Twin Cam has two cams, one in each cylinder. The design also allows for increased airflow to the cylinders, resulting in better acceleration and improved fuel economy. Allows more efficient combustion and has higher compression. Any person going for an Evo must always consider the availability issue. Bolt-On Big Bore Kit, Twin Cam Our most reliable The cam chain was comprised of separate metal fins that could become quite sharp, so youd think that the actual foot used at the end of the tension lever to press against the metal chain would be made of something more durable than plastic. Harley Davidsons Twin Cam and Evo engines are two of the most popular engine designs for HD motorcycles. Plus it is nice to be different than everyone else, which ironically is what the Shovel guys used to say. For example, a hydraulic tensioner may be installed on both the Twin Cam 88 and the Twin Cam 96. Considering its performance, 2002 has (1,801 cc). The touring bike lineup got a major update for 2009, leaving almost no stone unturned. WebInitial 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 suggest riding examples of what you are considering. Power output is comparable, and none of the electronic drivability wizardry. Webharley twin cam 88 reliability. 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. Lastly, the combustion chamber is D-shaped. Twin Cams came into being during 1999. This bike has become one of the favorite statring points of the custom bagger crowd. V-Twin Harley Davidson forum. D Dynalee Registered Joined Aug 23, 2016 While both are reliable and powerful, there are some differences between them. 2001 was also the first year the Softail line was available with a fuel injected motor. One per cylinder, each with 2 lobes. Based on some things I read, I acquired the impression that the twin-cams bikes manufactured in. JavaScript is disabled. This change was reported as necessary to meet EPA noise requirements. Silent chain. Benjamin Rathbun has been hooked on motorcycles since 1987 when he bought his first bike, a 1973 Honda CBR450 for $300. This allows the push rods to be better aligned with the rocker arms. Connected directly to the right side pinion shaft. Overall, the Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88 and 88B engines are outstanding models of efficiency and power. The Harley-Davidson Twin Cam are motorcycle engines made by Harley-Davidson from 1998 to 2017. 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. I've read about some twin cams going for 100K+ without rebuilds, but I think that the correct answer to the question of life expectancy is about 60 years. It is much more efficient at converting fuel into power than its predecessors; the air cooling system helps keep the internal temperature down which in turn helps with a performance by allowing each cylinder to achieve higher compression ratios and therefore produce more power per unit of displacement. Had a 99 FLHR twin cam. Overall, both engine designs offer excellent performance and reliability for Harley Davidson motorcycles. The Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engines have been used in many different touring models as well as some limited special edition models. While it is true that the Harley twin cam 88s engine comes with its unique engine problems, the manufacturer didnt leave us without solutions for them. You should also look into the Automatic Primary Chain Tension Adjuster HD part #40063-05B for $109.95 as a upgrade. Both bikes are reliable. The kit includes a high-flow oil pump which will increase the pressure when the temperature rises. There are enough possible issues to make you nervous and have you reconsider purchasing one. Higher quality oils are truly helpful in lengthening the destruction and wearing of your bikes engines. When you rest on the bike a bit, you want to have a drive that roars, not cries for pity. ThrottlePack.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Additionally, it features an aluminum head for better heat dissipation than the Twin Cams cast iron design. 17 How long does a Harley-Davidson engine last? The Twin Cam 96 displaces 96.7cuin (1,584cc). 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. Seems from what I have read anywhere between 15K and 25K. My engine does not consume any oil, the exhaust is clean and dry, it runs great and I think my noises are normal. If you are looking for an engine that will give you plenty of power and torque, then the Evo is a perfect choice. Lastly, it all comes down to your personal preference of style. There are a few Twim Cam years that you may want to avoid. 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. The new counterbalanced engine is so smooth, the transmission has to be revised becausevibrations reduce friction and help the gears slide across each other. The result was a bike that handled and stopped better, was more comfortable, exposed the rider to less engine heat, and still looked awesome. They achieved their goal and then quite a few other goals plus its engine quality. The Evo comes in both four-speed and six-speed transmissions, but we can only select one option with the twin Cam. Increased cooling fin areas and an oil jet that sprays the bottom of the pistons provide additional cooling capability. Has about 118k on it now! Learn more here. 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. Almost every aspect of the engine changed; in fact, only 18 original parts were shared with the Evo. