Thinking about the approaching winter.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 816
Likes: 4
From: Stone Harbor, NJ
Thinking about the approaching winter.
The winter is fast approaching and a middle aged guy's mind turns to winter bike projects. I have decided it is time to start doing power and handling upgrades. I am pretty sure Progressive shocks and drop ins are in store. But I am also thinking of power upgrades. Not being a mechanic, and reading the forums for a couple years now I know there are a few things I can do short of a new engine. I am pretty mechanical and have a decent set of tools from torque wrenches to a full complement of metric and standard sockets and Torx and hex wrenches and a lift and am thinking I want to do the work myself if at all possible. question for the more experienced wrenches out there.
So I know Cams are a start - are new lifters and springs needed? If I switch cams do I need to do a fuel management system? I have currently have the stage one (w/ V&H BR 2-2 and Screamin' Eagle Ventilater) done from the dealer when the bike was new. Also thinking or replacing the Ventilator with an S&S Teardrop, as the back end hits my knee.
And advice, suggestions, guidance from you guys would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks In Advance,
USMAMule
So I know Cams are a start - are new lifters and springs needed? If I switch cams do I need to do a fuel management system? I have currently have the stage one (w/ V&H BR 2-2 and Screamin' Eagle Ventilater) done from the dealer when the bike was new. Also thinking or replacing the Ventilator with an S&S Teardrop, as the back end hits my knee.
And advice, suggestions, guidance from you guys would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks In Advance,
USMAMule
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 816
Likes: 4
From: Stone Harbor, NJ
It is a 2010 Wide Glide. Sorry about not being specific. LOL... I sometimes forget that more than a few folks have more than one bike. And yeah I was thinking a budget of about $2000 for parts this winter - including suspension. Wanting to drop it a bit so I think it is common sense to drop the front and back the same 1" to keep handling steady. But maybe that isn't the case?
So I was thinking a 1" drop through shorter than OEM shocks and the 1" inch lowering drop ins for the forks from Progressive. Living in rural NJ I get a lot of twisties on daily rides to work, and I like to have fun.
As far as performance - not really targeting a HP/Torque goal. I'd just like a wider power band for said twisties and passing tourists in cages that seem to think teh whole world is on vacation same as them and have no where to go.
Thanks,
USMAMule
So I was thinking a 1" drop through shorter than OEM shocks and the 1" inch lowering drop ins for the forks from Progressive. Living in rural NJ I get a lot of twisties on daily rides to work, and I like to have fun.
As far as performance - not really targeting a HP/Torque goal. I'd just like a wider power band for said twisties and passing tourists in cages that seem to think teh whole world is on vacation same as them and have no where to go.
Thanks,
USMAMule
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 36
From: Montana
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,278
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
I can't speak from experience on motor mods, had installed a stage 1 with TMax on my 07 Street Bob about 3 years ago and am very satisfied with the power increase.
Last year I lowered the bike and found that it limited the amount of fun I could have in the twisties, which is most of the riding I do. Too much grinding of parts for my liking, and a harsher ride.
So I went the other way and put on 1/2" longer Ohlins on the back. No more scraping and way more stable cornering and comfort. The front end has Progressive springs and it helped, that will be the next area I look at. For great suspension advice, look up Howard at motorcyclemetal.com, a sponsor here.
Last year I lowered the bike and found that it limited the amount of fun I could have in the twisties, which is most of the riding I do. Too much grinding of parts for my liking, and a harsher ride.
So I went the other way and put on 1/2" longer Ohlins on the back. No more scraping and way more stable cornering and comfort. The front end has Progressive springs and it helped, that will be the next area I look at. For great suspension advice, look up Howard at motorcyclemetal.com, a sponsor here.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
have never done engine work to a motorcycle but i have to my gto so i would guess you would need upgraded springs/lifters/hardened pushrods. proly depends on the cam grind as well. with a cam you should definitely get a tune or pcv and do it yourself. good luck with the winter project.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 4
From: Kennewick, WA
That is the place and kit that seems to be the best bang for the buck. However, it will more than use up his budgeted $2k.