50 or 60 motorcycles, holy $hit! 40 years and a total of 7 Harleys, 3 of which I still have............. But onward, yes, the key is not only if the engine is built right, but maintained and operated properly. There may be more maintenance on certain items, after all, you may be straining something else. For instance, I don't expect to get 100,000 out of my lifters, I might, but I shouldn't be surprised if I don't. I also don't spend every moment on the throttle, doing hole shots, trying to do wheelies, whatever. Longevity and reliability, whether stock or modified is not just what has been done, but what is being done, a combination of all things mentioned. If a person is not qualified in any area of building the machine, riding it or maintaining it, yes, reliability and ultimately longevity will suffer. But, just like a fine handgun, of which I own a few, some tender loving care, proper maintenance, proper use and a lifetime of longevity.

 

With proper maintenance you will see 100K out of it.
I have 60K + on my 07 and am not afraid to go anywhere on it.

I have developed a small oil leak at my inner primary gasket, but hey, "Harleys don't leak, they just mark their territory"............

 

The internet is a strange and wonderful place. I've gotten a ton of useful information here but have also rolled my eyes at a lot of the fodder that gets posted.

2500 miles on my 2012 Limited and no problems yet. That should put your mind at ease.

 

No major problems with my 05 with 54,000 miles.
This winter I had: new rocker box cover seals, new cam chain tensioners and new cam bearings installed.

 

Damn - that's amazing!

 

there are a few pic's of my bikes from the past on my site - tom

 

I suspect the Goldwing riders don't watch "Orange County Choppers" and the like, and believe that they are ace customizers.
"a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous"

 

I know. From what I've read here, I expected it to fall to pieces as soon as I rode it off the lot.

I do change the oil religiously every 5 miles or so.

 

We built tons of motors in baggers making 120-150 hp that had gone beyond 25000 miles with no issues, several of them got sevearly ubused, lots of races lots of long hard miles. There were several guys that used to hang around here with big inch big horse power builds that did lots of long distance riding. Build it RIGHT and it will live with proper maintenance, fall short on the build or the maintenance and your milage will suffer appropriatly

 

I assume you use Amsoil - my problem is i have a pre 09 & i worry about my frame busting in half - I hate it when that happens