Increasing Performance: Intake vs. Exhaust?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 47
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From: MN
Increasing Performance: Intake vs. Exhaust?
I recently purchased a '96 Sportster 1200 Custom. I love the bike, and I have logged some serious miles in the few weeks I have had it. I want to do some performance upgrades at some point, and I need a little expertise in this area.
I am on a limited budget. I have also heard that Sturgis is the place to get this stuff done because there are some killer deals and they can get it done pretty quick for you. Is this a good idea?
The big question is...what should i buy to give myself the most bang for my buck perfomance wise. Air intake, or exhaust? Or both? Or something completely different? And what combinations seems to go well together for my 96 Custom?
Any information will be greatly appreciated!
I am on a limited budget. I have also heard that Sturgis is the place to get this stuff done because there are some killer deals and they can get it done pretty quick for you. Is this a good idea?
The big question is...what should i buy to give myself the most bang for my buck perfomance wise. Air intake, or exhaust? Or both? Or something completely different? And what combinations seems to go well together for my 96 Custom?
Any information will be greatly appreciated!
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
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From: Passaic County, NJ
Not sure exactly what you're referring to but changing the cam can be the most cost effective way to get more power. Also, getting the cylinder heads massaged to compliment the cams.
The first 15hp come cheaply.
The first 15hp come cheaply.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 47
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From: MN
Sorry guys, i dont know a ton about bikes yet. I am learning, and that is why I am here.
Cams and cylinder heads...what does that mean? How much does that cost generally, and how big of a difference will 15 hp make? Should i do this instead of exhaust and air intake with tuning?
Cams and cylinder heads...what does that mean? How much does that cost generally, and how big of a difference will 15 hp make? Should i do this instead of exhaust and air intake with tuning?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
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From: Green Country
Increase the amount of air and fuel in; improve the way it flows through the heads and out the exhaust. As Vic said, bolt in cams to make better use of the new power and there ya' go...
Rather than sales at the rally, I would rely on a local mechanic you can trust.
Rather than sales at the rally, I would rely on a local mechanic you can trust.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,215
From: Green Country
Your intake mods will also involve some tuning to your carburetor; a rejet or even an upgrade to a more performance-oriented model like an S&S or Mikuni...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
What upgrades have already been done to your bike?
Agree with the others best to do both at once. If you are going to do them one at a time do exhaust for sound, intake for performance (but for best performance exhaust is required).
I would not have work done at a rally, or anywhere far from home. Why take the chance.
The only "deals" I've seen at rallys were on the last day and on parts the vendor didn't want to haul back and restock (or packages that they had opened for display. Even then they weren't "killer deals".
Agree with the others best to do both at once. If you are going to do them one at a time do exhaust for sound, intake for performance (but for best performance exhaust is required).
I would not have work done at a rally, or anywhere far from home. Why take the chance.
The only "deals" I've seen at rallys were on the last day and on parts the vendor didn't want to haul back and restock (or packages that they had opened for display. Even then they weren't "killer deals".
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: MN
I haven't done any upgrades to the bike performance-wise, besides having the belts tightened and getting it tensioned corrected - which does not count.
I have done a few cosmetic upgrades, but nothing with performance. I just feel so lost as to what to do and how to plan financially. I want to lay a plan to begin working over the next few weeks, but i dont know what things cost, what I need to do, and what i should be looking to buy.
I have done a few cosmetic upgrades, but nothing with performance. I just feel so lost as to what to do and how to plan financially. I want to lay a plan to begin working over the next few weeks, but i dont know what things cost, what I need to do, and what i should be looking to buy.
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Joined: May 2011
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if i were in your shoes, what i would do after getting on here is to order a catalog from dennis kirk an/or jp cycles and look for exhaust systems that u think would look good on your bike. then i would get them installed or do it yourself (hopefully get a hand from someone that knows) adjust the carb or have the ecm flashed (if your bike is fuel injected). then see how you like the power increase. if you need more put in a cam, relativily cheap for the power gain. just MHO. hope it helps good luck, just take it slow and in steps to get what you want!