1990 heritage problems

[chesapeakechuck]

I recently purchased a 1990 Heritage that's more or less stock except I got an SS carb and python pipes on it (custom paint and some fender mods, too, but these won't affect the mechanics of the drive train).....The bike has only 18K on it, 4K of which I've put on in the past few months. Would put more on it, but it's always stranding me along the side of the road (that sucks out here in the desert).....Shift return spring has broken, then had to have the top end done (flat spots in both cyllinders, oil being consumed), had the charging system replaced not once, but twice (second time warrantied by HD, thank goodness) and now the drive belt broke (three years old, have reciept)....

I finally have it together again, but I"m afraid to run it farther away from home than I can walk. Anybody know if this was an off year for this model or if I just have a bike that needs some TLC?

[springer-]

91 and up had some changes to them that were considered significant. I think they had to do with weak cases as well as a case output shaft bearing race. Might have even had a transmission mainshaft change. I forget all the details now. But the bottom line is that your bike should be more reliable than that. I think you are dealing with some age issues more than anything. Possible neglected maintance issues. The top end should of gone much longer than that. They typically last 70K-100K+ miles. When I first bought my neglected bike, it broke down on me everyday for the first 30 days except 1. You will work the bugs out and it will be reliable again, just keep at it.

[slickone]

Sorry to hear of all your troubles wiht the bike. I do not think this is typical for an older bike. I bought my '91 three years a go with 38K on it and it has been rock solid dependable.