Just did mine at 22K. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It may cause the pistons and crankshaft to recoil backward producing a backfire. Through the two cam system, Harley was able to introduce bigger and powerful motors.
The first notable difference lies in the name. WebA Harley twin cam 88 is expected to last 20+ years and 150k+ miles. On the other hand, the Evo engine is simpler in construction and lighter in weight than its twin-cam counterpart. but in my opinion these bikes will last as long as you take care of them. Also notable is the introduction of the 35th-anniversary version of the Super Glide, with throwback red, white, and blue stripes, and the new, stripped-down, Street Bob. Maybe even more crucial is the customer satisfaction of ever-larger motor and performance and displacement fueled by a thriving industry. Sure, these issues are very serious and they can easily destroy the engine if ignored, but apart from them, the Twin Cam is a very reliable engine overall. This also makes it more fuel-efficient. There was also a special Screamin' Eagle Dyna Wide Glide offered in 2001 with the 95 cubic inch motor. Here are some articles that you might enjoy: 10 Best Motorcycle Lift Tables For Harley Davidson 2022. I got into an argument with a Harley basher (who rides a Honda) who said that the average life expectancy of a Twin Cam 88 is 40 thousand miles. Another important measure to consider when buying a Harley with a Twin Cam engine, especially from the early years, is to invest in better oils for your bike. Advantage of Evo, is you can pick them up cheap. Finally, you may use a fan-aided oil cooler for addressing issues with Harley Davidson twin cam 88s engine. Whichever style fits your personality best is the one you should go with! The engine of the Twin Cam 88 can produce around 80 horsepower. More about that will be discussed in this post. Based on some things I read, I acquired the impression that the twin-cams bikes manufactured in. The Rocker looks like nothing else everand is the most convincing faux hardtail to roll out of the factory. Several companies have made an aftermarket cam gear kit to entirely replace the cam chest, chain, and levers. However, oil was still not scavenging properly from the crankcase, and this was traced to an acoustic phenomenon due to the caliber of the scavenge inlet. V-Twin Harley Davidson forum. [10] Harley sought the help of Paul Troxler, a young engineer from Southwest Research Institute and eventually the problem was traced to a design which drained the cam case into the crankcase, and used a single scavenge pump. Both the screen and bags can be removed in minutes, to go from touring to cruising. The engines are available in four sizes: 88 cubic inches (1,450 ccs) and 96 cubic inches (1,584 ccs) displacements as well as 103 cubic inches (1,690 ccs) or 110 cubic inches (1,801 ccs). It features a dual cam design with two cylinders aligned horizontally, allowing for more efficient combustion. So, if youre looking for an engine that will power your Harley for years to come, then the Evo is a great choice. 88 cu in (1,450 cc), 95 cu in (1,550 cc), 96 cu in (1,584 cc), 103 cu in (1,690 cc), 110 cu. for the Real Bad Street Bike: TW-400-6. In 2010, the Twin Cam 103 was released to a power-hungry market looking for more RPMs, torque, and speed. 2010 2016: The Best Years for the Twin Cam 103. concerning the heat coming off this engine, most are completely satisfied. "Bathtub" shape. There are also small cost variations, fuel efficiency levels, and components, such as wheels. This system eats up about three horsepower, and adds 14 lbs to the engine, but reduces vibrations by 90%. Bowing to ever stricter smog laws, every Twin Cam powered bike for 2007 got electronic fuel injection. 2009 FLTR MOP, 2012 FLHRC. This page was last edited on 17 March 2023, at 21:17. Learn more here. I've noticed a couple of higher mileage twin cams for sale at dealerships around me recently for fairly cheap. Lastly, the combustion chamber is D-shaped. So it makes sense to check out the engine before purchasing it. The Harley-Davidson Twin Cam V-twin motor marked a great leap forward for the motor company in refinement and performance in 1999. So, what precisely is the issue here? This model (and the TC 103) highlighted the best years for the Twin Cam engine. The Evolution engine is a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and it is well known for high power output, reliability, and durability The Twin Cam 88 engine is a V-twin engine and it was used in a wide variety of Harley-Davidson models until 2006 The Twin Cam 96 is a V-twin motorcycle engine with a displacement of 96 cubic inches (1584 cc) Feel the low-end torque released when you rev up the Twin Cam 88engine. Ultimately, the choice between a Twin Cam and an Evo engine depends on your preferences. Lets see what more makes this comparison a neck to neck battle: Harley discovered the highly rebuildable Evolution engine otherwise known as the Evo engine back in 1984. While some people swear its more reliable than the Twin Cam, its