05 Twin Cam 88 blown cam bearing at 34K

I'm wondering about how often this sort of thing happens and if there is any suggested recourse.

In 05 I bought a new FLHTCU.  It is my daily rider, I drive it like an ice cream truck and had it regularly serviced as directed.  I made the mistake of not buying the Harley extended warranty and purchased the 3 year warranty from Eastside Harely Davidson instead (that ended on 7/31/08) About 2 weeks ago the bike began running rough and I had the nearest Harley dealer come get it right away.

The options to repair (before breakdown) were $4,500 to replace with a rebuilt 88.  $4,300 to rebuild with 103 but not replace the heads or for about $6,800 to do 103 upgrade, do the heads, replace the computer, change up the pipes etc.  We weren't planning on having to replace the case too.

I wanted to know what happened and I wouldn't have found that out if they just sent the motor off and installed a replacement.  And I didn't want to pay to take it apart and put it back together just to find out and than send it on it's merry way.

I heard there were problems with the bearings Harley used in the 88's back in 2000, the paid to fix them and when doing so replaced them with Torrington bearings rather than the stock IAN bearings.  So I was surprised to see IAN bearings were still being used but was told these are a little different models.  I don't know, looked like the same rollers on the new ones.

Well, here are the pictures..  Has anyone heard of this problem happening before and would Harley consider an adjustment?  Seems to bit much to have to pay 5+K to get back my motorcycle which only has 34K miles that had a $20.00 part fail especially one know to have had problems back in 2000.


Here is a picture of what was left of the bearing.



This is the picture of the case.  Check out what happens when the cam spins without a bearing.


Thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John  

Here's a link to all the pics..

http://cid-7c5b2a4136d48587.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Harley  

I read somewhere about a problem with failure of the cam bearings in the TC-88 up to year modle 2006. Harley was said to have corrected this problem in 07'. I cannot remember where I read this, but it was a while back in one of the magazines i get. Since my bike is an 06 I imediatley bought the extended warrentee while I had the chance... I dont know about Harley doing any adjustments, but a visit to your local dealer cant hurt.


unclepsycho  

http://www.hotrodsbikeworks.com/tech/0805_hrbp_twin_cam_engine/index.html

I found the artice about the TC 88 cam trouble,. but I dont know if any of this helps you.  

Thanks very much.  So, it appears this is a defect Harley may well be aware of.  When you buy a Harley you would think that they would use the best parts.  Heaven knows you pay for them.

I have found some data supporting they knew for sure of the problem for at least the 2000-2002 model years but I haven't found anything yet the covers my 2005 model.  I can see my being responsible if it was something that is expected to wear out.  I've had engines with up to 300,000 miles and never blew a cam bearing before.  I don't get it.

Thanks again for your help!