Well,
As I approached 30K on my RKC I had decided to go ahead and have the tensioners replaced with the hydraulic version. While they were doing that, I didn't feel qualified nor do I have the time/facilities to do so, I decided to replace the stock cams. After much debate and research I decided on the SE203s. Dropped my baby off on Monday.....

Picked her up this afternoon. WOW! Even with the stock exhaust and intake the change is amazing. Suddenly the torque that I have enjoyed so much has really come alive in exactly the right spots for the way that I normally ride. My butt dyno seems to think that HP has improved a bit. The rideability has greatly improved. Can't wait for tomorrow and a longer ride.

Further, the tensioners weren't quite dead yet, but they had quite a bit of pitting/wear, so it is a good thing that they are gone. The old oil pump had been grinding into the tensioner plate and was replace as part of the kit. The old cams actually showed quite a bit of degradation in the hardening, to include a groove that ran completely around one of the lobes. Everything else checked out OK.

I'll probably post up some pics this weekend....if I ain't out riding and grinning like a fool. The job was costly, but I think it will prove to be worth it in the long run.

 

Amazing what cams can do... Glad ya are happy!

 

I will be doing this soon myself but still undecided on the cam, between Andrews 21 and 26 for me.

 

I hope to be as happy as you soon !!

 

Concrats on the new cams. They sure are a fun upgrade.

I feel that my cams were the best money I spent on my RK!

 

I did Andrews 26,s last year WOW what a difference But reading your post sounds like after just 30k you had some severe wear mine had 60k on it when mine were done and almost no wear on cams and oil pump was fine you may have some issues

 

Well,
To follow up: I did the SE203s. I really like them. Much more punch off idle. So much so, my gas mileage is dropping due to my laughing like a lunatic as I pull away from each stop.

Couldn't be more pleased. Only draw back seems to be the need to warm up the bike more before setting out...just means I get to listen to the "music" a bit longer before the earplugs go in!!

 

BigheadTed,

Skip the 21's and do the 26's! 02FLRPI did the 21's, wishing I had done 26's. Not a lot of difference, but think you would like 26's better. Lose a little in the bottom, but gain a BUNCH in the midrange.

My $0.02 worth. Happy with the 21's, but ???, I'd do the 26's if it every needed anything again.

Momma is riding the 02 now, with a little help from a PCV and Iclick from the forum, she is pulling 40-47mpg, driving like an ole lady

Cams add a lot of HP without sacrificing reliability, fuel mileage and driveablility.

If you are leaning towards Andrews, just do the 26's, you will be happy.

Dan B.
Central Ks.

 

Dan B, have you dyno'ed your Andrew's 21s? I don't know what you would consider midrange, but mine don't start dropping off until 4500 RPM, and are already leveled out at 2000 RPM.