Which of the three modern Harley Davidson engines is most reliable?

A

Alcapwn

New member
There are three generations i am looking to choose from:
1: Evolution 1984-1998
2: Twin cam {spring tensioner} 1999-2007
3: Twin cam hydraulic tensioner 2008-
Which of these three if given a choice would be most reliable and require the least maintenance?
 
If you look in the owners manuel the hydroulic tensioner needs the least maintenance. Not to mention that the fuel injection will automatically adjust for temperature and altitude giving you not only the least maintenance but the best power and fuel economy.
 
They can all reliably shake the feeling out of your arms in about half an hour. They can all reliavbly put out hp per cubic inch that wouldn't be impressive in 1940.
 
from personal experience & that of my friends I'd say a mid 90's evo(with the 3 piece crank but old style bearings) will run the longest with A lot of abuse & 0 maintenance.
The twin cams are oil tight & have better lifters but the cam chain tensioner shoe of either type is eventually going to wear out, some sooner some later. So your always listening for strange noises after the first 25 or 30 thousand miles.
I don't really trust the automatic primary chain tensioners either but that's not a big deal since it wont damage the engine if it fails.

A twin cam with a gear drive cam kit is the ideal solution for low maintenance & trouble free long life but their a little nosier than the stock chain drives.
 
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