The cost of rebuilding a Harley-Davidson engine can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of engine, the parts and labor required, and the shop’s location.
On average, a full engine rebuild for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle costs anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the engine type and level of customization. For example, a standard rebuild for a V-Twin engine can cost around $5,000, while a performance upgrade for a Big Twin engine can cost upwards of $9,000.
It’s important to obtain multiple quotes from reputable shops and to understand exactly what is included in the rebuild before making a final decision.
Factors affecting the Harley engine rebuild cost
Here are the factors that can affect the cost of rebuilding a Harley-Davidson engine:
- Type of engine. The engine type, such as a V-Twin or Big Twin engine, can affect the rebuild cost. Big Twin engines are typically more expensive to rebuild than smaller V-Twin engines.
- Parts. The cost of replacement parts, such as pistons, camshafts, and bearings, can greatly affect the total cost of the rebuild. The cost of parts can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and quality of the parts.
- Labor. The cost of labor can vary greatly depending on the location of the shop and the experience of the mechanic. On average, labor costs for a Harley engine rebuild can range from $75 to $150 per hour.
- Customization. If you choose to customize your engine during the rebuild, this can add additional cost to the overall project. Customization options, such as high-performance camshafts or porting and polishing, can increase the cost by several hundred dollars or more.
- Warranty. Some shops offer a warranty on their engine rebuilds, which can add to the overall cost. However, this can provide peace of mind and protection against future issues.
Harley engine rebuild cost, based on the “Type of engine”
The engine type affects the cost of rebuilding a Harley-Davidson engine as different engines have varying parts and labor requirements. Big Twin engines, being larger and more complex, need more parts and labor, driving up costs.
Here is a table showcasing the average cost of rebuilding a Harley engine based on the type of engine:
| Type of Engine | Average Cost |
| V-Twin (Sportster) | $3,500-$5,500 |
| V-Twin (Dyna) | $4,500-$7,000 |
| Big Twin (Softail) | $6,000-$9,000 |
| Big Twin (Touring) | $7,000-$12,000 |
| V-Twin (Custom) | $5,000-$8,000 |
| Big Twin (Custom) | $8,000-$12,000 |
| V-Twin (Performance) | $6,000-$9,000 |
| Big Twin (Performance | $9,000-$15,000 |
Here are the same costs in a list:
- V-Twin (Sportster) – $3,500-$5,500
- V-Twin (Dyna) – $4,500-$7,000
- Big Twin (Softail) – $6,000-$9,000
- Big Twin (Touring) – $7,000-$12,000
- V-Twin (Custom) – $5,000-$8,000
- Big Twin (Custom) – $8,000-$12,000
- V-Twin (Performance) – $6,000-$9,000
- Big Twin (Performance) – $9,000-$15,000
Note: These are rough estimates, and the actual cost of a Harley engine rebuild will depend on various factors such as parts, labor, customization, and warranty.
Replacement parts for Big Twin engines are also often pricier, further increasing costs. V-Twin engines are typically simpler and cheaper to rebuild, requiring fewer parts and labor. So, the type of engine will impact the rebuild cost, with Big Twin engines being costlier to rebuild than V-Twin engines.
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Cost of Parts
The cost of parts significantly affects the overall cost of a Harley engine rebuild. The type, quality, and cost of the parts used in the rebuild will determine the final cost of the rebuild.
Here is a table showcasing the average cost of rebuilding a Harley engine based on the cost of parts:
| Parts | Average Cost |
| Standard Parts | $2,000-$3,500 |
| Performance Parts | $3,500-$5,000 |
| Custom Parts | $5,000-$8,000 |
| High-Performance Parts | $8,000-$12,000 |
Here is another table showcasing the average cost of rebuilding a Harley engine based on the cost of specific engine parts:
| Engine Part | Average Cost |
| Cylinder Heads | $500-$800 |
| Pistons | $500-$800 |
| Crankshaft | $800-$1,500 |
| Camshaft | $500-$800 |
| Transmission | $1,500-$2,500 |
Note: These are rough estimates.
Customization costs
Customization can greatly affect the cost of a Harley engine rebuild as it adds additional work, parts, and materials to the standard engine rebuild process. The more extensive the customization, the higher the rebuild cost will be.
Here is the list of average costs of rebuilding a Harley engine based on the level of customization:
- Standard Rebuild – $2,500-$7,000
- Performance Upgrade – $4,000-$9,000
- Light Customization – $6,000-$12,000
- Moderate Customization – $8,000-$15,000
- Heavy Customization – $10,000-$20,000
- Custom Paint Job – $3,000-$5,000
- Custom Exhaust – $1,000-$2,500
- Custom Air Intake – $500-$1,000
- Custom Handlebars – $500-$1,500
- Custom Footpegs – $200-$500
