I have a HD FXSTC (Softtail) which I bought new in 1991. I have done a bunch of work on the HD motor, heads, cam, pistons etc. However my stock BMW K1200GT will run circles around the softtail. I just came back from the NHRA National Finals in Pamona CA where S&S Motors dominated Super Stock class. In fact, the only Harley motor was the Vance & Hines HD. While I realize that these were the 160 inch, 300+hp racing motors, it still said a lot about S&S. Well, I am lined up to put the new 124 inch S&S motor in my softtail in Jan. Am I crazy? Everyone I talk to says that S&S is the best after market motor out there. Anyone care to comment, especially someone who has had any experience with this motor. I already know that I will have to replace the belt drive with a chain drive as well as replacing the stock 5 speed trany with a six speed.

 

I'm wondering about the added torque and power on the whole bike. Back in the day I put a 450 hp 409 engine in a 59 chevy impala body that came with a 283. Everything was cool on the way to the grocery store with the mom but later when I got on it I had alot of trouble with the differential and tranny...too much power for the rest of the car......The answers from the forum should be interesting...

 

I would leave the HD alone and ride the BMW when I was in the mood to go fast. The 45 degree air cooled V-Twin isn't optimised for big power. Sure you can make power with a Harley, but you have the BMW. That's why I kept my Yamaha when I bought my Harley. My $.02.

 

That 124 will be fun and very reliable. Got a bud with a Twin Cam S&S 124 in a Dyna. It's been trouble free since '04. He uses the stock 5 speed with a chain. I really wouldn't be afraid of one of the newer belts, they seem pretty strong nowadays.

 

Go with it! They have been making reliable,quality parts for many many years!

 

I have a 2003 flstsi also a 1995 R1100RS Bimmer As far as speed goes The Bimmer wins hands down. Crusin it's HD All the way

 

Just go buy yourself another bike and let me have your old softy...

 

Just bolt the BMW motor into the softail frame.

 

Personally have been using S&S stuff for years,one of the best.There are a lot of other Co.s out there that build excellent motors.My 124" has been a pure joy since 02.You do not need a chain and the 5 speed is fine, with all that grunt you would get sick of shifting.You will however need to upgrade your clutch.Good Luck

 

another blip for S&S, but...maybe don't go so big, have some fun and put one of their shovels or pans in there?