Looking to add another HD to the garage next to my Shovelhead.

I am considering a Dyna. I was strictly looking at 99-02 models for the stronger crank and Timken setup. However, it appears 96" models get you more for the same $ (or in some cases LESS) than an 88" model.

Just how much of a concern is there for crank runout issues and scissoring on the TC96 and also the TC103? I intend to do spirited canyon riding and some light touring.... maybe a wheelie or two and would probably be interested in doing upgrades such cams, tuner, intake, exhaust etc.

 

Not enough of an issue to limit one to an 88" that's for sure. I do some pretty spirited riding myself every time I ride my modestly built 103 and I've changed the gearing by eliminating the compensator. I have no more worries over the crank than I would WITH the compensator. That's how much I fret over the crank.

 

JMHO and, full disclosure, I am partial to the early models. The OP didn't specify carbureted or EFI; however, the MM EFI system would eliminate '09-'00 model years. I don't disagree with 60Gunner on avoiding purchasing a later model over crank failure concerns but at the same time have to point out that the hot forged crank/Timken crank/wheels setup in '01-'02 models is more robust than the later 88" and 96" setup.

The 88" configuration can be built into any larger displacement configuration as the 96", so no disadvantage there. If it were me, I would be looking for the best combination of price/mileage/performance upgrades in an '02 model I could find. The things to look for are:

1. Cam chain tensioners; have they been replaced and with what? Ditto, inner cam bearings?
2. Have intake and exhaust been replaced with hi-flow intake and exhaust?
3. Have any performance motor upgrades been installed? cams? heads?
4. Has a fuel management system been installed or used to dyno tune the motor?

Once the search is over, address any of the things referenced above to bring the bike up to optimum performance for 88"s and ride until the more power bug bites and then build whatever the wallet can afford. The right combination of parts in a 98" motor can make 115/115 or even a bit better numbers and, in a Dyna, a handful so imagine what a 124" motor in a Dyna would be; it's just money.

If looking for a later model, avoid the '07 model year. That is the year HD outsourced the supply of crank/wheel assemblies and there were some quality issue with those units. Happy hunting.

 

I have over 103,000 miles on my 07 Dyna. Treated it to a 105" 10.5:1 forged pistons top end for hitting 100,000. Checked my crank run-out when I replaced the compensator with a solid motor sprocket - .002. It's cammed, adjustable ignition unit, Mikuni'd. Yep, EFI sucks.Go with the newer ones, they already have the MoCo Twin Cam fix.

 

Over 192,000 miles on Reaper's original, cases never been split, crankshaft. The engine has lived as a 10.5:1 compression, gear driven cammed, worked heads, etc... 95ci, then 98 ci (outputting around 100 hp /120 ft-lbs), since her first year/10K miles.

She's had full synthetic oils since her first oil change, too.

Cheers!

 

The problematic crank shaft years from what we've witnessed are 2004, some early 2005's and 2007's, and in that order, with an untouched crank.
Scott