I'm considering upgrading my 2009 FXCWC. She has only 40,000 km on the meter, pipes are V&H Big Radius 2-into-1, more chrome, rest is stock. I'm the original owner. I've never done anything like this, and would take it to the shop as I can't do anything by myself.

I ride in the city and rural, sometimes longer trips. I'd like to get more power for passing on the highway, and perhaps a bit more acceleration from the lights. I don't care about max speed as I don't have a windshield, and ape hangers aren't the best for high speed riding anyway.

Considering:

• Stage IV upgrade (perhaps best just to move to a new engine?)
• New engine (S&S or Screaming Eagle to 120+ cubic inches perhaps, probably the easiest and most reliable option?)
• Supercharger (Procharger, definitely the craziest option, but I love crazy)

Any thoughts? What else should I change along the way to ensure safety, longevity and reliability? New clutch, better brakes, anything else?

 

Let your wallet be your guide......

I've done FI (forced induction) on a car (supercharger) and it was stupid fast... I just think they are too cumbersome and ugly on a motorcycle. You can get stupid fast on a bike without FI...

I've done Stage I, II, III, IV, and new crate engines on bikes over the years and prefer this route... The choice between the various mod levels, depends on how much HP/TQ is your goal and your riding wants/needs........ and of course, your wallet... fast is not cheap...

The type and scope of your supporting mods will be affected by your final power numbers, as well as your riding style.... If you plan to "ride-it-like-you-stole-it", obviously you will need more supporting mods and with higher quality parts....


For example...

I recently wanted to make my '16 bagger a high torque bike... I wanted to be able to ride two up with my wife, go through any mountains fully loaded, and be able to pass slow traffic with the blink of an eye...

I went with an S&S crate engine from FuelMoto... I ended up with 135HP and 151TQ... It's a blast to ride! Hit all my goals, and then some...

I went with the S&S crate engine, because at the numbers I was looking for, I didn't trust the Harley stock bottom end.. I could have chosen an engine upgrade to include a new better bottom end (like from Dark Horse Crankworks), but I decided on the S&S crate engine due to their cases, crank, and really solid bottom end... Plus I now have my OEM engine in reserve...

To support that crate engine I needed exhaust, air cleaner, fuel injectors, and intake manifold... and of course a good dyno tune

I selected to put a heavier clutch spring with an AIM variable pressure, centrifugal pressure plate. The way I ride, that should be fine... It held that power real well on the dyno ... If I were a hard rider (hole shots, burnouts, etc) I would probably need to upgrade the entire clutch and clutch basket.... I may do that as time/wear happens, but for my riding style it was not needed..

I made two additional changes. Due to the strong bottom end in the S&S crate motors, I went to a solid front engine sprocket, to get rid of the HD compensator.... I went 32T instead of OEM 34T, and it was a good change... the engine will handle it no problem, and I don't lug my engine, so it is comfortable too... I also changed out the OEM hydraulic clutch slave cylinder to a Muller Clutch slave... better release point and easier pull with heavier spring...

I didn't touch brakes or anything else, other than suspension/seat changes for comfort... On a softail with a single front brake caliper and rotor, if you are an aggressive rider, you may want to beef up that brake system...

I don't know your experience level, so I will add.... Whatever your decide among the choices, I would consult, and go with the recommendations of a good, reputable shop... They will know various mod packages (cams, pistons, heads, etc) that work well together and compliment each other... You can end up with an underperforming engine if you just throw parts at it...

The choices and combinations are endless... you are only limited by your wants and your wallet...

Good luck with your decisions, mods, and enjoy the bike when finished...!

 

Thank you, this was really helpful!

Actually one of the reasons I'm considering FI is because of the looks Lots of people have SE or S&S upgrades on their bikes, but I've never seen a supercharged hog on the road over here.

I don't do burnouts or anything crazy, though consider myself an aggressive rider in the city. Outside, I try to be proactive, but wouldn't call my riding style aggressive.

110 SE seems to have plenty of room for added power, given it has a Stage IV kit to take it to 117". I'd imagine this would also mean it's a good recipient for a supercharger, and won't crap out over time?

S/&S seems to have good reputation, and they have 111 which is more powerful than the 110 SE. The 120 SE and 124 S&S are probably a bit much, though I imagine they could be tamed to street use with proper cams.

I see Procharger offers superchargers to SE engines, and I've reached out to them for guidance in case I'd go ***** to the wall with a 110 SE and a Procharger

 

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE superchargers... just not on bikes.. I'm old school that way... but superchargers are cool...

When I supercharged my '04 Z06... I didn't want a centrifugal supercharger... I wanted an old school, twin screw supercharger....

I actually got one of the few kits that Kenne Bell made for Corvettes back in 2008.... Kenne Bell later stopped making the Corvette kits due to lack of sales... but I LOVED mine!!

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Like I said, Superchargers are cool...!!!