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[Ozoneman]

I recently bought a 2011 CVO RG Ultra with 4,800 miles on it.  My wife owns a 2012 CVO Softail Convertible that she has put 38,000 miles on.  I was surprised to see some comments in threads about problems with the 110 engine.  I've heard that when the 110 came out there were some problems, but I didn't realize people still had problems.

This probably has been discussed in depth in previous posts, but for a newbie, could you tell me the types of problems people have had and at what mileage?

[ultrarider123]

O'man, you need to change your survey to include the block "Not Yet".

Nothing but a couple recalls here with my 110 with just about 25K miles on the clock.  '12 FLHXSE3

[grc]

The most common major issue these days on 2011/2012 models involves failures of the valve lifters.  The rollers fail, and usually when that happens the damage isn't just limited to the cam chest.  In other words, major overhaul or engine replacement is required.  The next most serious problem would have to be valve guide failures (ask jswerve about that one).  Then you get into the other issues that won't necessarily cause major failures but will irritate you and keep gouging your pocketbook over the years.  The compensator is probably the most common issue in that category.

If I had an early (pre 2013 model year) 110, I would definitely look into the lifter and valve guide issues.  Even if you have ESP coverage a major failure has many other costs that won't necessarily be covered, not to mention the inconvenience involved with any major failure even if it isn't half way across the country from where you live.

Jerry

[Jswerve]

Yes sloppy valve guides are an issue for myself and a couple other "lucky" forum members.

After my exhaust valve stuck open i decided to ditch the factory guides and seals for a set of polished heads with better Springs, guides, and seals. Bumped up the squish while we were at it. I have 5k trouble free miles since the failure.

[Ozoneman]

What happens when the lifters go bad or the valve guides?  Motor stop running or just noisy?

[grc]

What happens when the lifters go bad or the valve guides?  Motor stop running or just noisy?

If you plan to just wait until you hear the noise (squeal) of a failed lifter roller, the odds of you doing that and being able to shut the engine down before major damage occurs are slim to none.  The valve guide failures won't necessarily give you any obvious warning at all. 

Jerry

[Jswerve]

What happens when the lifters go bad or the valve guides?  Motor stop running or just noisy?

When my exhaust valve stuck open, the intake valve clipped it causing it to bend. Rear cylinder lost compression and the ecm shut the motor down due to compression loss.

[jpdchicago]

Was the valve issue corrected with the 2013 model year and later? It seems that you are all writing about pre 2013 models.

[kiro]

I'd appreciate comments on the 2013 bikes as well if anybody has a handle on what reliability changes were implemented... I'm familiar with most issues from reading the archives here, but a head's up on the trouble spots would be helpful in planning mods.

[r0de_runr]

Replaced lifters when I did my cam as a preventative measure.  TTS Tuned out the heat, headers cooled the exhaust pipe, Touring seat, and my compensator is noisy.  But as long as the starter doesn't kick back, I'll listen to the compensator.  Perhaps down the road someone will develop on that works (Kawasaki?  Honda?)

[cptdenny]

What happens when the lifters go bad or the valve guides?  Motor stop running or just noisy?

This happened to me at only 950 miles on the clock on my 2011 Road Glide CVO. I was given a choice of complete repair under warranty to stock or $1,400 and repair it on my own.

I took the $1,400 and applied it towards Stage lll upgrades.

Then at 23,613 miles we broke down.   Appears that a lifter roller rockers bearing seized which took out the cam and the oil pump. Remedy: Replaced with upgraded parts, updated SE cam plate & oil pump, Rollers and T-Man 625 Cams.
Out of pocket: $282 the rest covered under warranty.

I'm near 40K miles without any further engine issues and out of warranty.

[Jswerve]

This happened to me at only 950 miles on the clock on my 2011 Road Glide CVO. I was given a choice of complete repair under warranty to stock or $1,400 and repair it on my own.

I took the $1,400 and applied it towards Stage lll upgrades.

Then at 23,613 miles we broke down.   Appears that a lifter roller rockers bearing seized which took out the cam and the oil pump. Remedy: Replaced with upgraded parts, updated SE cam plate & oil pump, Rollers and T-Man 625 Cams.
Out of pocket: $282 the rest covered under warranty.

I'm near 40K miles without any further engine issues and out of warranty.

Smart moves!