117 kit rocks!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 259
From: Northstreet, michigan
Yeah, Nick mentioned he was going to add a vent to the case. I am assuming he would need to drill it to put the tap in there that he mentioned. I have never heard of doing this to a Harley, so I may have misinterpreted. His description of what he is doing is at the bottom of the second page.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
As far as I can tell, no special foam or gel but still comfortable, at least so far.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 6
From: Colorado
Did you not have the bike tuned when you had the 117 put on? You mentioned that you need to have it tuned. Just curious how much the tune is affecting the temp.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 773
From: Earth
I'm considering adding another bike to the garage, and the Low Rider S with the 117 kit has been on my radar for a while. But I have some concerns.
1. The heat issue. I live in Texas, and it's over 100 all the time here. Just how much of an issue is this? Are we talking "it'll make your leg uncomfortable," or are we talking "it's going to destroy the engine"-type of issue?
2. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube of Low Rider S bikes with the 117 kit installed. They sound nice and there's lots of positive feedback, which is great. However, if you pay attention to the comments, a ton of these bikes have been built then promptly put up for sale shortly after having the 117 installed. Why?
There hasn't been a whole lot of talk of exactly why this is, but one owner did comment and he said the 117 nearly made the bike unridable because there was so much torque it wanted to twist the frame and break the back tire loose, even when being careful. Another guy said the lumpy cam just made the bike very difficult to handle and not fun at all at low speeds or everyday traffic.
There's also a review on YouTube where the reviewer says the 117 is fun, but almost seems too much for the Low Rider S design to handle. He goes on to say it doesn't work well at low speeds and constantly wants to go higher in the rev range. According to the owner of that bike, it bottomed out and he laid it down, doing some significant damage since the review video was made.
My old Dyna was fun, but it never had anywhere near that kind of power and never felt unstable. My other bike is a Diavel, and while that has 170hp with exhaust and tune, it also has multiple levels of traction control, anti-wheelie, and customizable rider modes to help keep all that power manageable and stop the back wheel from breaking loose.
So my question to guys who have the 117 is, do you feel it genuinely improved the bike and made it more fun or not? From the little bit I've been able to find, a lot of guys have installed it and then quickly sold the bike because it made the bike feel borderline out of control. When you start getting into the 120-130 hp zone with zero rider modes and no traction control, I could see how that definitely might start getting iffy.
Do you like your 117? Have you had problems with heat, traction, or the front tire getting light unexpectedly? Have you had to change tires, and if so, what did you change to? Do you have problems at low speeds?
All these bikes being upgraded and then sold raises questions.
1. The heat issue. I live in Texas, and it's over 100 all the time here. Just how much of an issue is this? Are we talking "it'll make your leg uncomfortable," or are we talking "it's going to destroy the engine"-type of issue?
2. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube of Low Rider S bikes with the 117 kit installed. They sound nice and there's lots of positive feedback, which is great. However, if you pay attention to the comments, a ton of these bikes have been built then promptly put up for sale shortly after having the 117 installed. Why?
There hasn't been a whole lot of talk of exactly why this is, but one owner did comment and he said the 117 nearly made the bike unridable because there was so much torque it wanted to twist the frame and break the back tire loose, even when being careful. Another guy said the lumpy cam just made the bike very difficult to handle and not fun at all at low speeds or everyday traffic.
There's also a review on YouTube where the reviewer says the 117 is fun, but almost seems too much for the Low Rider S design to handle. He goes on to say it doesn't work well at low speeds and constantly wants to go higher in the rev range. According to the owner of that bike, it bottomed out and he laid it down, doing some significant damage since the review video was made.
My old Dyna was fun, but it never had anywhere near that kind of power and never felt unstable. My other bike is a Diavel, and while that has 170hp with exhaust and tune, it also has multiple levels of traction control, anti-wheelie, and customizable rider modes to help keep all that power manageable and stop the back wheel from breaking loose.
So my question to guys who have the 117 is, do you feel it genuinely improved the bike and made it more fun or not? From the little bit I've been able to find, a lot of guys have installed it and then quickly sold the bike because it made the bike feel borderline out of control. When you start getting into the 120-130 hp zone with zero rider modes and no traction control, I could see how that definitely might start getting iffy.
Do you like your 117? Have you had problems with heat, traction, or the front tire getting light unexpectedly? Have you had to change tires, and if so, what did you change to? Do you have problems at low speeds?
All these bikes being upgraded and then sold raises questions.
Last edited by DM426; Jul 1, 2017 at 10:53 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 259
From: Northstreet, michigan
I'm considering adding another bike to the garage, and the Low Rider S with the 117 kit has been on my radar for a while. But I have some concerns.
