So what is the next step?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: NE Indiana
So what is the next step?
I'm picking up a 2010 Fat Bob on Saturday. It already has a Vance and Hines Big Radius 2-1, stage one air intake and Harley download. I'm probably going to replace the stage one with a SE Heavy Breather and the download with either a SERT, Power Commander, or V&H Fuelpak.
But then what?
Is the next significant step really a multi thousands of dollars increase in engine size?
I mean id love to get an HQ 103 kit or something like that but what I'd really love to do is get there in smaller chunks of cash. I guess I could always buy the parts for the big upgrade a little at a time and keep em in a box till I have them all.
Hopefully you guys can co e up with something but otherwise I'll improve handling first and the start collecting parts.
But then what?
Is the next significant step really a multi thousands of dollars increase in engine size?
I mean id love to get an HQ 103 kit or something like that but what I'd really love to do is get there in smaller chunks of cash. I guess I could always buy the parts for the big upgrade a little at a time and keep em in a box till I have them all.
Hopefully you guys can co e up with something but otherwise I'll improve handling first and the start collecting parts.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 3
From: West New york, NJ
You can do it without the multi thousands of dollars if you go with one of the independent sponsors. I've seen advertised big bore kits installed for a grand. You should also so cams as well. That could cost almost as much. I'd you can do it yourself, you could save a lot on labor. It's when you start doing headwork bigger throttle bodies etc. where the several thousands come into play. It all depends on how much power you want. I think just a cam change would be the next step if you're on a budget. Could give you another 10-15 hp and torque. You can always add the big bore later.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
+1 Unless you plan on keeping the bike for more than 5 years you will never get your money back on any engine upgrades. Plus, the internal upgrades beyond a Stage 1 kit sometimes diminish the resale value of the bike as most people want a stock engine that has never been apart when buying a used bike.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: NE Indiana
Well, I've put about 3000 miles on a 2009 Super Glide Custom that had a Power Commander, Heavy Breather and Rinehart 2-1 on it and definitely felt it needed more power. If just a Cam will being me 10-15 more HP then I think that will actually be plenty - I do plan on keeping this bike for at least 5 years. It's low end and mid-range that appeals to me the most - is there a particular cam you would recommend for that?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
I'd be puttin' in cams to let that engine breathe better. Even "mild" grind cams are a big improvement over stock cams.
Low and midrange power is what interests me as well, I've never been too concerned with top end power in a harley. I have Andrews TW-26 cams in my 99RK. I'd buy them again If I picked up another bike with a TC motor.
Low and midrange power is what interests me as well, I've never been too concerned with top end power in a harley. I have Andrews TW-26 cams in my 99RK. I'd buy them again If I picked up another bike with a TC motor.
Last edited by BikerV; Jan 19, 2012 at 08:57 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,401
Likes: 268
From: Southern California
As others have mentioned; Cams will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
But what I would do is:
1.) Ride it so that you can decide how you use the bike. The RPM range you seem to use the most, How you ride, as in Wide Open Throttle 100% of the time or Stop & Go City Traffic
2.) Make a "Plan" In other words where do you ultimately want your engine to wind up. You don't want to do your build in steps only to discover that the Cam you picked with the engine at stock displacement doesn't work as well as you'd like with the big bore kit you put on later. Or, as long as the heads were off for the big bore kit you installed first, you should have put in Compression Releases to handle the Cam you installed a year later.
3.) Decide who will do the work or where you'll get the parts when you do it yourself including the machinist you will use if you will be needing one.
4.) I usually try and think about it for a while. I seem to make decisions that I am happier with over the long run when I "sleep on it." Everything on a build is a compromise. So does what you'll be giving up, more than make up for whatever you will be using?
5.) Do it!
6.) Ride it!
But what I would do is:
1.) Ride it so that you can decide how you use the bike. The RPM range you seem to use the most, How you ride, as in Wide Open Throttle 100% of the time or Stop & Go City Traffic
2.) Make a "Plan" In other words where do you ultimately want your engine to wind up. You don't want to do your build in steps only to discover that the Cam you picked with the engine at stock displacement doesn't work as well as you'd like with the big bore kit you put on later. Or, as long as the heads were off for the big bore kit you installed first, you should have put in Compression Releases to handle the Cam you installed a year later.
3.) Decide who will do the work or where you'll get the parts when you do it yourself including the machinist you will use if you will be needing one.
4.) I usually try and think about it for a while. I seem to make decisions that I am happier with over the long run when I "sleep on it." Everything on a build is a compromise. So does what you'll be giving up, more than make up for whatever you will be using?
5.) Do it!
6.) Ride it!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 8
From: Earth
I'm picking up a 2010 Fat Bob on Saturday. It already has a Vance and Hines Big Radius 2-1, stage one air intake and Harley download. I'm probably going to replace the stage one with a SE Heavy Breather and the download with either a SERT, Power Commander, or V&H Fuelpak.
But then what?
Is the next significant step really a multi thousands of dollars increase in engine size?
I mean id love to get an HQ 103 kit or something like that but what I'd really love to do is get there in smaller chunks of cash. I guess I could always buy the parts for the big upgrade a little at a time and keep em in a box till I have them all.
Hopefully you guys can co e up with something but otherwise I'll improve handling first and the start collecting parts.
But then what?
Is the next significant step really a multi thousands of dollars increase in engine size?
I mean id love to get an HQ 103 kit or something like that but what I'd really love to do is get there in smaller chunks of cash. I guess I could always buy the parts for the big upgrade a little at a time and keep em in a box till I have them all.
Hopefully you guys can co e up with something but otherwise I'll improve handling first and the start collecting parts.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
Sounds like you wasted your money. I think for about 8 grand you could've gotten a brand new Honda with a wopping 1800cc stock motor. That's right, 1800cc, wow! And only 8 grand! Or how about a crotch rocket? In my opinion, the 88cu twin cam provides pleny of power, and most all my riding is 2-up. Beyond that, it becomes overkill. With momma on the back, I can get into traffic quick and also cruise 80mph on the turnpike , no problem at all. What more does anyone need? It's making HD $$ though!