will it last longer if you leave it stock?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
The key is maintenance! My '03 FXD got gear driven Andrews cams at 60,000 miles, and I tore it down to do the top end at 99,500, only to find she still had the crosshatching in the cylinders from when it was born!!! She hit 100,000 miles last friday night. Treat it right, and it will treat you right. I don't baby this thing, but I don't abuse it either.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Well... Since we know from previous discussions that Synthetic oil has a higher heat transfer coefficient, and as a result we see that synthetic oil runs at a higher operating temperature all else being equal. It follows that a hotter engine would drive that Syn oil temperature through the roof, probably to the point of failure. So I'd say, if you're running Syn in the Screaming Eagle, it would go first.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,774
Likes: 38,463
From: Post Falls, ID
Imagine a dealer who tells someone who just bought a new bike, "these bikes run hot and it will affect their longevity, you need a Stage 1 kit if want a reliable bike".
That's what the consensus of this thread is saying.
Sounds like a Stage 1 should be a warranty repair.
That's what the consensus of this thread is saying.
Sounds like a Stage 1 should be a warranty repair.
Last edited by upflying; Mar 19, 2014 at 09:49 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
Imagine a dealer who tells someone who just bought a new bike, "these bikes run hot and it will affect their longevity, you need a Stage 1 kit if want a reliable bike".
That's what the consensus of this thread is saying.
Sounds like a Stage 1 should be a warranty repair.
That's what the consensus of this thread is saying.
Sounds like a Stage 1 should be a warranty repair.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 1
From: -
Harley knows very well that 99% of their customers will change at least pipes ad probably 95% change the A/C as well.
If I was in their shoes I'd sell a bike to work well and last long with a Stage1 (what 99% of customers will do anyway) and maybe less well for the 1% that leave it stock.
Therefore 99% of my customers will be happy with a long lasting bike (once stage 1 done, that 99% of people do regardless) and 1% maybe a bit less as their bike has been running too hot.
So I'd prepare a Stage1 calibrated bike... and then restrict it for the sake of passing the EPA. Then the customer will do what's needed.
And my guess is that is exactly what HD does.
If I was in their shoes I'd sell a bike to work well and last long with a Stage1 (what 99% of customers will do anyway) and maybe less well for the 1% that leave it stock.
Therefore 99% of my customers will be happy with a long lasting bike (once stage 1 done, that 99% of people do regardless) and 1% maybe a bit less as their bike has been running too hot.
So I'd prepare a Stage1 calibrated bike... and then restrict it for the sake of passing the EPA. Then the customer will do what's needed.
And my guess is that is exactly what HD does.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton
Harley does make bikes that are loaded with all the upgrades..... CVO line.
It only stands to reason that they will make bikes for the general public knowing that the owner will upgrade/mod/personalize it..... and buy the HD upgraded parts.... more $$ for Harley. Its a perfect business model.
Im actually glad they do this.... I like being able to choose how I personalize my bike.
I doubt there is anyone in my city of 1 million+ that has a bike exactly like mine.
It only stands to reason that they will make bikes for the general public knowing that the owner will upgrade/mod/personalize it..... and buy the HD upgraded parts.... more $$ for Harley. Its a perfect business model.
Im actually glad they do this.... I like being able to choose how I personalize my bike.
I doubt there is anyone in my city of 1 million+ that has a bike exactly like mine.
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