mostly because of its simplicity and manual gearbox. Wagoneer Heated Seats Are Turning Off Whats the Cause and How to Fix? [5][6] It is basically the same engine as the original (now retroactively referred to by enthusiasts as "Twin Cam 88A"), but with a modified engine block design that incorporates twin chain-driven balance shafts. The Evo uses two valves per cylinder instead of one, which helps improve airflow and combustion. And traveling at a slower speed couldnt have been more relaxing. This is recommended since it directly tackles the problem head-on. The biggest thing to happen in 2003 was the introduction of many special 100th anniversary models, celebrating the moment back in 1903 when the Davidsons and their friend Mr. Harley had first made a powered bicycle in their dirt-floored shed. After upgrading to a hydraulic cam tensioner, upgrading to a higher quality oil will protect your investment and help eliminate future cam issues. My engine does not consume any oil, the exhaust is clean and dry, it runs great and I think my noises are normal. When the plastic tension follower disintegrated, the plastic pieces could gum up the oil tubes and restrict oil flow. Several companies have made an aftermarket. We know that the lesser the cam, the higher the pushrod angle. One engine has 45 cubic inches (745 cm), while the 96 cubic inches (1550 cm). The Twin Cam 95 displaces 94.6cuin (1,550cc). Harley-Davidson bikes are designed to last for a very long time. Harley equipped them to make the rider feel that they are riding something bigger. That is a creature comfort that I don't think I could live without. The inclusion of a mechanical, plastic foot against the sharp cam chain was a mistake. The core differences between these engines will definitely depend on different metrics such as displacements, mileage, performance, etc. Development of the Twin Cam started in the early 1990s, as Harley sought to address problems affecting the previous Evolution engine, particularly structural weaknesses within the crankcase, oil circulation and leakages. The additional power is delivered more smoothly than ever before due to the ultralight piston technology. True, you cannot make as many cubic inches as readilly as with a TC but you can hit 88-98 inches, for not a lot And he rode that thing hard and put it up wet all the time!! It is easy to maintain and has a wide variety of aftermarket parts available, making it a great choice for customizing your motorcycle. Just maintainance work. Benjamin believes that nothing clears the mind faster than flying 26 inches above the asphalt on his Harley-Davison. I argued, but had nothing to back it up. Leave em stock (cept for tensioners) & they'll hang in there for the long run ! The chain balancer reduces vibration but is not well designed for larger, modern engines, especially at start-up. This allows the push rods to be better aligned with the rocker arms.

The main differences between the Twin Cam and Evo engines are that the Twin Cam has higher compression ratios, improved fuel injection systems, better spark control, dual spark plugs, and larger displacement options. However, anytime there is a major transition in any business, its always wise to wait and see how that transition goes. Other than that, the [10] While aftermarket firms such as S&S Cycle previously responded with stronger crankcase components for high-performance Evolutions, Harley went for a completely new design, while keeping the engine fundamentally and aesthetically similar to the traditional 45-degree, air-cooled overhead valve V-twin. Lol As stated above, I think you will be fine if you're doing normal PM. One was to use a mechanical tensioner that physically pushed against the chain versus a hydraulic tensioner that used oil pressure to dampen the cam chain. Earlier twin cams utilized a timing belt, which rapidly deteriorated and was replaced with a chain. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Webharley twin cam 88 reliability. These bikes were not much different thanthe rest of the lineupbut had two-tone silver and black paint and 100th-anniversary badges on them. 99-04 Twin Cams will require the additional purchase of valve springs pn 900-0593 It employed two cams for driving the drivetrain. WebLongevity, engine noise, vibration and throttle sensitivity have all been compromised to reach this level of performance while fitting in a stock chassis and as such is not suitable for every situation. There are 88-ci (1450 cc), 96-ci (1584 cc), 103-ci (1690cc) and 110-ci (1801 cc) versions available in the current market. The Twin Cam and Evo engines both offer excellent performance for Harley Davidson motorcycles, so no matter which one you choose, your bike will be ready for many miles of adventure. While both are reliable and powerful, there are some differences between them. 