Looking to buy 2008 96 cube RKC - crank runout concern?

[Adam76]

Hello all, looking at buying a RKC.
Because it's a 2008 96" - should I have the crank runout checked before purchasing? How much of an issue is runout in this year model?
Or should I just deal with whatever runout is there once I have it and start the upgrades? I plan on doing cams, compression, mild headwork and boring to 103".
Thanks in advance! 

[tbird]

I consider all 2008 touring bikes to be the redheaded stepchild of modern harleys, last one before was the 79 sportster.  08 last yr of old frame, too tall gearing that can't be changed because of cush-drive, etc. Unless a super low deal, I'd walk.

[Adam76]

Thanks for the advice. I never considered those other factors. I would ultimately prefer an earlier TC and there is a 2003 anniversary model that I'm also considering.
Cheers

[Ohio HD]

Gearing is easily changed on a 2008. You use HD # 40518-08 68 tooth Sportster rear pully. Stock belt fits fine.

My 2008 had 0.0025" crank runout before and after the 107" top end. I destroyed the large rod end rollers and flywheel thrust washers by running the daylights out of it, until it started knocking. Runout was still 0.0025".

The crank and rods are not strong enough if the motor will be run hard in my opinion.

If it's just going to be a cruiser motor, you're probably fine.

[Adam76]

The crank and rods are not strong enough if the motor will be run hard in my opinion.

So you think I'm better off with an earlier TC88 ?

[Ohio HD]

No, I mean any OEM HD crank. They aren't designed to have the power increased by 50%.

[PoorUB]

You are better buying what you want! Saying that I would avoid the '08, but I would go newer, not older, but that is just me. '09+ touring has a better frame, better cam chain tensioners, easy to go to a 103" if it is not already.

Some guys would say to go with the 2003. Last year of the good crank, first year of the better swing arm, but has the old style cam chain tensioners which are  .

[Ohio HD]

2008 has the exact same cam system as the 2009. No difference.       

[PoorUB]

2008 has the exact same cam system as the 2009. No difference.       

Yeah, I probably should have clarified, better tensioners over the 2003 he was talking about.

[tbird]

I don't believe the sportster pulley will work on a 08 due to the cush drive. Or can you eliminate the cush drive ?

[rigidthumper]

On an 08 the cush drive was a bolt on deal, so you can use the XL pulley

[Deye76]

"2003. Last year of the good crank,"
2002 in most peoples opinion, last year for the left side Timken. 2003 same as 2004-2007.

[jamminhd2000]

I have seen a lot of bad compensater and voltage regulators in 08...jimmy

[PoorUB]

"2003. Last year of the good crank,"
2002 in most peoples opinion, last year for the left side Timken. 2003 same as 2004-2007.

Oops, sorry. Got the years mixed up.

[pstreetglide62]

My 2008 I have done 110 with fuel moto cyl set of WFO Larry's heads 9996a cams and had darkhorse do the crank years ago with stock wheels h beam rods, it runs just fine. And also did 30-68 pulley conversion trike front sportster rear, the rear was Cush drive I just changed the bearing in it. Sure the 08 is the older frame just have to set them up the way you want 👍

[Adam76]

No, I mean any OEM HD crank. They aren't designed to have the power increased by 50%.

Ok, thanks. Now I get your drift. It looks like a definite potential failure point if the crank and rods aren't addressed in a performance build, but it seems to me that from everything I have seen and read about,  more people don't address the bottom end than those that do? Are they just taking a big gamble?

[Adam76]

"2003. Last year of the good crank,"
2002 in most peoples opinion, last year for the left side Timken. 2003 same as 2004-2007.

Thanks deye76,  for some reason I also had in my mind that the 2003 still had a better crank than the '04-07..... Thanks for clearing that up. 👍

[Hossamania]

"2003. Last year of the good crank,"
2002 in most peoples opinion, last year for the left side Timken. 2003 same as 2004-2007.

Thanks deye76,  for some reason I also had in my mind that the 2003 still had a better crank than the '04-07..... Thanks for clearing that up. 👍

Luckily your evo has none of those issues.

[harpwrench]

Positives for '08
Old frame is lighter, it's basically free hp and I feel like they ride better
Rear tires are cheaper than 09 up
Electronic throttle- (50mm stock) and nice cruise control
Brembo calipers

[rigidthumper]

"Are they just taking a big gamble?"
Some believe so, others don't.
Some guys skip over dollars trying to pick up pennies...

[PoorUB]

Are they just taking a big gamble?

I have done mild builds on three of my Harleys, no crank issues. The crank will probably hold up fine, most of them do. A stock crank can fail in a stock bike. On a mild build I wouldn't worry about the crank, confirm it is good at the time of the build and run it. Now if you are going from a 103" to a big build like a 124" I would definitely do the crank too.

Life's a gamble, you just need to study the odds.

[Ohio HD]

It's all in how the bike is ridden. Most HD riders never ring their bikes out. I do, often, and take the precautions to keep the motor together.

[chaos901]

2002 in most peoples opinion, last year for the left side Timken.

2002 was also the first year for Delphi, replacing the M-M (can't spell it) fuel injection.  I have an '08 and it rides great.  As said before, it has the same bad gearing that started in 2007 (too tall).

[PoorUB]

Trust me, none of my motorcycles are treated with tender loving care!

I had a friend ask to buy one of my Harleys, I told him I won't sell it to a friend when I  was done with it!

[Adam76]

"2003. Last year of the good crank,"
2002 in most peoples opinion, last year for the left side Timken. 2003 same as 2004-2007.

Thanks deye76,  for some reason I also had in my mind that the 2003 still had a better crank than the '04-07..... Thanks for clearing that up. 👍

Luckily your evo has none of those issues.

😂 yes, absolutely.... but a fractured spine and nerve root compression has dictated that I need to ride something with much better suspension and comfort.... Hence the purchase of a RK. I guess I could always look for an evo RK 😁