Gen II heads on a 107 | S&S 496 question

NorwegianHDrider — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:47:50 GMT

Has anyone made an intake manifold that fits between stock gen 1 cylinders, using the stock gen 2 heads? Seems like VTP's manifold is only with the SE heads and 64+TB.

I'm wondering about putting gen 2 takeoff heads on my otherwise stock 107, paired with a cam built for gen 2's as well.

I'm not interested in pulling my cylinders off, as I'd like to keep the reliability, heat management and simplify the job by keeping it at the stock bore. If I can get close to 130hp with the gen 2 heads, cam and slimmer head gaskets that would be awesome. In other words, I'd like to find out how much you can push a "stock" 107 to. Could be a fun winter project.

Another question I have is has anyone tried the new S&S 496 on a 107 with stock compression? It's got quite a late intake close of 40 ABDC, but perhaps with a +4 cam sprocket, it'll work good.

Software Thoughts

Saguaro — Fri, 08 May 2026 22:18:52 GMT

Is anyone familiar with Softbrake rear brake levers? Do any provide more clearance between the front exhaust pipe and the brake arm? Thanks in advance.

135 Mods

I Wannabe a Biker — Sun, 03 May 2026 12:27:16 GMT

Ok so I�ve had my 135 almost a year and 12k miles. First I want to say Harley hit a home run with this motor. I have the air/oil cooled version in my 22 SGST. It�s been totally reliable and durable thus far.

previous to the 135 mods include seat, bars, front and rear suspension, as well as a few cosmetics.

post 135 mods I installed the Ultra Cool oil cooler and filter. Replaced the oil filter recently with the Figurati magnetic filter. Figurati magnetic dipstick and Trask transmission vent cover.

first the Ultra Cool. Man, talk about a must have. I put this on in Blackhills last year during Sturgis. I could feel the bike get hot on my ***, and immediately cool down as soon as the dual fans kick on. This is a must have especially when riding in traffic. I�d put this on any Harley with an air/oil cooled engine.

next I installed the Trask Trans Vent Cover. Without seeing the inside of the engine, not sure how well it actually works, but the throttle body is free from blow by. So assuming it�s doing its job.

next I installed the magnetic dipstick. Very impressed. Engine particles stick to those magnets like glue. When checking the oil, all that black stuff circulating is stuck to the magnets. And the engine oil is as clean as the day it�s changed. With the previous 117 that was in it, oil would turn black after long hard rides. Not the case with the 135 and dipstick.

for added protection, I recently installed the magnetic oil filter. I will inspect those magnets on my next oil change. But if the dipstick is any indication, I�m looking at clean oil for the rest of this 135�s life.

so in theory, a cooler running, and cleaner running engine should increase the life of this motor. I can say without hesitation, between this and the 117 I pulled out, there is no comparison on performance. The 117 was good, don�t get me wrong, but that torque in the 135 is f ing great. I have no doubt I could pull the front off the ground if I tried, but choose not to. When in the power band in 2nd, 3rd and 4th, if getting on that throttle, that front end raises up and this thing rips compared to what I was used to with the 117. Looking forward to a lot more riding. I don�t baby this motor, but I don�t red line it often either. Want it to last. But let�s face it, on occasion when I want to feel that power, getting on that throttle can be irresistible.

back to the thread title, after having these mods, I consider these items must haves. Not that they are going to add torque or hp, but running cleaner, cooler and breathing is a game changer in my opinion.

anyone else do any of these mods on your bikes with different experiences than mine?

M8 vent.

DGTRIKER — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:29:25 GMT

New to the forum. Has anyone moved the case vent tube from the breather to a catch can?

Harley Davidson Forums - Milwaukee Eight (M8)

Gen II heads on a 107 | S&S 496 question

Software Thoughts

135 Mods

M8 vent.