Boring out cylinders

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Jan 3, 2013 | 06:35 PM

JustJoe1

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Stage I

Joined: Jan 2013

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From: peterborough

Boring out cylinders

In a 1992 XLH 1200 are the cylinders ok to bore, and put in oversize pistons?

Jan 3, 2013 | 06:43 PM

Ragnar Danneskjöld

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 1,948

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

https://www.denniskirk.com/1992-harl...r-xlh-1200.mmy

Looks like a yes to me.

Jan 3, 2013 | 06:44 PM

xFreebirdx

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 7,604

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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'

only to a 1212cc.....1250 and above will be new jugs. Over 1250 will require case boring......

Jan 4, 2013 | 08:17 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJoe1

In a 1992 XLH 1200 are the cylinders ok to bore, and put in oversize pistons?

Read your service manual. All cylinders can be rebored to remove wear, although the total increase in diameter will vary, depending on a lot of things. There will be a few incremental increases available, such as +.010, +.020 etc, possibly up to +.060.

Jan 4, 2013 | 09:21 AM

Scuba10jdl

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 3,212

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Yep, I believe HD offers pistons to +.030 OS

Jan 4, 2013 | 01:54 PM

XL50#674

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

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From: Streetsboro, Oh

Unless the bores are scored I don't see much of a reason to bore them out as like was said-you can't go all that big. I mean think of it this way. If you bore an 350 Chevy out .030 over it makes in a 355-not really alot of size increase so now think about what you will get if you bore out a 74CI engine .030 over. .030 over on a 400 SCB makes it a 406CI so when you bore a smaller engine the gain in displacment gets smaller as well-larger gets, well larger LOL!

Jan 5, 2013 | 04:13 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

OP hasn't told us if he wants to rebore due to wear, or bore out to get more cubic inches! Between us we have answered both possibilities, so we really need to hear from you again Joe.

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Jan 5, 2013 | 11:21 AM

Sensei Jim

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 447

Likes: 1

From: florida

I'm with ANG67 on this. The money you spend to get it board,piston's and a ring set. You could buy a 1250 kit.

Jan 5, 2013 | 11:40 AM

#10

USAFANG67

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 909

Likes: 0

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensei Jim

I'm with ANG67 on this. The money you spend to get it board,piston's and a ring set. You could buy a 1250 kit.

It would be interesting to get a ball park figure in comparing the two. I'm sure with the vast experience of folks we have on this site someone could comeup with some rough numbers.
My money is on the 1250 as money better spent especially if the bike is ever sold.
Like they say, "There's No Replacement For Displacement"