Stock more reliable?
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Stock more reliable?
How many have kept their motors stock since it seems like everyone with that tuner, or that tuner, etc., are always posting about problems they're having setting them up. I know that it's probably a very small minority.
But, how many have kept their motors stock, and are happy with the way it runs and it's dependability??
But, how many have kept their motors stock, and are happy with the way it runs and it's dependability??
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
I have a stock evo and a self tuned with a SERT twin cam that has different cams. Stock is okay but tuned modified twin cam hasn't been a problem in dependability. I have just put 270.00 dollars in parts on a stock evo that was having issues in the last two weeks. The only problem I have had with the twin cam since changing cams has been fuel pump regulator in efi system. I will say this. I believe when you start pushing ci and hp there is point where you will find the weak parts/ design flaws eventually. That affects riding dependability.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Probably most of the bikes with modded motors are pretty reliable, but like you said, I notice that certain problems come with changing cams, doing headwork, etc. A lot of that can be the fault of either the parts or the people doing the work, but I think stuff like that comes with the territory when you're going for a lot more power.
In the past I almost never kept a bike stock but now with the Stage 1 and my tuner dialed in I don't have the urge anymore to crack the cases. I have some buddies who are long time hot rodders and they feel at this point in life they're happy with stock or just a Stage 1.
Could also be because I'm getting to be an old fart.
In the past I almost never kept a bike stock but now with the Stage 1 and my tuner dialed in I don't have the urge anymore to crack the cases. I have some buddies who are long time hot rodders and they feel at this point in life they're happy with stock or just a Stage 1.
Could also be because I'm getting to be an old fart.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
A lower stressed motor should last longer so does that mean:
96" motors less dependable that an 88" because it has a longer stroke? Is a 103" less dependable than a 96" because it has a bigger bore? The 103 and the 96 have the same internals except the 103 now has compression releases and the 103" stock motors now have more power, does that make them more unreliable? The MoCo is selling the heavy duty parts to you out of the SE catalog so does that mean the stock parts are inferior or weak? The MoCo has included some of the upgraded parts in the new motors every year, does that mean the previous model year stock motors are unreliable?
I'd say it all depends on what was done to the motor and how hard it is ridden. Keeping the motor stock may not be a very good idea in some cases because of:
Higher heat
inferior chain tensioners
inferior bearings
inferior compensator
inferior stator
inferior injectors
just to name some of the more common complaints.
Just because a motor is bone stock doesn't make it any more reliable IMO. But over building a motor without beefing up the weaker parts will not be reliable either.
96" motors less dependable that an 88" because it has a longer stroke? Is a 103" less dependable than a 96" because it has a bigger bore? The 103 and the 96 have the same internals except the 103 now has compression releases and the 103" stock motors now have more power, does that make them more unreliable? The MoCo is selling the heavy duty parts to you out of the SE catalog so does that mean the stock parts are inferior or weak? The MoCo has included some of the upgraded parts in the new motors every year, does that mean the previous model year stock motors are unreliable?
I'd say it all depends on what was done to the motor and how hard it is ridden. Keeping the motor stock may not be a very good idea in some cases because of:
Higher heat
inferior chain tensioners
inferior bearings
inferior compensator
inferior stator
inferior injectors
just to name some of the more common complaints.
Just because a motor is bone stock doesn't make it any more reliable IMO. But over building a motor without beefing up the weaker parts will not be reliable either.
Last edited by carpetride; Aug 24, 2011 at 01:25 PM.
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