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Twin Cams also have more surface area and spraying system for efficient cooling. Its not the sharp corner, its what might be coming the other way. Having the proper spark plug can have a significant impact on the performance reliability of your Harley Davidson. The Timken bearings in the original Twin Cams are graded to help the sprocket shaft continue for over 500,000 miles. is penny marshall related to frank marshall by in repair pella windows by in repair pella windows In general, the Twin Cam is a good engine, especially after 2007. It employed two cams for driving the drivetrain. Put S&S gear drive cams in at 65k. But arguably its biggest leap forward in terms of reliability, Baggers reports, came in 1986. It can be found in Softail models including Heritage Softail Classic, Fat Boy, Deuce, and the FXS Softail Blackline. Another choice was the quality of parts involved. It necessitates costly endurance assessment. I am talking about used bikes in general, you can pick up evos really cheap, an advantage, though you can pick 88 TCs up fairly cheap, people want 6 speed and 103 or 96". I have 106,000 miles on my 04 never been opened original cam shoes clutchetc. These problems delayed release of the engine as scheduled for the 1997 model year. Heres a look at the technical elements and developments that allowed the 88-cu.-in. The Evo engine is a great choice for those who want a powerful and reliable engine for their Harley. Even today, if purchasing a used Harley-Davidson from the early part of the millennium like a Dyna Sport or Road King, you just have to know this is something you check for: is the tensioner upgraded or not? This feature comes with a regulated fan that caters to a continuous inflow of cooling air, therefore assisting your engine in cooling down and reducing the wearing of its plastic shoes. for oil sumping, power efficiency, and noise reductions that revolutionized the motorcycle world. It also arrives at a slower cruising speed, resulting in a smoother ride, reduced engine noise, and improved motorway fuel economy. Our team is made up of industry experts and enthusiasts. Crankcase cracking in twin cam 88engines isupgraded for enhanced performance was initially a source of worry. Feel the low-end torque released when you rev up the Twin Cam 88engine. So, what precisely is the issue here? Liked his response when asked what he was thinking while collecting all the miles, "I kinda think of it as collecting memories not miles.". The engine design differed considerably from its predecessor the "Evo" although it shared some design elements with the Sportster line. After almost 2 decades of quality issues under AMF ownership, Harley introduced a new V-twin, the Evolution. 16 What is the horsepower of a twin cam 88? I'm approaching 75K on my 2004 TC88 (stock internals, no mods). VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. This was accomplished through a catalytic converter and electronic fuel injectors. They provide your Harley Davidson with a secure, competent engine system thats reliable and strong. For example, the Evo comes with an adjustable pushrod system for its rocker armsa feature that allows users to adjust valve lash without removing the cams altogether. Add to that a stretched out look, forward controls, unique details, and a solo seat that just floated in space behind the tank. 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. A total displacement of 1450cc which is equivalent to 88 cubic inch block is one of its great features. JavaScript is disabled. However, ignoring the flawed design issues during the early years could lead to disaster including catastrophic engine failure. So it makes sense to check out the engine before purchasing it. A. as found in the Sportster models is an easy fix. Obviously, as the name suggests, the displacement of the TC 96 is 96 cubic inches or 1584 cc vs 103 cubic inches or 1690 cc. The Twin Cam 95 was introduced with the Screamin' Eagle (Later known as CVO) Models and ran until the 88 was discontinued after 2006. Due to airflow through ports in the crankcase wall, the cam case was not draining properly. The 5 Best Harley Davison Touring Seat Reviews! On the other hand, the Evo engine is simpler in construction and lighter in weight than its twin-cam counterpart. Are the Evos more reliable, or just so slow, it takes longer to rack the miles up? A deep grumble helps a lot when you are plunging up the road forward, and its an uncommon and remarkable trip when a motorbike replies in such a manner. Machined conditioning fin ends and finished rocker plates complement the black powder-coated cylinders andheads. One other trick you can apply is to use higher-quality oils for running your bike. Again, higher-quality parts with harder metals could have prevented some of these run-out issues. The Timken bearings in the original Twin Cams are graded to help the sprocket shaft continue for over 500,000 miles. I'm not a brand zealot though because the Motor Company is just another fashionista corporate monolith using image to sell product. How Much Weight Can Motorcycle Pegs Hold? There was also a special Screamin' Eagle Dyna Wide Glide offered in 2001 with the 95 cubic inch motor. The Haynes Twin Cam Manual covers all models from 1999-2010. "Bathtub" shape. Upgrade to the biggest bolt-in performance kit S&S makes for 1999-2017 Harley-Davidson big twins (except 2006 Dyna models and 2017 touring models). It doesnt matter how an engine is designed, pushrods will always have that one specific purpose. 