To stroke or not to stroke?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 2
From: Hahntown Pa.
To stroke or not to stroke?
I have a 99 softail 80"er had it built with all the goodies two winters ago. I got 87 hp. out of her and she runs really strong !!, But i still want more !!?? I am seriously thinking about making her into a 96" stroker motor. Anyone have any pro's or con's or stories on this set up I would appreciate any input on this because the long cold winter wiil be here before too long!!! Thnx, Frank
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,919
Likes: 3,721
From: Hill Country, TX
I have a 99 softail 80"er had it built with all the goodies two winters ago. I got 87 hp. out of her and she runs really strong !!, But i still want more !!?? I am seriously thinking about making her into a 96" stroker motor. Anyone have any pro's or con's or stories on this set up I would appreciate any input on this because the long cold winter wiil be here before too long!!! Thnx, Frank
The pros of stroking your perfectly fine engine:
1. There's no replacement for displacement.
2. More HP/torque.
The cons:
1. A sizable outlay of cash for a not too sizable increase in HP/torque.
2. Must bore cases to accept cylinders.
3. Bike will be down for a while getting all of this done.
4. Did I mention that this will cost a lot of money?
Bottom line: Is it worth it to you to spend that kind of cash for the performance increase you will be getting in return? Think about it.
If you want a few more HP, buy a Thunderheader. It will probably put you over 90HP if your carb is tuned right.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I had my motor stroked a few years ago, to 89". With a rebore I claimed it was 90" and ran it like that for several years. It had hi comp pistons and the heads flowed plus a cam, done by a top UK tuner and was sublime.
However like you I wanted even more and looked into increasing bore size, to get around 106", which seemed to be possible, but eventually decided the extra costs were so high I might as well buy a fresh motor, so now have an S&S 107".
So I recommend looking closely into the costs of what you have in mind and comparing them with a new motor, bearing in mind you can go way bigger by that route! IMHO the only way to get the best out of major engine work is to have it done by a competent specialist, so everything works together. That ain't cheap!
However like you I wanted even more and looked into increasing bore size, to get around 106", which seemed to be possible, but eventually decided the extra costs were so high I might as well buy a fresh motor, so now have an S&S 107".
So I recommend looking closely into the costs of what you have in mind and comparing them with a new motor, bearing in mind you can go way bigger by that route! IMHO the only way to get the best out of major engine work is to have it done by a competent specialist, so everything works together. That ain't cheap!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 628
Likes: 14
From: Sweden via Bisbee, Az.
HOw big is big enough... no matter what you do, there will always be someone that can leave you standing still at the light. soooo... DO you need more HP? or do you just want a new project? personally, I'd buy a seized engine and make that your winter project. If it turns out ****, put 'er in. If not, your scoot is not ruined.
As said above, S&S is the way to go if you need the juice now.
As said above, S&S is the way to go if you need the juice now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,459
Likes: 57,015
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I have a 99 softail 80"er had it built with all the goodies two winters ago. I got 87 hp. out of her and she runs really strong !!, But i still want more !!?? I am seriously thinking about making her into a 96" stroker motor. Anyone have any pro's or con's or stories on this set up I would appreciate any input on this because the long cold winter wiil be here before too long!!! Thnx, Frank
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 6
From: Ottawa, ON
I have experience only with bigger bore - 94", and it sux (literally - oil, with couple of seasons). Feel-wise, not a big difference with a properly rebuilt stage one Evo. Not worth it IMHO
And as far as the strokers go - I was strongly advised against it by an oldtimer Evo guru at the local HD, so I didn't even bother...
my 2c
And as far as the strokers go - I was strongly advised against it by an oldtimer Evo guru at the local HD, so I didn't even bother...
my 2c
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 2,150
From: Ohio
Power obession, that a boy! I have a S&S 4 5/8's rotating assembly in stock cases with parts to complement and has been run hard for 5 years, gets the job done, dependable and alot of friends and others know to leave the White Bike alone BUTTT I have grown use to the power and want more. Rather than max bore the cases to a 106" it would be wiser to buy a big Ultima engine and get it over with and have a nice back up engine if something goes wrong.
Gotta agree with everyone, leave the Evo intact and save the coin for a aftermarket horse unless you want a stock cased engine in the bike, if that is the situation and want 100 HP, stroke away. The future comes quick and that stock engine will be nice back in lets say a 60 year old bike.
Gotta agree with everyone, leave the Evo intact and save the coin for a aftermarket horse unless you want a stock cased engine in the bike, if that is the situation and want 100 HP, stroke away. The future comes quick and that stock engine will be nice back in lets say a 60 year old bike.
Last edited by 1997bagger; Sep 15, 2012 at 11:29 AM.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA
This might be WAY outside the box but consider this....Keep your bike the way it is and consider starting a stroker bike project..Something unknown here is if you have the time and space for such a project?
