Do mods = issues?
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 124
Likes: 34
From: Alberta
Do mods = issues?
So I surveyed the riders I see occasionally around mods. From stock up yo stage 3. Of the nine Harley's, either ultras or SG"s all 6 that have been modified have had issues. Of the three that are stick one had a stator grommet leak. The other two stock no issues. My ultra 09 33 k miles. I am thinking the engineers who design these bikes design them as they are built. If we want another 20-50 HP I think we are opening the door to other issues. Maybe maybe not?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,037
Likes: 1,528
From: Bunola pa
Depends on how wild you want to go. Im big on improving efficiency and building power that way. Better air flow, mild cams, mild compression increases, that sort of thing. Alot of times guys mod stuff to beat on it. That isnt good for it either. I always like power through efficiency and low stress
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 90
From: People's Republik of Kalifornia
So I surveyed the riders I see occasionally around mods. From stock up yo stage 3. Of the nine Harley's, either ultras or SG"s all 6 that have been modified have had issues. Of the three that are stick one had a stator grommet leak. The other two stock no issues. My ultra 09 33 k miles. I am thinking the engineers who design these bikes design them as they are built. If we want another 20-50 HP I think we are opening the door to other issues. Maybe maybe not?
My 08 Softail puts out 107hp at the wheel after I had it blown out to 103 cu in.
I had it done by a guy whose done many of these, has the correct equipment and spent the dyno time to get the tune correct. Also upgraded the clutch and other key components. I've had no problems, but it was not a cheap date. Over 40K miles so far.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
Are the issues the people are having dealing with the modded parts? Or are they completely unrelated? Say, for example, I did a stage one but am having issues with my rear brake caliper sticking, what side of your study am I on?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,287
Likes: 7,766
From: West Central FL
I wouldn't think you'd be even in the study any more than you would be if you installed a turbo and then got a flat tire. Unless of course your power increase caused extra heat which increased the temp of the brake fluid causing it to deteriorate and congeal in the caliper making the piston stick. I guess then that the power mod would be contributory to the brake failure, eh?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 682
Likes: 197
From: Raleigh, NC
Sure. Any time you modify anything, you run the risk of it not running as intended. These machines were designed to operate reliably in stock configuration. Fortunately, between talented aftermarket engineers, mechanics, and robust tolerances in original design, there is a great body of knowledge out there for those willing to take up the challenge of functional modification.
Just understand that it isn't Harley's fault that your bike is acting funny after you've monkeyed with it.
GM
Just understand that it isn't Harley's fault that your bike is acting funny after you've monkeyed with it.
GM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,287
Likes: 7,766
From: West Central FL
Which is why they try so diligently to void warranties. Once you have something done outside the norm and away from the dealer the moco will drop you like a hot potato. They are all about taking money in not putting money out.
But then I learned a long time ago that it's not so much what you do to the bike. Rather it's who does it that can make the difference between success and failure.
Last edited by Hey Man; Apr 17, 2017 at 06:52 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 387
Likes: 173
From: Big Lake in the Middle
So I surveyed the riders I see occasionally around mods. From stock up yo stage 3. Of the nine Harley's, either ultras or SG"s all 6 that have been modified have had issues. Of the three that are stick one had a stator grommet leak. The other two stock no issues. My ultra 09 33 k miles. I am thinking the engineers who design these bikes design them as they are built. If we want another 20-50 HP I think we are opening the door to other issues. Maybe maybe not?
Remember - the HD engineer that designed the engine is the same one that then went out and designed the stage kits to upgrade it. So it should theoretically be the same.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
One of my bikes, and the most heavily modded is an '02 Fatboy. I added a Dave Mackie Megasphere 95" kit with S&S gear drives on Dave Mackie cams, and a Screamin' Eagle six speed tranny in '05. It has 80 spoke wheels, a Mikuni Carb, a Screamin' Eagle adjustable ignition module and D&D Fat Cat exhaust. I ride my Roadglide more than this bike but I ride the Fat Boy around town a lot. After 12 years and nearly 60,000 miles it has never had a single problem. Just oil, tires, brakes and batteries. It's fun to ride, looks great, and is stone dependable!