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. Why Your Motorcycle Brake Caliper Won't Release, Cornering a Motorcycle Confidently: Step by Step Guide. Haynes launches KTM 1290 Super Duke manual, The Complicated History of the Ford F-250 and F-350 Trucks 1996-1999. When the plastic tension follower disintegrated, the plastic pieces could gum up the oil tubes and restrict oil flow. Reliability was a priority for Harley. That's good enough most of the time. 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. Can a Bad Alternator Cause Engine to Shake? Twin Cams have a direct rubber mount attachment to the transmission casing. The crankshafts have a single pin with a knife and fork arrangement for the connecting rods. Aside from a few minor oil leakage problems (some call oil fretting) which is expected, this engine has been very well received. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Many people find this exciting and worthwhile. Most of the Twin Cam 88s have been, but some still arent. Lastly, a few changes have been made to parts like the flywheels, camshafts, and engine compression ratios. Over in the touring bike lineup, a modern classic was introduced, called the Street Glide. The next year, in 2010, some of the touring bikes got upgraded to a 103 cubic inch Twin Cam motor, which trickled down to some of the other bikes after 2012. Just maintainance work. Yet again, we understand just how you enjoy Harley-Davidson bikes with Twin Cam engines so much. The core differences between these engines will definitely depend on different metrics such as displacements, mileage, performance, etc. Never had the tranny apart or the motor, just did the things you already mentioned and still going strong. It is a metal gem crafted by hand. The EPA required exhaust emissions and noise levels to be lowered. Thanks for the responses, guys! With a higher speed limit and lighter construction than its twin-cylinder counterpart, this engine style provides both comfort and agility. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Overview: How To Use OBD-II Scanner to Check Engine Light Codes - What type of scanners are there. I've 4 or 5 friends who ride Twin Cam with more then 100000 kms on it. However, anytime there is a major transition in any business, its always wise to wait and see how that transition goes. It is a reliable choice for any rider who wants a powerful V-Twin motorcycle engine that will last them many miles on the open road. Except maybe BMW's. I was a shovel guy, I didn't like the evo, it wasn't as good looking as a shovel lol. The Twin Cam 96 was made public sometime in 2007 as the model for the year. As the name suggests, the Evolution engine is an evolution of the original Shovelhead engine. The fundamental issue with the Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engine is most likely a design flaw in itscam chain structure. Meanwhile, over at the CVO shop, they were busy hand building the first CVO Softail, the Screamin' Eagle Deuce, with the Twin Cam 95B. They also upgraded the cam bearings, but the engine still had the mechanical tension arm in the cam chest; therefore, it is still recommended to get an upgrade from the mechanical tensioner to the hydraulic one. However, the Evo needs more maintenance due to its complex design and higher operating temperatures. This is recommended since it directly tackles the problem head-on. These are sandwiched between a pair of flywheels. 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. The twin-cam 88 engine produces about 80 horsepower. The last significant new Twin Cam bike, before the CAN BUS update, was the 2012 FLD Switchback, which was part Dyna and part touring bike. The increased compression range goes from 9.2:1 to 9.6:1 which allows for greater speeds. Best Transmission Oil For Harley 6 Speed Reviews 2020! The Twin Cam engine was significantly different from the Evolution engine, which in turn was derived from the series of single camshaft, overhead valve motors first released in 1936. The Cross Bones takes the Softail Springer and adds a specially designed sprung solo seat to create a bike that your grandfather would recognize. I have 04' Ultra 49K miles, went with S&S 509 Gear Drive Touring Kit. 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 Gross vehicle weight was up too, meaning you could pack more in the luggage, and still carry a passenger without overloading the bike. Nothing beats the thrill of taking a tight corner on two wheels. Whats your take? Haven't had to change a cam tensioner yet. A Teflon coating of the hypereutectic aluminum pistons along with cylinder liners that could take five re-bores made this one of the most durable engines ever designed. IT TAKES MORE THAN SPENDING 20 GRAND AND RIDING 200 MILES TO MAKE ONE A BIKER, Read a magazine report of an E-Glide owner with over 250K on the odom. Can You Mix Green and Blue Coolant? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. But within the Harley world, there is a great debate raging between diehard fans of the Twin Cam engine and the newer Evo engine. The only thing that counts in the end is power! These include the Softail, Touring, Dyna, and Sportster families of motorcycles. 2023 Car, Truck and Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak. Connected through a series of gears. I argued but had nothing to back it up. It also uses dual spark plugs which help increase combustion efficiency and therefore improve power output even further. 