1. The heat issue. I live in Texas, and it's over 100 all the time here. Just how much of an issue is this? Are we talking "it'll make your leg uncomfortable," or are we talking "it's going to destroy the engine"-type of issue?
2. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube of Low Rider S bikes with the 117 kit installed. They sound nice and there's lots of positive feedback, which is great. However, if you pay attention to the comments, a ton of these bikes have been built then promptly put up for sale shortly after having the 117 installed. Why?
There hasn't been a whole lot of talk of exactly why this is, but one owner did comment and he said the 117 nearly made the bike unridable because there was so much torque it wanted to twist the frame and break the back tire loose, even when being careful. Another guy said the lumpy cam just made the bike very difficult to handle and not fun at all at low speeds or everyday traffic.
There's also a review on YouTube where the reviewer says the 117 is fun, but almost seems too much for the Low Rider S design to handle. He goes on to say it doesn't work well at low speeds and constantly wants to go higher in the rev range. According to the owner of that bike, it bottomed out and he laid it down, doing some significant damage since the review video was made.
My old Dyna was fun, but it never had anywhere near that kind of power and never felt unstable. My other bike is a Diavel, and while that has 170hp with exhaust and tune, it also has multiple levels of traction control, anti-wheelie, and customizable rider modes to help keep all that power manageable and stop the back wheel from breaking loose.
So my question to guys who have the 117 is, do you feel it genuinely improved the bike and made it more fun or not? From the little bit I've been able to find, a lot of guys have installed it and then quickly sold the bike because it made the bike feel borderline out of control. When you start getting into the 120-130 hp zone with zero rider modes and no traction control, I could see how that definitely might start getting iffy.
Do you like your 117? Have you had problems with heat, traction, or the front tire getting light unexpectedly? Have you had to change tires, and if so, what did you change to? Do you have problems at low speeds?
All these bikes being upgraded and then sold raises questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXuGFy7rz8g
1. The heat issue. I live in Texas, and it's over 100 all the time here. Just how much of an issue is this? Are we talking "it'll make your leg uncomfortable," or are we talking "it's going to destroy the engine"-type of issue?
2. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube of Low Rider S bikes with the 117 kit installed. They sound nice and there's lots of positive feedback, which is great. However, if you pay attention to the comments, a ton of these bikes have been built then promptly put up for sale shortly after having the 117 installed. Why?
There hasn't been a whole lot of talk of exactly why this is, but one owner did comment and he said the 117 nearly made the bike unridable because there was so much torque it wanted to twist the frame and break the back tire loose, even when being careful. Another guy said the lumpy cam just made the bike very difficult to handle and not fun at all at low speeds or everyday traffic.
There's also a review on YouTube where the reviewer says the 117 is fun, but almost seems too much for the Low Rider S design to handle. He goes on to say it doesn't work well at low speeds and constantly wants to go higher in the rev range. According to the owner of that bike, it bottomed out and he laid it down, doing some significant damage since the review video was made.
My old Dyna was fun, but it never had anywhere near that kind of power and never felt unstable. My other bike is a Diavel, and while that has 170hp with exhaust and tune, it also has multiple levels of traction control, anti-wheelie, and customizable rider modes to help keep all that power manageable and stop the back wheel from breaking loose.
So my question to guys who have the 117 is, do you feel it genuinely improved the bike and made it more fun or not? From the little bit I've been able to find, a lot of guys have installed it and then quickly sold the bike because it made the bike feel borderline out of control. When you start getting into the 120-130 hp zone with zero rider modes and no traction control, I could see how that definitely might start getting iffy.
Do you like your 117? Have you had problems with heat, traction, or the front tire getting light unexpectedly? Have you had to change tires, and if so, what did you change to? Do you have problems at low speeds?
All these bikes being upgraded and then sold raises questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXuGFy7rz8g
ok ok as far as the heat goes, I'm in se Michigan and we see 90s frequently. At this point the bike is fine when riding. I monitor temps with Powervision constantly and the only time I experience high temps (270-300) is when stopped for more than a few minutes. I will shut it down if engine temp reaches 300, but that rarely happens. You can easily keep the engine temps under control with 3 things, (I am still in the process of doing these mods, I'm starting with a dyno tune after I vent the ac to atmosphere) first is a good dyno tune, next I would say a fan assisted oil cooler, then if necessary you can get cooling fans, but after the first two you may not need to. Other ways to help with the heat would include venting the ac to atmosphere, tank lifts, special oil filters and remote oil filter kits, there's a lot of ways. So don't let the heat scare you off by any means.
