Dumb question on engine mods...
Dumb question on engine mods...
I had a Sportster 1200c with a Stage I. I recently traded it in on an FXDL. I'm fine with the Dyna's stock power. I'm wondering, however, if the Stage I improves engine longevity/reliability because it runs cooler, or if the stock settings are better? Any thoughts?
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,612
From: along the shore of Mishigami
By putting on the open air cleaner and performance exhaust the end result is the air/fuel mix is richened up a tad and those by products are lower combustion temps, cooler engine and some extra horses.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
Properly tuned, mods = MPG gain.
There are countless threads on Stage 1 mods. There are also countless threads on heat issues with stock settings. Seek and ye shall find.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Sorry you've been on the receiving end of some bad mod decisions there Candy.
Properly matched and tuned mods = more power with a better running engine
Properly used power with properly matched and tuned mods = increased reliability.
Properly used power, with properly matched and tuned mods = increased miles per gallon (usually).
But this usually not the case. Items one and two can be had.... but then they are so damn fun that item number three is hard to do....
Properly matched and tuned mods = more power with a better running engine
Properly used power with properly matched and tuned mods = increased reliability.
Properly used power, with properly matched and tuned mods = increased miles per gallon (usually).
But this usually not the case. Items one and two can be had.... but then they are so damn fun that item number three is hard to do....
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 8
From: Aurora, IL
Sorry you've been on the receiving end of some bad mod decisions there Candy.
Properly matched and tuned mods = more power with a better running engine
Properly used power with properly matched and tuned mods = increased reliability.
Properly used power, with properly matched and tuned mods = increased miles per gallon (usually).
But this usually not the case. Items one and two can be had.... but then they are so damn fun that item number three is hard to do....
Properly matched and tuned mods = more power with a better running engine
Properly used power with properly matched and tuned mods = increased reliability.
Properly used power, with properly matched and tuned mods = increased miles per gallon (usually).
But this usually not the case. Items one and two can be had.... but then they are so damn fun that item number three is hard to do....
I agree, my dads Road Glide always gets at least 5 mpg better than my wide glide. His is a 95" with headwork and cams. Mine is 88" with an air cleaner, jet kit and pipes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 9
From: Double Oak, Texas
Shhh! Don't tell that to my somewhat modded engine that got 45-55 MPG
cruising 70-75 mph while cruising from Dallas to Socal and back earlier this month.
cruising 70-75 mph while cruising from Dallas to Socal and back earlier this month.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, Maryland
Anyone who's ever seen how HD tests their motors...well... rest assured they put the engines through more heat and abuse than we ever will ours. I have a friend who has 2 really nice bikes and he was concerned about riding to Sturgis, if that would damage his engine. I told him no... because one year we ran interstate 90 on the way to the rally 80 and 90 miles an hour...I mean really riding like raped apes, for hours in the hot South Dakota sun without incident. I have 35,000 miles on mine and it runs like a champ...just use synthetic and you'll be fine.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
K&N jet kit? those jet kits kill your fuel economy. I tossed mine for an 88 sporty needle and a 46 low 195 high jet. My economy improved by 10 MPG to about 45-50 mpg. Bike runs better too.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
I disagree. My MPG went up about 3 mpg after Stage1 with a SERT & dyno map.(43-44 city/ 48-49 hwy if you aren't beating on it) Plus my engine runs smoother & cooler. So I am questioning the wear & tear as well. But then again I think I push the motor harder now that it is faster...
Oh yeah...you forgot MODS= $$ loss
Oh yeah...you forgot MODS= $$ loss