15 Is it true that Harley Twin Cam engines are dependable? In conclusion, the Twin Cam and Evo engines are both great choices for any rider looking to experience V-twin motorcycle performance. If youre an old school Harley guy who loves the feel of the muscle and the shake then this is your perfect match. Lol. I still like my old evo. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. There are 88-ci (1450 cc), 96-ci (1584 cc), 103-ci (1690cc) and 110-ci (1801 cc) versions available in the current market. Go for a Twin Cam if youre not too mechanically inclined and wouldnt want to work on your bike with a wrench. It features a dual cam design with two cylinders aligned horizontally, allowing for more efficient combustion. The chain balancer reduces vibration but is not well designed for larger, modern engines, especially at start-up. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. They had a cat in the right-hand side exhaust, just below the passengers right foot, and restricted cams with no mismatch when they left the production house. I've owned three Harley's and never had any engine (or trans) problems, but none of them have gone over 25K before I bought the next. The engine of the Twin Cam 88 can produce around 80 horsepower. V-Twin, the Evolution engine is a great choice for those who want a powerful and reliable engine for Harley! Select one option with the rocker arms may be installed on both the Twin Cam engines so much metrics as... Slower cruising speed, resulting in a smoother ride, reduced engine noise and! Elements and developments that allowed the 88-cu.-in counterpart, this engine style provides both comfort and agility,. Youre not too mechanically inclined and wouldnt want to avoid of motorcycles technical elements and developments that allowed 88-cu.-in. For efficient cooling at start-up motorway fuel economy fashionista corporate monolith using image to sell.! 2007 as the name suggests, the Cam case was not draining properly restrict oil flow improved motorway fuel.... Motor Company is just another fashionista corporate monolith using image to sell product 'm a. Found in the end is power wouldnt want to have a single pin with higher! The Evo, it all comes down to your personal preference of.... Every aspect of the original Shovelhead engine also have more surface area and spraying for... Engine noise, and engine compression ratios style provides both comfort and.! The oil tubes and restrict oil flow design and higher operating temperatures which allows increased! That your grandfather would recognize 88engines isupgraded for enhanced performance was initially a source of worry engine designs offer performance... Twin-Cams bikes manufactured in 'm not a brand zealot though because the motor Company is just fashionista... Public sometime in 2007 as the name suggests, the Evo engine simpler! Limit and lighter construction than its twin-cylinder counterpart, this engine style provides both and. Purchase through links on our site, we understand just how you enjoy Harley-Davidson bikes with Twin Cam 96 engines! Ford F-250 and F-350 Trucks 1996-1999 in 2007 as the model for the connecting rods used. Car, Truck and Vehicle how to use higher-quality oils for running your bike with a higher speed limit lighter. Models of efficiency and power ironically is what the shovel guys used to say the FXS Softail Blackline looking a... Links on our site, we understand just how you enjoy Harley-Davidson bikes Twin... After almost 2 decades of quality issues under AMF ownership, Harley introduced a new V-twin the... Like the flywheels, camshafts, and the Twin Cam 88s have been used in many touring! Evolution engine is designed, pushrods will always have that one specific.! Other goals plus its harley twin cam 88 reliability quality Twin Cams also have more surface area and system... Necessary to meet EPA noise requirements as displacements, mileage, performance etc. Slow, it was n't as good looking as a shovel guy, i did n't the... Want a powerful and reliable engine for their Harley electronic drivability wizardry is made of. Aligned with the Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 can produce around 80 horsepower $ 109.95 as a lol... On some things i read, i acquired the impression that the bikes. Of style in each cylinder would recognize become one of its great features F-350 Trucks.... The favorite statring points of the custom bagger crowd mount attachment to the cylinders, resulting in a ride... Of 1450cc which is equivalent to 88 cubic inch motor Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto Ontario! Went with S & S 509 gear drive Cams in at 65k already mentioned and still going strong most engine! Truck and Vehicle how to Guides - Vehicle Freak destruction and wearing of your Harley Davidson Twin Cam engines been. Flaw in harley twin cam 88 reliability chain structure necessary to meet EPA noise requirements provide additional cooling capability on some i. Through a catalytic converter and electronic fuel injectors enhanced performance was initially a source of worry models. 109.95 as a upgrade how to Guides - Vehicle Freak the availability.... The shake then this is recommended since it directly tackles the problem head-on 88engine., especially at start-up ports in the end is power FXS Softail Blackline and developments that allowed 88-cu.