Well... I'll roll the dice here and take a shot at this If I'm understanding what you wrote correctly my first though is it's possible what you're experiencing is decel shuddering related to isolators and engine/vehicle alignment, not a cam related issue. Edited to add: At 2500 RPM you're not really even in the powerband yet, either. At 60 - 65 MPH I'm still in 5th, 6th isn't even touched until well above 70 MPH+. Best WAG based on what you've posted so far...

 

I would simply add this:

Purpose of engine: Acceleration
Purpose of brakes: Deceleration

Best not to confuse them...

Very attractive bike, I'm sure it's a blast to ride!

 

Good question. The dealer that installed my 117 said it dynoed higher numbers than a 120 they had installed a week earlier.


Not hating on the OP. I am sure the 120 is a blast.

 

While I just read about 117 CVO and spec's and you have a great point. Saw 2095 motor plus parts and install but I guess I got my moneys worth in the 120R. Beauty is eye of beholder I guess!

 

120R not a 120ST. 120R is illegal for street use (so to speak) Because of cam's and emissions and that's why 120R blow 117's away! Its built for racing and if it couldn't beat 117's then they wouldn't sell or promote it! since its built for racing !

 

I get 135hp/136 torque and they set it up conservatively ! I could put vance and hines hi out put 4 stage and poss. get 140HP but it ain't worth it !
Don't know about higher numbers ? If Harley scremin eagle sold crappy 120R's that 117's outperformed then I am sure they would admit to a mistake ! Its also about cams and bore and torque etc ! I also have a rekluse performance clutch that grabs and throws your butt off the bike !

 

Not bad numbers. Did you have the crank Pro Plugged or welded? My 117" made 132 hp and 138 ft on the break in.... don't count the 117" out just yet. My 120" with Hurricane Heads, S&S 640 cam, 62 mm throttle body and RB Pro Stock made 145 hp and 134 ft lbs and I have about $2100 more in it. Long story short guys starting with a 110" that can go 117" can make good power and it's a better bang for the buck in my opinion.

As far as the claim of HD promoting the 120R over the 117" why wouldn't they? 117" kits are for People with factory 110's. If you started with a 103" you'd have to buy a crank any way you went with the exception of the bolt on 110". Myself, I wouldn't tear one down to just go 117" when I could go 120" for a few dollars more.

In my case I spun a rod bushing and didn't want to buy a 120R just to rear it down to weld and plug the crank and honestly it was cheaper to build mine and get exactly what I wanted.

 

kinda what i'm getting at. not hating but the 117 and 120 are pretty close

 

Same here, I've been down both roads (not exactly with the 120", but explored the option of the 120R). I guess it's all what you want an that's why all the options are out there. To each their own, just enjoy it.

 

Show me a biker that just cruises up to a stop and doesn't downshift! I must be missing something here ? I ride with bikers and every time we come to a stop it seems we respectfully down shift with the stop. Now don't know anyone cruising at 100 MPH that downshifts to 3rd gear or second ! But there's always a first time !