bottom end

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Mar 24, 2011 | 05:24 PM

pleasants9

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 152

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bottom end

I have 1992 sportster 1200, I just rebuilt the engine and carb, it has a great top end, but the bottom end is mediocre. What are some ways I can improve the bottom end on the bike?

Mar 24, 2011 | 06:54 PM

Scuba10jdl

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 3,212

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What do you mean by "mediocre"? The sportster bottom end is pretty bulletproof. What are you looking to do to it? In my experience, it will handle quite a lot and usually is good for just about any kind of mod you need without any extra work besides big displacement (88ci and above) where you gotta bore out the case for clearance.

Mar 24, 2011 | 07:22 PM

Mike07FLHTC

Road Captain

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 713

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From: Pa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pleasants9

I have 1992 sportster 1200, I just rebuilt the engine and carb, it has a great top end, but the bottom end is mediocre. What are some ways I can improve the bottom end on the bike?

lower gearing??

Mar 24, 2011 | 09:24 PM

Scuba10jdl

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2009

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Mike, you made me realize a good point. I was thinking top end (valves, heads, rockers) vs. bottom end (crank, pistons, rods) instead of high speed/quick take off, which is probably what pleasants is talking about.

In that case, Mike is right. A gearing change would be the most effective way to increase your bottom end. It will be at the expense of some top end speed, though. You gotta pick and choose.

Mar 25, 2011 | 02:12 AM

Gpsjr10

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 2,541

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From: Elyria, OH

If you are looking for low end torque. Final drive ratio change is the easiest. And the right exhaust set-up will help too. I hear 2-1 exhaust system works the best.