Power upgrades for street use that retain reliability
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
Power upgrades for street use that retain reliability
Since my Ive ridden my wifes stage 1 XL1200 a few times it has left me longing for a bit more power.
Since New England winters are brutally long I was initially planning on putting an EV27 in but now I am thinking wiseco 10:1 pistons and an EV27 or Woods 6 cam.
First and foremost I want to retain the reliability and driveability of the bike. I usually don't beat on it but on the occasion I want to open it up I'd really like to free up some power. I'm not trying to do an entire engine build in the sense that Id like to keep the case on the bike and primary hooked up, etc.
I'm also not on a set budget but I'd definitely be looking to stay sub $500 unless my life circumstances change dramatically and my POS jeep stops breaking, or I have a sudden loss in interest of firearms.
Mike
Since New England winters are brutally long I was initially planning on putting an EV27 in but now I am thinking wiseco 10:1 pistons and an EV27 or Woods 6 cam.
First and foremost I want to retain the reliability and driveability of the bike. I usually don't beat on it but on the occasion I want to open it up I'd really like to free up some power. I'm not trying to do an entire engine build in the sense that Id like to keep the case on the bike and primary hooked up, etc.
I'm also not on a set budget but I'd definitely be looking to stay sub $500 unless my life circumstances change dramatically and my POS jeep stops breaking, or I have a sudden loss in interest of firearms.
Mike
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Since my Ive ridden my wifes stage 1 XL1200 a few times it has left me longing for a bit more power.
Since New England winters are brutally long I was initially planning on putting an EV27 in but now I am thinking wiseco 10:1 pistons and an EV27 or Woods 6 cam.
First and foremost I want to retain the reliability and driveability of the bike. I usually don't beat on it but on the occasion I want to open it up I'd really like to free up some power. I'm not trying to do an entire engine build in the sense that Id like to keep the case on the bike and primary hooked up, etc.
I'm also not on a set budget but I'd definitely be looking to stay sub $500 unless my life circumstances change dramatically and my POS jeep stops breaking, or I have a sudden loss in interest of firearms.
Mike
Since New England winters are brutally long I was initially planning on putting an EV27 in but now I am thinking wiseco 10:1 pistons and an EV27 or Woods 6 cam.
First and foremost I want to retain the reliability and driveability of the bike. I usually don't beat on it but on the occasion I want to open it up I'd really like to free up some power. I'm not trying to do an entire engine build in the sense that Id like to keep the case on the bike and primary hooked up, etc.
I'm also not on a set budget but I'd definitely be looking to stay sub $500 unless my life circumstances change dramatically and my POS jeep stops breaking, or I have a sudden loss in interest of firearms.
Mike
For that do a cam, ignition, and carb upgrade.
You won't need to change the carb but you will need to adjust it.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 913
Likes: 5
From: indiana
Since my Ive ridden my wifes stage 1 XL1200 a few times it has left me longing for a bit more power.
Since New England winters are brutally long I was initially planning on putting an EV27 in but now I am thinking wiseco 10:1 pistons and an EV27 or Woods 6 cam.
First and foremost I want to retain the reliability and driveability of the bike. I usually don't beat on it but on the occasion I want to open it up I'd really like to free up some power. I'm not trying to do an entire engine build in the sense that Id like to keep the case on the bike and primary hooked up, etc.
I'm also not on a set budget but I'd definitely be looking to stay sub $500 unless my life circumstances change dramatically and my POS jeep stops breaking, or I have a sudden loss in interest of firearms.
Mike
Since New England winters are brutally long I was initially planning on putting an EV27 in but now I am thinking wiseco 10:1 pistons and an EV27 or Woods 6 cam.
First and foremost I want to retain the reliability and driveability of the bike. I usually don't beat on it but on the occasion I want to open it up I'd really like to free up some power. I'm not trying to do an entire engine build in the sense that Id like to keep the case on the bike and primary hooked up, etc.
I'm also not on a set budget but I'd definitely be looking to stay sub $500 unless my life circumstances change dramatically and my POS jeep stops breaking, or I have a sudden loss in interest of firearms.
Mike
if you want to keep up with that sporty it going to be a lot more than 500.
but with 10:1 and either one of those cams your on the right track.
I really like the wood cams but that's just me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 5
From: Florida
With 10:1 pistons and an ev27 cam you will have to run 93 or higher octane, and even then will be flirting with detonation (pinging). Not saying impossible to avoid pinging, but you will need an adjustable ignition, and tune will have to be spot-on.