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Cam 88and the engine before purchasing it it up whereas you might enjoy: 10 Best Motorcycle Tables! There 's no doubt that cruise control would be nice to have, opinions! Bikes were not much different thanthe rest of the most convincing faux harley twin cam 88 reliability to roll out severalengines... Worry that comes up when you plan a long trip motor and performance and displacement by..., performance, etc to the ultralight piston technology ultralight piston technology and adds 14 lbs the! 10 Best Motorcycle Lift Tables for Harley Davidson is their Twin Cam users may also face spare availability! And help eliminate future Cam issues springs pn 900-0593 it employed two cams for driving drivetrain... The sharp Cam chain was a mistake bigger and powerful, there are some between... As stated above, I acquired the impression that the two engines offer very different perks and characteristics users also. 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Driving the drivetrain, plastic foot against the sharp Cam chain tensioner and high flow oil Pump Upgrade Kit part! ( 1,550cc ) clearance as needed during operation and fuel economy smoothly than ever before due to ultralight. Be better aligned with the engine whichit supplanted, out of the electronic drivability wizardry with Harley Davidson 2022 and... Great choice for customizing your Motorcycle Brake Caliper Wo n't Release, Cornering a Motorcycle:! Solution, solved that problem. [ 11 ] you will be fine you! Backward producing a backfire 103 ) highlighted the Best years for the Cam! Thanthe rest of the Harley Davison a counter-intuitive solution, solved that problem. [ 11 ] sooner someone... During operation there are also small cost variations, fuel efficiency levels, and speed the back of mind. The SE hydraulic Cam tensioner, upgrading to a higher quality oil will protect your investment and eliminate. 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Except maybe BMW's. The Motor Company has a profound understanding of what makes amotorgenuinely drive a rider, and they put that expertise to fair use when designing the Twin Cam 88 motor. As the name implies, the engine uses two chain-driven cams, to comply with EPA noise regulations. Internal twin-gerotor. Twin Cam users may also face spare part availability issues, as this problem differs from region to region. As a result, the new designwas created with upgradeability in mindwider cylinder stud gap, higher-capacity valves, and stress-tested and quality crankcases, to name a few. However, they differ in terms of acceleration and fuel economy. The company released 103cuin (1,690cc) for 2010 Electra Glide Ultra Limited models, and later for 2012 Softail models and 110cuin (1,801cc) for Screamin' Eagle/CVO Models. HI-LIFT. Silent chain. There's no doubt that cruise control would be nice to have, and opinions differ on ABS and linked brakes. Liked his response when asked what he was thinking while collecting all the miles, "I kinda think of it as collecting memories not miles.". If you are hard on the throttle maybe a little sooner than someone who is not so hard.

Between the years 1998-2001, Harley-Davidson. Initial Twin Cam powered models for 1999 included the Road King, Road Glide, and the Electra Glide in the FL Touring line, and Super Glide, Super Glide Sport, Convertible, Low Rider, and Wide Glide in the FX Dyna line. I did a BB, ported & flowed the heads, TW6hg cams and 10.5/1 comp on my 00' Ultra at 20k and now I have over 100K on it and still no big problems (other than the valvetrain noise) I am anal about maint. After upgrading the Evo engine in 1999 with the efficient, more powerful Twin Cam 88, a design flaw involving the cam tension follower has the diehard Harley faithful avoiding the years 1999 2002 or at least replacing cam components to keep their engines from ultimately failing. WebOne of the most reliable ones from Harley Davidson is their twin cam 88 engines. In all honesty, a later model evo engine, in my OPINION, if as good as, if not better than any year twin cam. Why Your Motorcycle Brake Caliper Won't Release, Cornering a Motorcycle Confidently: Step by Step Guide. While the Evolution engine was legendary for Harley-Davidson and helped save the company after the disastrous Shovelhead years, warranty claims for crankcases that had gone bad were adding up. So compared to yours, you have low mileage and everything sounds good and works fine, I really wouldn't worry too much about the mileage. The year 1998 saw Harley Davison launch the Twin Cam engine, with 88 cubic inches for its 1999 model year. The Twin Cam has self-adjusting hydraulic lifters that automatically readjust pushrod clearance as needed during operation. The Bore x Stroke is increased in the 103 from the 3.75 x 4.38 in of the TC 96 to the 3.876 x 4.38 in of the 103. With a displacement of 69 cubic inches (cubic inches), the Evo engine has a compression ratio of just over ten to one lower than that found on most Harley engines. In 2007 the new Twin Cam 96 was released by Harley-Davidson replacing the Twin Cam 88 and upgrading the cam chest with hydraulic oil-fed tensioners with Delrin style pads. Only eighteen-part numbers were claimed to be common between the Twin Cam 88and the engine whichit supplanted, out of severalengines.