performance quest
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Ok
performance quest
I hope I don't step on too many toes here, but I have an observation/commet/opinion to post. I've been a rider for the better part of 40 years now, and until lately haveridden metric bikes. I finally moved up to Harley, and so far I'm loving it for the feel, the sound, and the look.
However, I notice that a good percentage of posts on the forum are concerned with performance issues, which honestly confuses me. This isn't a slam to Harley, as I'm loving the bike, but why spend such time,effort, and moneyin search of speed, when you could buy a cheap used honda like a 750 magna,that will probably be faster than what you end up with after spending a fortune on Harley engine parts??
As I said, I love my Street Bob, but other than intake/exhaust mods, it seems the bucks should go for appearence and comfort rather than trying to make a Cad fleetwood into a Z-28.
Sorry if I've pi--ed off everyone, but it won't be the first time my mouth's overridden my hummingbird a--.
However, I notice that a good percentage of posts on the forum are concerned with performance issues, which honestly confuses me. This isn't a slam to Harley, as I'm loving the bike, but why spend such time,effort, and moneyin search of speed, when you could buy a cheap used honda like a 750 magna,that will probably be faster than what you end up with after spending a fortune on Harley engine parts??
As I said, I love my Street Bob, but other than intake/exhaust mods, it seems the bucks should go for appearence and comfort rather than trying to make a Cad fleetwood into a Z-28.
Sorry if I've pi--ed off everyone, but it won't be the first time my mouth's overridden my hummingbird a--.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: performance quest
I have to agree with you. I'm from the school that says, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. My bike is quicker off the line in its pure stock form than any car I've owned (includes Corvettes and Porsche 911). If I was so concerned about cutting down my 0-60 time I would have bought a crotch rocket.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
RE: performance quest
To each his own for sure; but; there's a lot of ground between riding like a Shriner and riding a crotch rocket. I've done both. Even a half-second capability in the quarter mile is a significant distance when it comes to a passing situation. After a sprited ride following a friend on a BMW (he's an Iron Butt member in high standing) he remarked "If you want to ride like that, why don't you just buy a BMW?" I answered "Which model has 100ft lbs at 2200rpm?" No reply.
I built mine to get more capability out of it; easy but expensive with a Harley.
A fully loaded stock Ultra, two up, is probably a 16 second machine. That's too slow for my tastes. I can cruise slow and smell the posies OR I can set a pretty good pace. My choice.
Last speeding ticket I got was at least 10 years ago in a pickup; 15mph over.....
'01 FXDXT
103 by HQ
Sputhe engine mounts and aluminum swingarm
Lyndall composite rotors
Buchannan aluminum wheels
Bridgestone radials; 160/60ZR18 on back
620lbs wet weight
[IMG]local://upfiles/32069/1CDD46B537B94BB59B5A1F54F2B84548.jpg[/IMG]
I built mine to get more capability out of it; easy but expensive with a Harley.
A fully loaded stock Ultra, two up, is probably a 16 second machine. That's too slow for my tastes. I can cruise slow and smell the posies OR I can set a pretty good pace. My choice.
Last speeding ticket I got was at least 10 years ago in a pickup; 15mph over.....
'01 FXDXT
103 by HQ
Sputhe engine mounts and aluminum swingarm
Lyndall composite rotors
Buchannan aluminum wheels
Bridgestone radials; 160/60ZR18 on back
620lbs wet weight
[IMG]local://upfiles/32069/1CDD46B537B94BB59B5A1F54F2B84548.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From:
RE: performance quest
Yea I agree w/ya, but I personally didn't buy mine for the speed factor and I darn sure ain't gonna go crack the cases to build it when it ain't broke. Way I figure they spend all that time and $$$ on R&D to get it right, I just let it breath easier...Not falling prey to the "goodies/chrome/overpriced parts" temptation. My bike is stock except for the air in/ air out, seat, and removal of garbage etc...and it is wayyyyyyy faster than I am...But to each his own.
If you want to go fast, I guarrantee you that you can go to a metric dealer and spend $6k and buy a bike that is faster that most people ever want to go.
Once again, free country, and fool and his money are soon parted.
If you want to go fast, I guarrantee you that you can go to a metric dealer and spend $6k and buy a bike that is faster that most people ever want to go.
Once again, free country, and fool and his money are soon parted.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
RE: performance quest
I don't know about the 07s and 08s with their closed loop systems. I've never ridden one. But my 06 police road king felt pretty clogged up. I think it was pretty lean and had a cat converter in the right muffler. Doing the complete stage 1 really made it run much better. Better throttle response. No "sneezing" or hesitation. noticeable seat of the pants acceleration improvement. I think every HD 06 and earliershould haveat least the stage 1 to make it run decent. Anything beyond that is just personal preference.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 33
From: Acworth
RE: performance quest
I think the same as you about fast bikes. Several here have complained about old technology and low performance.The fact that my Harley is slow, mild mannered and likes to just cruise down the road is part of the reason I like it so much.Open the exhaust a little, get the mixture right andstock HD's are just fast enough, IMO.Really fast bikes are great for whoever, I've had them in the past.Now, I just like to relax, unwind and get loston a nice long scenic road on my slowazz Harley. To each thier own.
