Adjustable pushrod advantages
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 1,202
From: river
I've always used solid pushrods, if I need to tear down I do not care if I don't have adjustables. Smith bros will make high quality solid rods for cheap. I now run adjustables because I switched to hydosolid lifters. But, this is on an xl and they don't have collapsible covers from the factory. And I didn't want to spend the cash on adjustables, and a collapsible kit.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
I don't use adjustables but they can make checking older spring style tensioners a little quicker or in the case of replacing lifters that seem to be a short lived wear item. I'm not on the clock so I don't really care, my older bike is stock and solids are lighter than adjustables. If I were to ever use adjustables I'd do my research carefully; choosing the wrong brand could cause a failure that creates a lot of work $.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Apr 7, 2017 at 07:41 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 620
From: Pittsburgh suburb
Well..... solids or "perfect fit" pushrods as they`re called is a little deceiving, nothing is perfect fit, yes at first the solid PR`s are tight but what about break in? A good set of adjustables is the way to go IMO. remember there's wear items at work here which upon loosening up will cause some chatter.
Smith brothers / Fuel moto PR`s are top shelf & lets face it no one here is running a top fuel drag bike - so those who say they`re heavier, power robbing, etc... are probably correct to a point so if you`re sinking tens of thousands into your motor & want every ounce of HP - then I'm sure you have top of the line everything in the motor along with all the proper math for fitment - expansion / contraction ratios, etc. - then go solid PR`s ( regardless some metric will still blow your doors off & at 1/3 the price of just your motor build).
For those wanting TQ & a small to mid bump there is nothing wrong with adjustables, why break into the top end if you don't need too - the dealerships usually recommend this - guess why? more $$$$$ the OP will do what ever & then a year or so later with 3-4000 after build miles on the bike (probably take em 2ys or better to get those miles) he`ll sell the bike & start over.
Smith brothers / Fuel moto PR`s are top shelf & lets face it no one here is running a top fuel drag bike - so those who say they`re heavier, power robbing, etc... are probably correct to a point so if you`re sinking tens of thousands into your motor & want every ounce of HP - then I'm sure you have top of the line everything in the motor along with all the proper math for fitment - expansion / contraction ratios, etc. - then go solid PR`s ( regardless some metric will still blow your doors off & at 1/3 the price of just your motor build).
For those wanting TQ & a small to mid bump there is nothing wrong with adjustables, why break into the top end if you don't need too - the dealerships usually recommend this - guess why? more $$$$$ the OP will do what ever & then a year or so later with 3-4000 after build miles on the bike (probably take em 2ys or better to get those miles) he`ll sell the bike & start over.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 699
Likes: 232
From: Batcave
When Harley add the throttle by wire, they usually add cruise control with it which is a handy little feature for long freeway riding
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
Even if you only do one, it's one heck of an easier job without removing the valve covers,