General Harley Davidson Chat Forum to discuss general Harley Davidson issues, topics, and experiences.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Chasing HP and TQ

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 07:56 AM
  #1  
BigMike's Avatar
BigMike
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 1,938
From: NE Florida
Riders Club Member
Default Chasing HP and TQ

Back when the Twin Cam 88" first came out in '99/'00, people saw it as a big improvement over the 80" Evo. Immediately, HD and the aftermarket went to work and there were cams, "big bore" 95" cyl/pistons, head work, throttle bodies, bigger carbs (remember those), etc. Most of us were doing mild 95" builds looking for that 100/100 number and others were going for 110/110. Then the 103/113/124 builds started.

I had an 02 Road King Classic and built a mild 95" engine that IIRC was about 95hp/102tq. Ran great and had all the power I needed.

I owned a 13 Fatboy Lo with a 103 for about 10 months before trading for a 15 Street Glide Special with the Rushmore 103. Both with a Stage 1 and plenty of power. I'm really impressed with the Rushmore 103 and Stage 1 which is probably putting out around 88hp/109tq +/-2.

Even being a big gearhead, I don't see tearing into the engine looking for more power for at least a few years and the bike has some miles on it. Or I feel I want better quality parts in the engine.

I think even a mild 103 build with just cams, a little more compression, and some headwork would be more than enough. But then you get in there and all of the components cost about the same money (mild vs. wild). Then you have to weigh power/reliability/longevity.

So what is the current magic numbers (e.g. 100/100) everyone is looking for today?
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 08:30 AM
  #2  
Brianc9876's Avatar
Brianc9876
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 483
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Bay area, Florida
Default

I personally would love to obtained around 109-111 and say 120 Lot to ask for but can of course be done for coin.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 08:51 AM
  #3  
sharkey's Avatar
sharkey
Grand HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
Default

I toured lots with 111hp/117ft lb 103 in an FXDXT. Was a lot of fun; lucky I didn't get some major tickets but as I mature; just too high strung for touring great distances.
Currently have 90hp/102tq 103 in an FXDF; can easily avoid/pass any loaded mini-van I encounter...the main hazard requiring more power to weight than many HD's. Even a stock CVO, fully loaded, is in a contest on a grade.
How much power/reliability you need is your decision...I now base my decision on 28 states and 6 provinces traveled and am content with my current ride
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 09:17 AM
  #4  
Bologna's Avatar
Bologna
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: st louis
Default

I've got a 2013 FXS 103 that pits out 122hp/120tq. I'm a horse power junkie. The thing is, I dont use that power LOL. I ride pretty easy but the power is there when I need it. I need to find a stopping point cause I'm already giving that HD Blower a hard look. Lol
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 11:37 AM
  #5  
Frank Dukes's Avatar
Frank Dukes
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: N. Illinois
Default

my bike at a little over 100/100 is just fine by me. would i like more power, sure. but not at the potential of lost reliability.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 11:50 AM
  #6  
harleycharlie1992's Avatar
harleycharlie1992
Unofficial HDF Chaplain
15 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,160
Likes: 18,083
From: san diego
Default

You really shouldn't make fun of us, who have this terrible genetic defect. We just never get enough horsepower!! Its our drug of choice, its our bigger *****, its our " my dad is better than your dad!" syndrome. we want to be "normal" but we got to have more!! We don't "need " more we don't use more, but that doesn't matter!! I sit horribly inadequate at 115/122, and I am so ashamed!! looking at going to 117" motor this winter. The first 10 hp is free, after that, its thru the roof!!
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 11:58 AM
  #7  
jt metal's Avatar
jt metal
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 57
From: N. IL
Default

adrenaline junkies and Harley Davidsons is an oxymoron. I believe for me, 115+/120+ is required. But I'll have to settle with appx. 85/95. Until funds come available.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 12:23 PM
  #8  
Next In Line's Avatar
Next In Line
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
Default

I have turned my TC88 to 107" w/ cams, headwork, bigger throttle body, etc. I don't see putting it on a dyno because the moment I see those numbers, I will be disappointed.

It was cheaper to buy a brand new Triumph Street Triple (95 hp / 46 tq) and in its stock form, it smokes the Harley.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 12:35 PM
  #9  
jt metal's Avatar
jt metal
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 57
From: N. IL
Default

Originally Posted by Next In Line
I have turned my TC88 to 107" w/ cams, headwork, bigger throttle body, etc. I don't see putting it on a dyno because the moment I see those numbers, I will be disappointed.

That about nails it!!! Who wants to know they just dumped $15g into motor hoping get 140+. Just to come up 5/10 short! Lol! Makes me kinda sick.....
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 04:30 PM
  #10  
BigMike's Avatar
BigMike
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 1,938
From: NE Florida
Riders Club Member
Default

Originally Posted by harleycharlie1992
You really shouldn't make fun of us, who have this terrible genetic defect. We just never get enough horsepower!! Its our drug of choice, its our bigger *****, its our " my dad is better than your dad!" syndrome. we want to be "normal" but we got to have more!! We don't "need " more we don't use more, but that doesn't matter!! I sit horribly inadequate at 115/122, and I am so ashamed!! looking at going to 117" motor this winter. The first 10 hp is free, after that, its thru the roof!!
What's your current build, those are pretty respectable numbers.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:45 AM.

story-0
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-6
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE