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2007-2017 Harley-Davidson Street Glide: Twin Cam 96/103: hydraulic tensioners, compensator and cam bearings

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What goes wrong

The 2007 move to hydraulic cam chain tensioners fixed the worst of the Twin Cam 88 era, but these engines still have documented wear patterns around the tensioners, the compensator sprocket and the cam bearings. Most of it is manageable if the owner stayed ahead of it.

A note on the federal record for this bike
NHTSA's recall index does not recognise the model string "Street Glide" , which happens constantly with motorcycles, because recalls are often filed under a model code rather than the marketing name. That is not the same as "no recalls."
Look this VIN up directly at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you assume it is clear.
Rough cost: Routine maintenance if caught; expensive if not. Broad estimates , motorcycle labor rates and parts vary widely.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Listen for a rattle or clunk from the primary at startup, that's the compensator. Check the drain plug magnet. Ask for cam chest service history on anything with real miles.

On any used motorcycle, check the tire DOT date codes, ask for the valve service receipt, and look for drop damage on both sides before you talk about price.

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual motorcycle. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many machines; any single bike may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a motorcycle is safe. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and have a used bike inspected. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v3.1