99 Dyna.....71,000 trouble free miles and going strong....have done all my own work too...and I'm not even that great of a mechanic

Editor: Just to clarify, you are saying that you have 71k with absolutely no mechanical failures or any kind of work needed outside of routine maintenance and enhancements?

One of my battery cables got loose once....it took me a few minutes to figure out why it wouldn't start......... other than that......oil, plugs, tires etc.......still goin strong...........the days of the leaky, unreliable harley are in the distant past

Hello to all,

My background is that I have been riding HD's since the 60's and have a mechanical and technical background from the time my grandfather put a wrench in my hand working on AMC's. I have been a technician in the USAF working on B-52's, KC-135's, C-9's, C-141's, and a host of others. I was also an instructor at the USAF Academy's Parachute Team for many years. Attention to detail was important then as it is now.

After retiring from the USAF I worked at an H-D dealership in Colorado as a Service Writer / Manager of the Technicians. Later moving back to Wisconsin I again worked as a Service Writer and later wanted to get back into wrenching, which I did. I have been through numerous H-D schools and have been an "H-D" technician for a number of years.

Ok enough of that.

What I am going to inform you about if you don't know already is you need to have your Cam Chain Tensioner's looked at in around the 20k time frame. The shoes may become worn to a point that they will actually fall apart and pieces end up in the engine and could possibly ruin it. An important procedure to help alleviate the problem is to change that engine oil often and keep it clean!

If you do have to change out the Shoes, you can upgrade to a new Cam, to make your engine work more efficiently. Also you can just cut the pushrods verses removing the top end and install adjustable rods. That will save some time and money.

Attached are a couple of photos that I took of what can happen.

Knowledge can be good.

West

I got my first Harley Davidson in 1986 for $2,000. It was a rough looking 1969 XLCH 900 Sportser.....the famed magneto ignitioned, leg-breaking, cantankerous satanic pile of iron that literally vibrated parts off while going down the road. It was a rolling basket-case. Mechanically speaking, it was very sound; however, it looked like it was painted with water colors by a 3-year old. No big deal, I completely ripped the bike down to a bare frame and commenced to build a decent street ride. I'd been on countless dirt bikes and one street bike up to this point and working on 2-wheelers was my hobby.

I learned fairly quickly that going to a dealership was not going to be a frequent experience. I was not at all impressed with the "modern" Harley Dealership. They had few parts for my bike and what they did have was way overpriced.

I learned from many experienced Harley owners via the 'ol barstool in the local watering hole the right places to go to get parts for an old 900. I also learned a few tricks on how to set up the frame, the correct tolerances for the engine (not even close to the factory manual) and basic tips on how not to break a leg while kicking this beast.

I have figured out today and had a lot of fun laughing and acting up about it today! The best way to enjoy a Harley is to shine it up, and park it in the garage. Go get you a lawn chair and a brewster and sit and admire your bike......just do not try to ride it!! Kit

HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES
A COMMON SENSE LOOK
IT IS A SHAME-REALLY IS

I have rode motorcycles all my life, I am now 53 years old and in the market for a new machine. I have had every make of motorcycle made I suppose, including three Harleys.

Bike cuts out, complete electric failure, approximately 30-45 seconds after leaving an extended red light, or pulling hills during hot weather conditions in Phoenix and nearby hills. Will sit for 2-4 minutes, and breaker will reset on it's own, bike starts and runs great until the next extended light or heavy hill. Charging system is putting out 13.6 volts. The 40 Amp breaker was replaced by a 50 Amp on a recall. No faults noted on engine scanner

Should I try a 60 amp breaker?

Is the Stator in the charging system bad?