On that budget, and reliability being paramount, I would just stick with a cam swap.
There's no shame in your wife having a faster bike.
On that budget, and reliability being paramount, I would just stick with a cam swap.
There's no shame in your wife having a faster bike.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
My wife and my brother both have xl1200s and both will dust my azz. My brothers XL, runs like a sport bike for crying out loud. I have just decided that I have to get my mind right on this issue. I had a 1991 FLSTC that had a lot of performance upgrades and all that did was let it run with the XL1200s. But, at low speed it was jerky and cammy (if that's a word) as heck. And, I'm certain without a doubt that the long term reliability wasn't impressive at all. My favorite indie mechanic always says that "if it goes fast it wont go fast far".
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
I don't think I can bring myself to ditch the big shots. I know they have a crossover pipe.
I've heard 10:1 compression isn't too bad. I know cars go to 11:1 pretty regularly. I've heard that boosting compression will gove you a lot (I dont mind running 93) with a cam. Im sure it can be done with pinging avoided? I know many reccomend against changing overall geometry by machining the heads and forged pistons fall into a similar price category.
Mike
I've heard 10:1 compression isn't too bad. I know cars go to 11:1 pretty regularly. I've heard that boosting compression will gove you a lot (I dont mind running 93) with a cam. Im sure it can be done with pinging avoided? I know many reccomend against changing overall geometry by machining the heads and forged pistons fall into a similar price category.
Mike
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I don't think I can bring myself to ditch the big shots. I know they have a crossover pipe.
I've heard 10:1 compression isn't too bad. I know cars go to 11:1 pretty regularly. I've heard that boosting compression will gove you a lot (I dont mind running 93) with a cam. Im sure it can be done with pinging avoided? I know many reccomend against changing overall geometry by machining the heads and forged pistons fall into a similar price category.
Mike
I've heard 10:1 compression isn't too bad. I know cars go to 11:1 pretty regularly. I've heard that boosting compression will gove you a lot (I dont mind running 93) with a cam. Im sure it can be done with pinging avoided? I know many reccomend against changing overall geometry by machining the heads and forged pistons fall into a similar price category.
Mike
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
My wife is a much better shot than I will ever be. Doesn't bother me a bit. I just wound them,or slow 'em down, and she get's to finish them off...
OP: EVO's need 'air in, air out'. Free flowing air cleaner, free flowing exhaust (not necessarily loud or straight pipes). Add in a 'bolt in' cam, to get the valves doing what they should be doing, and a good tune to the OEM CV carb, and you will have a totally different bike. Bump the CR to 9.5:1, do mild head work, and go to an aftermarket ignition, and you will have twice the EVO you now have.
However... You really need to decide what sort of riding you do the majority of time. Everything is going to be a compromise.
OP: EVO's need 'air in, air out'. Free flowing air cleaner, free flowing exhaust (not necessarily loud or straight pipes). Add in a 'bolt in' cam, to get the valves doing what they should be doing, and a good tune to the OEM CV carb, and you will have a totally different bike. Bump the CR to 9.5:1, do mild head work, and go to an aftermarket ignition, and you will have twice the EVO you now have.
However... You really need to decide what sort of riding you do the majority of time. Everything is going to be a compromise.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
I mainly commute vs long distance touring. I have replaced the gunslinger seat with a wide touring seat, and I have added saddle-bags for making grocery runs.
I live currently in western MA so its very hilly. For the most part I ride pretty conservatively but I do like to get on the gas occasionally and would like it to have a bit more oomph. My goal is definitely to have a reliable bike before a dragster.
If 10:1 might cause issues and 9.5:1 would leave me a reliable bike with 91/93 than I would take the 9.5:1.
The end of this season should only have around 10K on the bike. I've heard the cam is a must but the cam with a compression boost is even more impressive.
Mike
I live currently in western MA so its very hilly. For the most part I ride pretty conservatively but I do like to get on the gas occasionally and would like it to have a bit more oomph. My goal is definitely to have a reliable bike before a dragster.
If 10:1 might cause issues and 9.5:1 would leave me a reliable bike with 91/93 than I would take the 9.5:1.
The end of this season should only have around 10K on the bike. I've heard the cam is a must but the cam with a compression boost is even more impressive.
Mike