as far as people selling them after installing the 117, I have no idea why they would do that. I'd cut my own ***** off before I ever sold my lrs. I also don't know why people say it's too much for the design, lumpy cams, or too much to ride-that's bullshit plain and simple. Yes, it will pull the front tire off the ground, but it's not gonna do it accidentally or anything like that. Mine will only do it around 10-20 mph, in first gear, while slamming the throttle open. That's one reason I did this kit was because I wanted the power, but didn't want to unexpectedly pull a wheelie (wheelies aren't my thing, just not comfortable doing it), and I wanted it to still have street manners. I ride my bike year round and daily drive to/from work. When it rains, I am a little more careful with the throttle when turning, but not as much as you think. I wouldn't even say I baby it. This bike is perfectly fine for any type of riding with the 117. I used the se 117 kit and didn't change anything else out. I have a fatcat exhaust, stock hb ac and pv tuner. Yes, the bike feels like it wants to go faster in lower rpm, but it's not by any means rough or lumpy to ride low rpm. I would highly recommend this bike/kit. I don't understand why others are so critical about problems that really don't even exist. Hope this helps.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 6
From: Colorado
I'm considering adding another bike to the garage, and the Low Rider S with the 117 kit has been on my radar for a while. But I have some concerns.
1. The heat issue. I live in Texas, and it's over 100 all the time here. Just how much of an issue is this? Are we talking "it'll make your leg uncomfortable," or are we talking "it's going to destroy the engine"-type of issue?
2. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube of Low Rider S bikes with the 117 kit installed. They sound nice and there's lots of positive feedback, which is great. However, if you pay attention to the comments, a ton of these bikes have been built then promptly put up for sale shortly after having the 117 installed. Why?
There hasn't been a whole lot of talk of exactly why this is, but one owner did comment and he said the 117 nearly made the bike unridable because there was so much torque it wanted to twist the frame and break the back tire loose, even when being careful. Another guy said the lumpy cam just made the bike very difficult to handle and not fun at all at low speeds or everyday traffic.
There's also a review on YouTube where the reviewer says the 117 is fun, but almost seems too much for the Low Rider S design to handle. He goes on to say it doesn't work well at low speeds and constantly wants to go higher in the rev range. According to the owner of that bike, it bottomed out and he laid it down, doing some significant damage since the review video was made.
My old Dyna was fun, but it never had anywhere near that kind of power and never felt unstable. My other bike is a Diavel, and while that has 170hp with exhaust and tune, it also has multiple levels of traction control, anti-wheelie, and customizable rider modes to help keep all that power manageable and stop the back wheel from breaking loose.
So my question to guys who have the 117 is, do you feel it genuinely improved the bike and made it more fun or not? From the little bit I've been able to find, a lot of guys have installed it and then quickly sold the bike because it made the bike feel borderline out of control. When you start getting into the 120-130 hp zone with zero rider modes and no traction control, I could see how that definitely might start getting iffy.
Do you like your 117? Have you had problems with heat, traction, or the front tire getting light unexpectedly? Have you had to change tires, and if so, what did you change to? Do you have problems at low speeds?
All these bikes being upgraded and then sold raises questions.
1. The heat issue. I live in Texas, and it's over 100 all the time here. Just how much of an issue is this? Are we talking "it'll make your leg uncomfortable," or are we talking "it's going to destroy the engine"-type of issue?
2. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube of Low Rider S bikes with the 117 kit installed. They sound nice and there's lots of positive feedback, which is great. However, if you pay attention to the comments, a ton of these bikes have been built then promptly put up for sale shortly after having the 117 installed. Why?
There hasn't been a whole lot of talk of exactly why this is, but one owner did comment and he said the 117 nearly made the bike unridable because there was so much torque it wanted to twist the frame and break the back tire loose, even when being careful. Another guy said the lumpy cam just made the bike very difficult to handle and not fun at all at low speeds or everyday traffic.
There's also a review on YouTube where the reviewer says the 117 is fun, but almost seems too much for the Low Rider S design to handle. He goes on to say it doesn't work well at low speeds and constantly wants to go higher in the rev range. According to the owner of that bike, it bottomed out and he laid it down, doing some significant damage since the review video was made.
My old Dyna was fun, but it never had anywhere near that kind of power and never felt unstable. My other bike is a Diavel, and while that has 170hp with exhaust and tune, it also has multiple levels of traction control, anti-wheelie, and customizable rider modes to help keep all that power manageable and stop the back wheel from breaking loose.
So my question to guys who have the 117 is, do you feel it genuinely improved the bike and made it more fun or not? From the little bit I've been able to find, a lot of guys have installed it and then quickly sold the bike because it made the bike feel borderline out of control. When you start getting into the 120-130 hp zone with zero rider modes and no traction control, I could see how that definitely might start getting iffy.
