Does a cam change = higher top speed?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
I run the Woods 555's in my 2013 limited 103. I also have the SE air cleaner, V&H Power Duals and Monster Rounds. I did this to run with my buddies CVO Ultra 110. We ride hard and fast and he would slowly pull away above 80 or 90 MPH. That does not happen anymore and as stated above the torque curve is pushed out farther resulting in higher top end and getting there faster.
FYI, IMO I would suggest changing the lifters out to S&S at the time you change the cams. For me I did not and will be pulling it down this winter to reduce or eliminate valve train noise from the faster higher ramps on the cams. This is my 5th Harley and the only 1 I have ever owned running hydraulic lifters with a noisy top end. i really expected the adjustable pushrods to solve the noise but it didn't.
FYI, IMO I would suggest changing the lifters out to S&S at the time you change the cams. For me I did not and will be pulling it down this winter to reduce or eliminate valve train noise from the faster higher ramps on the cams. This is my 5th Harley and the only 1 I have ever owned running hydraulic lifters with a noisy top end. i really expected the adjustable pushrods to solve the noise but it didn't.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
I run the Woods 555's in my 2013 limited 103. I also have the SE air cleaner, V&H Power Duals and Monster Rounds. I did this to run with my buddies CVO Ultra 110. We ride hard and fast and he would slowly pull away above 80 or 90 MPH. That does not happen anymore and as stated above the torque curve is pushed out farther resulting in higher top end and getting there faster.
FYI, IMO I would suggest changing the lifters out to S&S at the time you change the cams. For me I did not and will be pulling it down this winter to reduce or eliminate valve train noise from the faster higher ramps on the cams. This is my 5th Harley and the only 1 I have ever owned running hydraulic lifters with a noisy top end. i really expected the adjustable pushrods to solve the noise but it didn't.
FYI, IMO I would suggest changing the lifters out to S&S at the time you change the cams. For me I did not and will be pulling it down this winter to reduce or eliminate valve train noise from the faster higher ramps on the cams. This is my 5th Harley and the only 1 I have ever owned running hydraulic lifters with a noisy top end. i really expected the adjustable pushrods to solve the noise but it didn't.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 362
Likes: 22
From: New York
Go down a couple of teeth on the rear sprocket, you will gain more top end. It will take you longer to get there though. If you have the room, a 125cc bike will go 120 with the correct gearing. IMHO, hp and tq have less to do with top end as compared to gearing. Just my .02
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Sorry, but I don't agree with this at all. My bike is a 2013 and especially now with suspension upgrades and Predator mount has no issues being stable past 100mph. I'm not looking to win races, nor looking for much speed above 100mph, but would prefer to have the ability to pass with authority when needed/wanted at higher highway speeds. My idea is to have a sport touring HD, and the engine power die off above 3.5k - 4krpms is the limiting factor right now.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
Do you have the stage one? My bike, 2014 ultra limited with the high output 103 And the stage one with the screamin eagle pro tuner has nothing but ***** over 70 @ 3200 rpms. Even in six gear I can punch it and pass just about anyone and those that I can't I can drop it down to fourth and hold on. Lol.
You raise an interesting point though. My buddy has a 2013 Road Glide w/ Stage 1 and he seems to have more zing at the higher speeds. Are the touring bikes geared the same as Dynas? Are the touring bikes more aerodynamic somehow?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,091
Likes: 7,611
From: Poolville
It's all a package that has to be tuned. for under 2k you can do a 107" build with mild head work added to your pipes and create a nice 115/110 package (modest) and if you change your overall gearing to between 3.26 to 3.31:1 with a six speed (which you already have) you will have a lot of machine, Where you want it.. No one miracle change will do all that. It's all in the package. be prepared to go all the way. You won't be satisfied till you do...... Oh yea and one more thing to help the package would be a better spring for the clutch....
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Sep 23, 2015 at 08:49 PM.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
It's all a package that has to be tuned. for under 2k you can do a 107" build with mild head work added to your pipes and create a nice 115/110 package (modest) and if you change your overall gearing to between 3.26 to 3.31:1 with a six speed (which you already have) you will have a lot of machine, Where you want it.. No one miracle change will do all that. It's all in the package. be prepared to go all the way. You won't be satisfied till you do...... Oh yea and one more thing to help the package would be a better spring for the clutch....
Is the under $2k installed, or me doing the work?
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