New cam...
New cam...
When on the highway my bike tends to run a little high RPM wise around 70mph. Will a cam change help in this situation.
Cam recommendations, which is best as far as an "all around" performer?
Cam recommendations, which is best as far as an "all around" performer?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
No, cams do not lower the RPM. Cams change the powerband, they thange the timing charateristics of the engine. Some put the the powerband higher in the RPM band, some move it down.
If you want to change the RPM speed you need to change the gearing. IE: a larger rear pulley or a smaller front sprocket in the primary. You can also replace the 5 speed tranny with a 6 speed. The 6th gear will essentially be an overdrive gear for 70mph and above.
I know that running at 3500 or so RPM at 70 seems like it is reving high but your bike will run all day long at 70-80 and be fine.
If you want to change the RPM speed you need to change the gearing. IE: a larger rear pulley or a smaller front sprocket in the primary. You can also replace the 5 speed tranny with a 6 speed. The 6th gear will essentially be an overdrive gear for 70mph and above.
I know that running at 3500 or so RPM at 70 seems like it is reving high but your bike will run all day long at 70-80 and be fine.
I have a six speed on my 2010 Heritage. I'm not concerned about the RPM's hurting the motor, I just feel they are excessive in that they cause the motor to whine and vibrate. I want a smoother, quieter ride at 70mph.
If I were to change the pulley/sprocket after I changed out the cam(giving me more low end torque)that would do it, wouldn't it? The bike would run at lower RPM's throughout the entire range of gears, most importantly the 6 gear. The problem is what size sproket/pulley and which cam? I would just be guessing. Anyone have any experience with this?
If I were to change the pulley/sprocket after I changed out the cam(giving me more low end torque)that would do it, wouldn't it? The bike would run at lower RPM's throughout the entire range of gears, most importantly the 6 gear. The problem is what size sproket/pulley and which cam? I would just be guessing. Anyone have any experience with this?
Last edited by bulldog82098; Dec 9, 2011 at 12:04 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, ALabama
lol if you want a smoother quieter ride...find something other than a Harley...lol... They do tend to be louder...
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 712
Likes: 55
From: Punta Gorda, Florida
Bulldog, you may want to check your motor mounts because you shouldn't be getting excessive vibation at 70 mph. You may want to post your sprocket and vibration questions in the engine section of the Tech forum where the engine builders and indies hang out.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 9
From: Connecticut
do you have the same vibration say running in fourth gear at 3500 rpm? mine is smooth at that rpm. I run there for the most part no matter if on the interstate or back roads. I would think that running at too little rpm is not that good for a twincam motor. Really should not lug them down like an evo. I would suggest a RoadKing the rubber mounted motor is very smooth at all highway speeds
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
I loved my fatboy but sustained high speed on the freeway and my hands would get a little buzz, not bad but there. On my Road Glide its vibrating at idle and smooth from 5mph to 120 moh all day because its designed to be that way, your softail is a ridged mounted engine that has counter balancers to smooth it out at lower rpms
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Milford, Kansas
Your stock drive pully is 32 teeth, dropping to a 30 or 31 tooth will increase lower end torque, but increase cruise RPMs. If you are not running a tach and have a stock bike 6th gear 70-75 will run around 2800-3000 rpm. Ride with ear plugs and keep the rpms up, your bike will run 150,000 miles at 3500rpm.
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