Good day all.
Thinking about doing SE 211 cams on my '05 Fat Boy. I'm aware that from a purely financial perspective, it's probably not the best move given the age of the bike, residual value, etc. BUT...this bike has MAJOR sentimental value - long story and I'll spare you the details, point being, other bikes may come and go, but I'll never get rid of this one. It does have relatively low miles - just north of 35K. Does this make sense? Just looking for your opinions to either push me off the edge on this or pull me back. Thanks! One other note...I will not be doing the wrenching. I'll do some things, but not major motor work - at least not yet. Thanks again!

 

If you seriously plan on never getting rid of it and you're sure you want to do a cam change, then here is my suggestion. Do it right the first time. Don't know your riding style but if it's just puttering around maybe going 2 up at times, the 211 cam will suffice. You can keep the stock heads, hi compression pistons would be of benefit. Basically it's just going to increase your mid range torque.

Were it me, and I was definitely going to keep the bike, I'd do a complete rebuild with all the good pieces to keep the engine together no matter the cam selection. Buy the best, don't compromise. There's lots of parts out there to choose from so you decide. I'd go radical but then that's me, it's what I have. I like my bike that way. but then I don't go on long trips or get too far from home base...

If you take trips and don't ride it very hard, then go with something like the 211 cams. They would be easy on the engine.
Good luck...

 

I'd go with the 254e cams...better torque at the very bottom, & great mid range, too. Actually, I DID on my '07.

 

Thowk,

I am going through similar as you - But mines an 02 Heritage, I have priced several different variations from HD`s upgrade kit, to Andrews kit to Fuelings & I am going with the wood Knight prowler cams with RCC2.

I think they all have pro`s & Cons but I'm looking more for reliability by getting the original Cam tensioners out of there. the route I went is expensive but woods cams are top of the line & if you just stay mild & don't go radical theres usually no more noise than a stock mill produces, depends on what your riding style is like?

Are you or have you changed your tensioners?

 

Thank you! As I've gotten in to this, I'm looking at both Andrews and Woods. I have not changed the tensioners which is what started me down the path - figuring that it needs doing, or will soon. I'm not crazy on the throttle, really just looking for some oomph at cruising speed, (65 - 75mph), in case I need to get out of a situation.

 

I had 211 cams in my Dyna for a while. They are a good cam for 2 up riding and pull hard on the lower end. I always hit the rev limiter, 5500, before the engine laid down. I think they are a good choice if you want a low end torque cam.
You will benefit from putting high compression pistons in the jugs if you go with the 211s. Those cams are easy on the engine and won't shorten engine life unless you flog it hard and often.

 

I have the 211's and some other parts in my '08 Heritage. Love them! I've never run out of pull yet and I've been north of 100 mph a few times. My build and dyno are in my signature. Plenty of motor for me and a real fun ride.

 

The 211's won't really show you what they are capable of unless you bump the compression up a notch or two.

 

This right here. And with some headwork and a good tune better yet. I wonder if a 204 would be better for his application?

 

Go get a screamin Eagle pro racing catalog from the dealership, "it's free" and put it in your bathroom. Pretty soon you will have a bike that can tear the asphalt plumb up. That is the way i built my own big bore kit back in 08.