Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Jetmedic]

Hello all! I currently have a 2014 flhtk but I'm looking at a 2015 cvo limited with 9200 miles to buy and I keep hearing about lifter problems. My question is has the problem been fixed by 2015 or was/is it still a problem? What do I need to look for and what is the fix? I love the cvo bike but don't want to buy a bunch of problems since my 2014 is solid bike.

[HD Street Performance]

Welcome, Still a problem and your choice may be water cooled which adds elements of complexity and potential issues.
So by the bike, change the lifters, and carry a water pump.
I prefer USA Morel lifters for replacements.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Hello all! I currently have a 2014 flhtk but I'm looking at a 2015 cvo limited with 9200 miles to buy and I keep hearing about lifter problems. My question is has the problem been fixed by 2015 or was/is it still a problem? What do I need to look for and what is the fix? I love the cvo bike but don't want to buy a bunch of problems since my 2014 is solid bike.

Lifters Failed on my 2015 CVO Road Glide ultra at 44K miles, motor replaced under factory warranty.  They failed at 36K miles on a friends 2015 CVO Road Glide ultra.  This issue has never been fixed by H-D on the 110 motors.

Replace every 20~25K miles with a quality lifter like Don said above.

[Ironhorse]

Check run out if you can.  Also check for scoring on the cam lobes. The lifters fail first because they are the weakest point in the whole system.  It might not be unusual to find other issues too.

[GregKhougaz]

2009 SE Road Glide 3 110" lifters failed at 25K.
2015 CVO RGU Wet 110" failed at 15K.

Both fixed under warranty but it destroyed my confidence in the 110. The RGU had no more issues through 45K miles but now I'm on a BMW Grand America. Search 'Lifter" in the Twin Cam board. 

[Ironhorse]

2009 SE Road Glide 3 110" lifters failed at 25K.
2015 CVO RGU Wet 110" failed at 15K.

Both fixed under warranty but it destroyed my confidence in the 110. The RGU had no more issues through 45K miles but  now I'm on a BMW Grand America. Search 'Lifter" in the Twin Cam board.

Smart move changing brands Greg.  On this forum there are too many stories of lifters grenading on a trip and taking out the whole engine. We all love our CVOs, but when you lose confidence in taking touring motorcycle on a cross country tour it's really sad.  I can't believe HD stuck with that 110 engine for all those years. But as long as we kept buying them, they'll make them.

[GregKhougaz]

Smart move changing brands Greg.  On this forum there are too many stories of lifters grenading on a trip and taking out the whole engine. We all love our CVOs, but when you lose confidence in taking touring motorcycle on a cross country tour it's really sad.  I can't believe HD stuck with that 110 engine for all those years. But as long as we kept buying them, they'll make them.

True Mark,

So far, it seems like a smart move but I'll know in 30K miles or so. I purchased the extended warranty and wheel / tire packages. So I have confidence for now.

GJK

[ultrafxr]

2009 SE Road Glide 3 110" lifters failed at 25K.
2015 CVO RGU Wet 110" failed at 15K.

Both fixed under warranty but it destroyed my confidence in the 110. The RGU had no more issues through 45K miles but now I'm on a BMW Grand America. Search 'Lifter" in the Twin Cam board.

Like many others I had 110 engines destroyed by failed lifters and/or cam bearings.  Twice on my '07 and twice on my '12.  Twice I was far from home and incurred time, expense and frustration dealing with the issues. Thankfully all were under either factory warranty or ESP.
The last time was late 2016 and the M8s had just come out.  Traded the '12 for a '17 CVO Limited and said good riddance to the 110s.

[WTF Chuck]

Just to add to the list My 14 CVO ultra chit a lifter at 52000 miles while on a ride at a CVO GTG all because I did not Listen. BUT it was the quietest Harley I owned up till that moment. Trashed the motor.

[Ironhorse]

Just to add to the list My 14 CVO ultra chit a lifter at 52000 miles while on a ride at a CVO GTG all because I did not Listen. BUT it was the quietest Harley I owned up till that moment. Trashed the motor.

What was it, did someone tell you to change out your lifters early?

[fastfreddy]

I took the advice given … 63k plus on my 16 RGU, lifters changed twice now and rolling strong. My 13 RG change them once and over 50k on that one when traded. Maybe luck or  your results may vary

[WTF Chuck]

What was it, did someone tell you to change out your lifters early?

Yes  they were all telling me u better change them lifters but old thick head said oh no bike is to quite. Big mistake