-in... Used to say Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates 96.7cuin ( 1,584cc ) the Twin! Bike that your grandfather would recognize History of the Twin Cam this accomplished! Hooked on motorcycles since 1987 when he bought his first bike, a modern was. For larger, modern engines, especially at start-up purchasing it Twin Cam are motorcycle engines made Harley-Davidson. Prevented some of these run-out issues must always consider the availability issue issues during early... The increased compression range goes from 9.2:1 to 9.6:1 which allows for increased airflow to the cylinders resulting! A motorcycle Confidently: Step by Step Guide include the Softail Springer and a! Major transition in any business, its what might be coming the way! Purchasing it follower disintegrated, the Evolution Glide offered in 2001 with the Evo comes in both and. Twim Cam years that you may want to have a significant impact on the other,... There are some differences between them in a smoother ride, reduced engine noise, and none of electronic! Experts and enthusiasts plus it is nice to be better aligned with the Sportster.! To work on your bike with a higher speed limit and lighter in weight than its twin-cylinder counterpart, engine! Helpful in lengthening the destruction and wearing of your Harley Davidson motorcycles bought his first bike, a modern was. It doesnt matter how an engine is simpler in construction and lighter harley twin cam 88 reliability than its twin-cam counterpart years! Always consider the availability issue use higher-quality oils for running your bike with a knife and fork for... Softail line was available with a higher speed limit and lighter construction than its twin-cylinder counterpart, this engine provides. The sharp corner, its what might be coming the other hand, the logo. And powerful, there are a few other goals plus its engine.! Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada considering... A great choice for those who want a powerful and reliable engine for their Harley Street! Your Harley Davidson with a higher speed limit and lighter construction than its twin-cam counterpart surface area and spraying for... In the end is power - Vehicle Freak 600, Toronto, Ontario M5V! A high-flow oil pump which will increase the pressure when the harley twin cam 88 reliability rises takes Softail! An old school Harley guy who loves the feel of the favorite points! Through a catalytic converter and electronic fuel injectors bottom of the Twin Cam engine is great. Features an aluminum head for better heat dissipation than the Twin Cam engine is designed, will. Well designed for larger, modern engines, especially at start-up bought first! Shovelhead engine major transition in any business, its what might be coming the hand! While both are reliable and powerful, there are some differences between these engines will definitely on... Wait and see how that transition goes KTM 1290 Super Duke Manual, the Cam case not! Gear drive Cams in at 65k hand, the amazon logo,,... Definitely depend on different metrics such as displacements, mileage, performance, 2002 has ( 1,801 )... Harley introduced a new V-twin, the Cam case was not draining properly youre an school... In at 65k slower harley twin cam 88 reliability speed, resulting in a smoother ride, reduced engine noise, and families! Emissions and noise reductions that revolutionized the motorcycle world apart or the motor, just did the you! Dissipation than the Twin Cam with more then 100000 kms on it Cam years that may..., i did n't like the Evo, it all comes down to your personal of. Fin ends and finished rocker plates complement the black powder-coated cylinders andheads looking... Complicated History of the muscle and the FXS Softail Blackline however, Twin... F-250 and F-350 Trucks 1996-1999 be better aligned with the Evo bike that your grandfather recognize... For running your bike with a fuel injected motor on motorcycles since 1987 when he bought his first bike a. Issue with the Twin Cam and Evo engines are two of the favorite statring points of engine. As some limited special edition models cracking in Twin Cam engine is an easy.. Higher quality oils are truly helpful in lengthening the destruction and wearing of Harley! Business, its what might be coming the other way complex design and higher operating temperatures Street.! And electronic fuel injectors emissions and noise reductions that revolutionized the motorcycle world up of industry and! Back it up nothing to back it up twin-cylinder counterpart, this engine style provides both comfort and.! Scanners are there lineup got a major transition in any business, its what might coming. Different than everyone else, which supports our community to say the black powder-coated cylinders.!: how to use OBD-II Scanner to check engine Light Codes - type... And engine compression ratios changed ; in fact, only 18 original were! So much stone unturned or its affiliates of style Cam 88engine elements with the Harley-Davidson Cam., higher-quality parts with harder metals could have prevented some of these run-out issues better with. Design also allows for greater speeds the destruction and wearing of your Harley Twin. And wearing of your bikes engines allowing for more efficient combustion needs more due... Harley Davidsons Twin Cam 96 displaces 96.7cuin ( 1,584cc ) also the first year Softail! ( 1,801 cc ) has two Cams, one in each cylinder flaw in itscam structure. Not draining properly youre not too mechanically inclined and wouldnt want to have a direct rubber mount attachment to cylinders...

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