Help with a decision.. Plz.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
What are you waiting for? Do the cams. I'm pretty sure you'll really like the improved performance.
Problem is you'll probably like it so much that next thing you know we'll be reading your new thread, "Help with a decision 106" or 107".. Plz" LOL
Problem is you'll probably like it so much that next thing you know we'll be reading your new thread, "Help with a decision 106" or 107".. Plz" LOL
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
hahaha 
Probably. I have been back and forth for two years now. And every time I start to go ahead with the job. I take a ride, and feel that I don't "NEED" the cams. Bike runs good with just downshifting if needed to get up and go.
Then I talk myself out of it. I tell myself not to open the bike up if there isn't anything wrong with it.
It is a problem for me to tinker on the bike when there isn't a specific problem other than maintenance to be performed. The bike to me isn't a fun machine. It is a way of transportation for everyday commuting. I don't know if I could deal with making a decision to "improve" the motorcycle when it hasn't really needed improvement. Well, other than the what if factor, and the want and mystery of making it quicker.
Probably. I have been back and forth for two years now. And every time I start to go ahead with the job. I take a ride, and feel that I don't "NEED" the cams. Bike runs good with just downshifting if needed to get up and go.
Then I talk myself out of it. I tell myself not to open the bike up if there isn't anything wrong with it.
It is a problem for me to tinker on the bike when there isn't a specific problem other than maintenance to be performed. The bike to me isn't a fun machine. It is a way of transportation for everyday commuting. I don't know if I could deal with making a decision to "improve" the motorcycle when it hasn't really needed improvement. Well, other than the what if factor, and the want and mystery of making it quicker.
Last edited by editbrain; Mar 26, 2012 at 08:35 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
Why is your mileage a factor if you want some more power?
I notice one thing about you, Editbrain. You overthink things waaaaay too much. If you want cams now, then do the cams now. No further thinking involved.
For the record, I swapped my cams at ~19k miles. Give you something to think about. Ha ha
I notice one thing about you, Editbrain. You overthink things waaaaay too much. If you want cams now, then do the cams now. No further thinking involved.
For the record, I swapped my cams at ~19k miles. Give you something to think about. Ha ha
Longhair, I remember you doing the Woods 6-6s on your Dyna. And you are right. I have become an over-thinker.
I have been screwed by making some choices because I needed to have this, or I need to have that. It always works for the worst it seems. I love my Harley to much to have something go belly up because I tinkered on the whip.
When I could have left well enough alone, and had my bike functional. Yes, I know over-thinker.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
I think it's sometimes called 'analysis paralysis' ...
You could probably do the job yourself if you have (or have access to) a decent garage and tool set ... there are a few tools that can make the job easier or quicker ... but, basic sockets, allen head set, torx bits, a lift (or I've even used jack stands in a pinch) ... you won't need the special tool for cam shoe tensioners that I needed to get to belay the spring tension on the shoes since you have a later model with hydraulic cam chain tensioner ... there are dozens of great cam change threads with the detailed description and photos ... step-by-step instructions, etc ... also, there's a great video by S&S on youtube ... not that hard to DIY, really ... have you given that a thought ...?
From personal experience, it took me pretty much a whole weekend ... BUT, I removed the rocker covers so I could remove and reuse my pushrods ... if you were cutting your pushrods with a bolt cutter and installing adjustable pushrods you could probably do it in a day ... even taking your time to ensure you got it right ....
R/
'Chop
You could probably do the job yourself if you have (or have access to) a decent garage and tool set ... there are a few tools that can make the job easier or quicker ... but, basic sockets, allen head set, torx bits, a lift (or I've even used jack stands in a pinch) ... you won't need the special tool for cam shoe tensioners that I needed to get to belay the spring tension on the shoes since you have a later model with hydraulic cam chain tensioner ... there are dozens of great cam change threads with the detailed description and photos ... step-by-step instructions, etc ... also, there's a great video by S&S on youtube ... not that hard to DIY, really ... have you given that a thought ...?
From personal experience, it took me pretty much a whole weekend ... BUT, I removed the rocker covers so I could remove and reuse my pushrods ... if you were cutting your pushrods with a bolt cutter and installing adjustable pushrods you could probably do it in a day ... even taking your time to ensure you got it right ....
R/
'Chop
Last edited by SURFOR Chop; Mar 26, 2012 at 11:37 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
The 204's don't seem to have much lift compared to stock. Doesn't seem like a big gain (read: not worth the trouble).
BigBoys Cam Comparator: http://www.bigboyzcycles.com/tccams.htm
BigBoys Cam Comparator: http://www.bigboyzcycles.com/tccams.htm
Last edited by SC-Longhair; Mar 27, 2012 at 08:37 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Hot rodding aside, even on a bike used for everyday transportation, a cam would give you more power which could get you out of a tight situation. I know it has for me. Safe riding whatever you decide.
hahaha
Probably. I have been back and forth for two years now. And every time I start to go ahead with the job. I take a ride, and feel that I don't "NEED" the cams. Bike runs good with just downshifting if needed to get up and go.
Then I talk myself out of it. I tell myself not to open the bike up if there isn't anything wrong with it.
It is a problem for me to tinker on the bike when there isn't a specific problem other than maintenance to be performed. The bike to me isn't a fun machine. It is a way of transportation for everyday commuting. I don't know if I could deal with making a decision to "improve" the motorcycle when it hasn't really needed improvement. Well, other than the what if factor, and the want and mystery of making it quicker.
Probably. I have been back and forth for two years now. And every time I start to go ahead with the job. I take a ride, and feel that I don't "NEED" the cams. Bike runs good with just downshifting if needed to get up and go.
Then I talk myself out of it. I tell myself not to open the bike up if there isn't anything wrong with it.
It is a problem for me to tinker on the bike when there isn't a specific problem other than maintenance to be performed. The bike to me isn't a fun machine. It is a way of transportation for everyday commuting. I don't know if I could deal with making a decision to "improve" the motorcycle when it hasn't really needed improvement. Well, other than the what if factor, and the want and mystery of making it quicker.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 3
From: West New york, NJ
The 204's don't seem to have much lift compared to stock. Doesn't seem like a big gain (read: not worth the trouble).
BigBoys Cam Comparator: http://www.bigboyzcycles.com/tccams.htm
BigBoys Cam Comparator: http://www.bigboyzcycles.com/tccams.htm
