I was recently informed, upon telling someone I have a 99 RK, that 1999 was a "bad" year for HD...because HD made "7" different changes to their line of bikes. I was not told what changes, but was told that some were made to Dynas. Which makes me wonder about the touring models...which 99 RK do I really have? Making mention of "7" changes and one's argument why that's a lot of changes for one year is beyond me. Can anyone validate this or speak to what exactly HD did with their 1999 models? Sorry for not being more specific, hence the question. Thanks

 

Next time somebody tells you that (X) year is a bad year, do me a favor and see if they know of a good year for H/D.
There were a few cases of the inner cam bearings letting loose and mucking up the cases beyond repair. The cam chain tensioners need to be checked every 20,000 or so and from what I understand if they are replaced before there is a metal to metal condition, the existing chain is "worn in" where most of the abrasive edges are ground down/polished off. There are a few cases of the bolts that hold the chain drive gears on backing out enough to a point where the key shears off, but don't hear about that so much.

I just changed out the cam tensioners and bearings in mine. I have 22,000 or so on mine and it looked as if I could have went double that without worrying.
How many miles are on your R/K and how does it run?

 

I'd add to that by saying they make changes every year, some good, some not. There isnt a perfect year.

 

my 99 FLHT traveled to 48 states (never trailered) and not one single mechanical incident. not one. As far as the "changes" that year. It was the first year of the TC88 so I'd say there were more than "7" changes. As someone said, there were some issues with a cam bearing - the bikes came with a 1 year warranty and HD warrantied the cam bearing and any related damage for 5 years via a letter to all owners. I had mine replaced with the roller bearing when I installed the SE cams. My cam chain tensioners got replaced when did the cams and again at about 50k - and were barely worn. don't worry about it.

 

so, cam bearings, cam tensioner, cam bolt shearing, pinion bearing play.

(there's a mouthful)

magnetti-marelli injection

breaking bracket for the tip over switch, ignition switch contact failures and last year of the old single piston brakes.

so there's 1999.

The introduction of the Twin Cam 88 motor carried a few years of well-documented problems.

Good years / I'd say the '53, '88 and '95 I had were pretty stellar for reliability. The 09 has been good so far- oil, filters, gas and air in the tires.

mike

 

I bought my 99 FLHTCUI in March of 2010 with 2200 miles on it. IT had been sitting in an 80 year old guys garage for 6 or so years with a full tank of gas in it. I bought it as is, took it home, emptied the fuel tank, had to change the fuel pump, put clean gas in it, and then rode the original tires, back one to 9000 miles front one to 18000 miles. IT now has 22000 miles on it and it has ALWAYS started, and ran. It has been in Phoenix in August and Northern Michigan in February, never an issue. I'd say that 99 is a good year.

A couple of few problems here and there happen to every year, every model. Some maybe a bit more common then others. One thing I always wonder when I hear of bearings letting loose, or horror stories; how did the owner treat the bike? Burnout king? Barstool biker? I am by no means easy on my rides, but there are many things I will not do to them.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Yeah, this conversation took place after I spent 2300 for replacing my 96" kit, top-end, crankshaft, upgraded hydraulic oil pump, and several misc parts...of course. I'm a happy camper now, should be golden for many many years to come...

 

Most important thing on RK is not to remove the whitewalls. Thats when the problems start!

 

63K on my 1999 FXR2 Evo...........leaky head gasket JUST AFTER the warranty (1 year) ran out.....but thats been it except for tires; brake pads; oil changes.