Do you like your 117? Have you had problems with heat, traction, or the front tire getting light unexpectedly? Have you had to change tires, and if so, what did you change to? Do you have problems at low speeds?
All these bikes being upgraded and then sold raises questions.
1. The bike gets warm, there is no doubt about that. It's a Harley, its air cooled, its going to get hot. They all do. I have ridden on 90+ degree days and it really doesn't seem any hotter than my old 96" Fat Boy Lo. It is warm though, there is no doubt about it.
2. I am in my dealer on a weekly basis goofing around and chatting with the employees. I am friends with several. The only one with a 117 traded back in so far was a younger gentleman that came from a sportster. If you are jump from an 883 to a 117 without a lot of experience, my guess is its going to scare you. I have been riding for at least 15 years and after gearing a GSXR1000, the 117 Low Rider S isn't anything I can't handle.
3. I haven't experienced any frame twisting torque issues or breaking the tire loose, although I am positive the bike will if you want it too. I ride mine pretty hard so far and I haven't had any scares or issues. My guess with the cam being too lumpy is they are referring to the EITMS kicking in, which shuts the cylinder down and acts as an air pump. When it is engaged, its a bit tricky, it almost seems as if it will die. Thats what the bike was designed to do, but if you haven't ridden a bike with it engaged, you can definitely kill it in traffic. I have a 14 Ultra that also has EITMS and it came on in Sturgis sitting in traffic, the first time tripped me out until I figured out how to manage it. Just give it some extra throttle to kick it off. No biggy.
So my answer to your question is I love my 117, it does exactly what it was designed to do, go really fast! However, I have taken it up the canyons a few times here in Colorado and it rides really well. I love it! I have never felt like the front tire was light and I couldn't control it and I have had the bike to about 115 so far. I will say, I don't think the bike with a 117 is great for your every day commute. I am fortunate enough to also have a 14 Ultra that I can jump on and load up with crap and go ride around or ride to work with all my gear. It's just not practical enough to be a daily driver. If it were my only bike, I would probably not have bought one with the 117 (mine was built before I bought it new). I would buy the 110 and tune it and ride the sh*t out of it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 56
From: Knoxville, TN
The heat isn't a reason not to get the bike. It has parade mode if you are sitting in traffic overheating. If you are cruising, the temps are fine.
The bike is FAST, but your ego determines how much of that you take on, and your skill determines how much you can handle. Ride within your limits and you'll be fine.
I HIGHLY recommend the 117.
The bike is FAST, but your ego determines how much of that you take on, and your skill determines how much you can handle. Ride within your limits and you'll be fine.
I HIGHLY recommend the 117.
Advanced
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 4
From: USA
I personally decided against the 117 upgrade, due to the magnitude of heat my 110 generates on the 2016 LRS. My LRS was hot as hell and I didn't know it until it started misbehaving. The reason for this, is that in stock form - there is absolutely no way to monitor heat. You need some added device such as PV or FP3 to monitor head temperature and a temperature equipped oil dip stick to monitor oil temperature. Otherwise, you're riding dumb until you hear the dreaded EITMS turn on or worse - the bike cuts off and leave you stranded for a while.
A hot bike sucks in many ways. While I like my LRS, I don't think I would purchase again. I'd seriously look into a decent water-cooled cruiser. Even a Yamaha V-Max if it wasn't for the **** poor gas mileage.
Harley has to do better to mitigate heat.
A hot bike sucks in many ways. While I like my LRS, I don't think I would purchase again. I'd seriously look into a decent water-cooled cruiser. Even a Yamaha V-Max if it wasn't for the **** poor gas mileage.
Harley has to do better to mitigate heat.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 773
From: Earth
So from what I'm hearing so far, power isn't an issue (at least, not in a bad way), but opinions are split as to how big an problem the heat issue is.
Anyone tried a fan-assisted oil cooler yet?
Anyone tried a fan-assisted oil cooler yet?
Last edited by DM426; Jul 2, 2017 at 12:17 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 102
Likes: 11
From: North Chesterfield, VA
Mine runs hot with the stock exhaust and an EPA compliant tune with the HD street turner. EITMS kicking in at lights was routine down to 50 degrees. I tried fans first, which reduced the incidence of EITMS a lot. I still plan a fan-assisted cooler, exhaust system, and a powervision in the future. Lots of threads about fans and fan-assisted coolers in this forum. Forum member mchad runs both and has reported results using readings from his powervision tuner. For me, the heat problem is more a concern about engine health than comfort. Never really bothered me comfort-wise. I was bugged by the hard-hot-start problem a few times, but there's a firmware fix for that now.