EPA regulations

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Sep 7, 2011 | 11:28 AM

Druid

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From: Chicago, IL

EPA regulations

So I keep seeing posts where people are talking about how newer EPA regulations are causing HD bikes to run leaner, which is resulting to bad things for their bikes, such as making them run hotter, and ultimately may force HD to move to liquid cooled engines.

Are these regs such a bad thing for the bike performance? If so, why?
Or is someone better-off owning an older bike to get around the EPA regs?

Sep 7, 2011 | 12:22 PM

beakerztoyz

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From: southern Alberta Canada

leaning the bike out takes a lot of power away from the engine, creates heat and in extreme cases can cause the engine to self destruct because its not getting enough fuel to run efficiently

Sep 7, 2011 | 12:29 PM

marcortez

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From: MX/AZ/NV

I don't know about the EPA but heat is the #1 enemy of every internal combustion engine and drive-train out there.

Bottom line is keep it cool (er) or keep your towing coverage up to date.

Sep 7, 2011 | 01:35 PM

nevil

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From: southeast PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Druid

Or is someone better-off owning an older bike to get around the EPA regs?

It's true that older bikes were not set up to run as lean as they are now. But it's easy enough to get around with a stage 1 setup using a good tuner. With it the bike will run cooler and stronger. Problem solved.

Sep 7, 2011 | 02:11 PM

oldairboater

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From: Republic of Texas

Another HD going liquid cooled threads because of the EPA. The revolution motor with its liquid cooling has not been a success story for HD. Realistically going to all liquid cooled engines would most likely bankrupt HD. The sky is not falling and HD may push their liquid cooled line but till it is accepted by the large segment of HD buyers----it is at a stand still. If anyone should feel threatened it should be the EPA. Changes are in the future.

Last edited by oldairboater; Sep 7, 2011 at 09:13 PM.

Sep 7, 2011 | 02:23 PM

DannyZ71

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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

When people say "get a stage 1 setup", are you talking about the air filter and exhaust upgrade with a competent tuner? Or are you talking about a Stage 1 download from the dealership? Because I've heard that the Stage 1 download from the dealership just retunes the new equipment back to stock form. So you're really not gaining anything.

Sep 7, 2011 | 03:37 PM

lh4x4

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From: Illinois

The lowest emissions are produced at a 14.7 to 1 AFR. The optimum AFR ration for a internal combustion engine is 12.1 to one. It will run cooler with more power.

At 12.l to 1 AFR no air cooled motor cycle engine would haves any issues.