Why is it that Harley doesn't post horsepower in their bike literature, website, etc. for their bikes. Only torque is posted. Does anyone know the stock horsepower of a 88 cu in Low Rider? And how about the difference with Stage 2 SE pipes?
Thanks! Eric

 

A stock 88 will be putting down right at 60HP and with pipes, air cleaner and tune or jets you will be right around 70HP. Harleys are not known for their brute horsepower. A stock VTX1300 will smoke a 88 with pipes, a/c and tune. That's just the name of the game. I didn't buy a harley for the horsepower and I can't say that I know many folks that did either. If you want horsepower with a harley, buy a streetrod.

 

I would think because as far as horsepower goes, there isn't much to talk about for a stock 88. But with a few mods, you can get the torque and horsepower up. Then its just a matter of how much you want to spend

 

Good question. Does anyone know the torque of a stock 88 too?

 

My Honda V-30 (500cc) made 65hp stock, and was fun/ redlined at 12500rpm.

Torque is what Harley considers the "fun factor", and after riding mine awhile I came to really enjoy the torque factor.

I opened my pipes up, and put a full flow A/C on mine, gained 14hp, and lost 5-8 lbs. of torque.

Well, the bike wouldn't go over 107 mph before increasing air flow, and now does 120 mph with no problem (can't hold on without the backrest). Doesn't seem quite as fun getting there, though.

Probably doesn't answer your question, but I want that torque back. I guess Harley doesn't find HP important, nor is it considered real.

Can't have one without the other.

DougJ

 

It's in the sales brochures and on HD's website.

 

horsepower = (Torque * RPM) / 5252

or

Torque = (HP * 5252) / RPM

 

DenimStreet, You've got some good numbers there !!
My Dealer told me that a stock EFI 88 will output around 60 HP and about 60 Lb/Ft of torque
My setup shows 71 HP and 70 Lb/Ft on the Dyno. I could probably find a little more if I had a PC III or a SERT. By the seat of my pants, this thing makes great power and sounds good and rip snort'in... It's exactly what I need.

 

How about a photo of that baby?

 

Harley always pushes their torque numbers..basically because that's the design of their engines...they're emphasis is on low end torque. Horsepower isn't really as important when talking about low reving/high torque motors.

Consequently, when you read about the Jap rice rockets, you'll always see their horsepower numbers. Those bikes also redline at around 13000 RPMs.

I guess the thinking is, when you're at 180 mph, those extra horsepower makes quite a bit of difference...but when you're concerned with those off the line/0-60 times, it's the torque that matters.

Of course...this is just my understanding of it all...which I suppose could be wrong...I'm not an engineer or anything


Todd