Thanks 2012UltraLimited -
Will give the guys you suggested a call. Any time you go to a build other than stock $$$ is going to leave your wallet. This will be my first (and probably last) such build - I'm 65. But other projects in other areas have taught me the hard way to make sure it's done right the first time and pay what that costs ... and that failure to do that will end up costing two or three times as much in the long run. As far as I'm concerned, asking Jim's about things to watch out for in Jim's engines is like being a chicken and asking the fox if he's a fox (dumb).

 

Thanks 2012UltraLimited -
Will give the guys you suggested a call. Any time you go to a build other than stock $$$ is going to leave your wallet. This will be my first (and probably last) such build - I'm 65. But other projects in other areas have taught me the hard way to make sure it's done right the first time and pay what that costs ... and that failure to do that will end up costing two or three times as much in the long run. As far as I'm concerned, asking Jim's (or a HD dealer) about things to watch out for in Jim's engines is like being a chicken and asking the fox if he's a fox (dumb).

 

Warrantee. On a racing motor. Where does a guy get one of those.

 

Tune'em up burn'em up! Rockets they aint, and won't ever be and even rockets go up in flames every so often...... there is cheaper far more sensible alternatives to going fast almost every time....

 

Well, I have contacted all those I have received suggestions to call.
Relating to my overriding criteria of the most reliable / logest-life motor, they are all pointing me to the HD 120R motor with a timken conversion and sending the crank out to Darkhorse. Mike Stegmann at Latus Motors in Oregon strongly recommends this motor to me over the Jim's 120 or Jim's 131 and they have a lot of experience with all 3 ... says to expect 130-140hp/tq which is plenty for my needs.

 

You are wrong about a good warranty on the Harley 120r. It is considered a race motor and there is not written warranty. Mine broke at about 2,000 miles and Harley refused to pay for the repairs.
Chris

 

JIMS 131" Race Engine has been developed and optimized to produce a balanced, durable and very powerful racing engine. As it stands, unmodified, the JIMS 131" Race Engine delivers 135 ft/lbs torque and 130 Horsepower. I have 15,000 miles on mine and only have the SE race tuner and the Thunder Headers with carburetor motor. The only problem I have is the clutch.