Warranty Or Performance
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 8,421
From: Inland NW
Good Morning,
Purchased a new bike. Would like to do Stage 1 & 2. Comparing Harleys torque cam & Zippers Red Shift 468. No comparison. I realize I void the warranty going after market, but it doesn't make sense to me to use the Harley cam based on the numbers. ( Just my opinion ). I'm thinking the dealer can use the existing lifters because they are brand new. Wondering if I should be upgrading the lifters & tappet cuffs to ensure reliability. I hate to give up the warranty but I realize I can't have it both ways. Or am I over thinking it? Thanks in advance for any opinions.
Purchased a new bike. Would like to do Stage 1 & 2. Comparing Harleys torque cam & Zippers Red Shift 468. No comparison. I realize I void the warranty going after market, but it doesn't make sense to me to use the Harley cam based on the numbers. ( Just my opinion ). I'm thinking the dealer can use the existing lifters because they are brand new. Wondering if I should be upgrading the lifters & tappet cuffs to ensure reliability. I hate to give up the warranty but I realize I can't have it both ways. Or am I over thinking it? Thanks in advance for any opinions.
They installed the RS468 using my OE lifters and cuffs, along with aftermarket full exhaust and an air cleaner.
It was great for a minute, but I went for a 128 upgrade after 1500 miles
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,835
Likes: 8,742
From: Edmonton, Alberta
He speaks the truth.
For me it was an easy choice of performance over warranty. Lost a full year of powertrain warranty by going aftermarket stage 2, but in my opinion I was replacing some potentially troublesome Harley parts with more reliable ones.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 1,018
From: Eastern Ont.
My 19 STGS i had a PV installed off the show room floor and the HP SE cam. Bad call on my part, should have never installed the SE cam, it was brutal. It was out quickly and a S&S 475 in. huge differents.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 1,348
From:
Alright, I'll be the party pooper.
Take the money you will spend on upgrades and buy a used Suzuki Bandit; I love mine. It's a true hooligan bike with TORQUE!
I like Harleys and own a bunch of them. They are what they are. Instead of trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, just save your money - and your warranty and buy some metric cheap thrills. They're out there and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Take the money you will spend on upgrades and buy a used Suzuki Bandit; I love mine. It's a true hooligan bike with TORQUE!
I like Harleys and own a bunch of them. They are what they are. Instead of trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, just save your money - and your warranty and buy some metric cheap thrills. They're out there and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 982
From: Trinity NC
Over the years I’ve spent a lot of money upgrading my Haley’s and worrying about the warranty. Other than dropping a lifter after 500 miles on my 131 my bikes have all held up well.
The issue is I’ve always felt for similar money I could have gotten more performance and possibly better parts. Again not here to bash Harley because my bikes have been mostly problem free.
The most fun bike I built I used the old HD 110 Stage 5 Tire Shredder and the builder made a few changes including the cam. Ran a V&H Pro Pipe and that bike sounded really good and performed great. Fast forward my 2020 RGL is in the shop for a 1,000 service and a FM 128 build. Gave up the warranty after about 6 months. I have full confidence in both the builder and the parts, a warranty risk I am willing to take.
So if it’s performance you really want go aftermarket, if it’s some additional power and a factory warranty go HD. Either way they are more fun than stock...
The issue is I’ve always felt for similar money I could have gotten more performance and possibly better parts. Again not here to bash Harley because my bikes have been mostly problem free.
The most fun bike I built I used the old HD 110 Stage 5 Tire Shredder and the builder made a few changes including the cam. Ran a V&H Pro Pipe and that bike sounded really good and performed great. Fast forward my 2020 RGL is in the shop for a 1,000 service and a FM 128 build. Gave up the warranty after about 6 months. I have full confidence in both the builder and the parts, a warranty risk I am willing to take.
So if it’s performance you really want go aftermarket, if it’s some additional power and a factory warranty go HD. Either way they are more fun than stock...
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10,790
Likes: 19,651
From: On the move
All depends on your comfort level as it pertains to how much risk you're willing to take. I think when we look at the number of M8's sold every year and compare it to the number of bikes that have engine issues the risk is small. We don't seem to see any threads about late model M8's having issues and that's a good sign! The more likely area's where you'll need to use your warranty are on electronics and cosmetic defects. Given the low risk of engine failure I went with good quality aftermarket parts with a proven track record over the SE parts. If you're going to spend the money you might as well get the most performance you can out of each dollar spent.
I did the SE447 on my 2017 with the SEPST. The bike ran and performed well. Considering that was the first year with a new motor it made sense but I never had a single issue. No issues with my 2020 and aftermarket Cam either and it way outperforms the SE Stage 2 on my 2017.
I did the SE447 on my 2017 with the SEPST. The bike ran and performed well. Considering that was the first year with a new motor it made sense but I never had a single issue. No issues with my 2020 and aftermarket Cam either and it way outperforms the SE Stage 2 on my 2017.
Last edited by RET_SCPO; Mar 1, 2021 at 01:39 PM.