Your Thoughts on Upgrades and Engine Life (?)
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 39
From: Olive & Oak
I agree. Some modifications will improve engine life. EPA mandates decrease engine life, get rid of them.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Likes: 70
From: The Redneck Riviera
That's the way I see it...
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 74
From: Lafayette, IN.
Well, this was my thought. But does the negligible HP and torque increase cancel out the "easier/cooler" running motor? I can't imagine it does... Seems like it's commonly accepted that these machines are choked off by the EPA stock.. But again, these are commonly accepted ideas that I've never seen substantiated. I just can't believe that the heat from these lean running bikes isn't putting undue stress on them. I mean, why else would they start developing auto fans and auto cylinder shutdowns during warmer weather?
I did the latter build on a Softail that I used to own. It was a lot of fun to romp around on. Because I had the power, I was on it all the time. I haven't cracked the engine open on my latest bike. I have a stage 1 and I am done.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 128
There are many, many twin cam 96s out there that have 100,000 + miles on them. Well maintained is the key. That doesn't mean you have to change the oil every 2500 miles, just do what the manual says. It probably helps a little if you are handy and can do your own normal maintenance, but it isn't mandatory. Spend more time riding the bike and less time getting scared to death by reading motorcycle forums. Forums can be a great source of information but realize that you will never, ever get a consensus on anything. You will get a lot of opinions though.
Use common sense in all matters and when in doubt, consult a professional who does it for a living. Experience is worth a lot of money when it comes to maintenance.
Use common sense in all matters and when in doubt, consult a professional who does it for a living. Experience is worth a lot of money when it comes to maintenance.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
I just crossed the threshold of 80k miles. 96 inch with high flow aircleaner, rb racing 2 into 1 exhaust, SE 204 cams and I ride aggressive. That doesn't mean I beat on it but I do have a heavy hand and run higher speeds generally. My mileage, after I reverted to riding moderately was improved after my modifications. The bike runs as strong as ever and I'm using about a quart of oil or so every 5k miles. The things that have gone wrong on this bike have had nothing to do with performance. 3 Harmen Karden stereos, the stator and voltage regulator, a starter, the weak compensator which lead to the bad starter and that's about it. I put a variable pressure clutch plate from AIM and the stock 2003 big V twin clutch spring so the clutch would handle the extra power. I'll be good for over 100k before I'll look to rebuild. I maintain the bike, use high quality synthetic oils, wait for the oil to warm before using serious power.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
There in lies the problem. I don't know too many people that can use horsepower responsibly or even intelligently.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
As an engineer I reckon that the basic mods you mention will fall inside the life expectancy of the original design - in other words they are unlikely to have any affect on service life, one way or the other. Owner neglect will have a bigger influence! I would also add that in common with other modern vehicles the overall design and construction of our Harleys is so conservative in its nature that more extensive mods are also unlikely to have a significant affect.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 3,518
From: PA
I think a stage 1 mod will help the motor live longer. I am also of the belief as long as you keep you motor under squared or squared the motor should last a long time with regular maint
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
Bone-stock 96" motor with a Stage I upgrade (described in Sig Line below). It runs great at 114k. I'm not a hot-rodder by any means - I cruise and enjoy the ride.
Oil changes at 5k on the motor, 5k on the Primary and 15k on the Transmission. The only problem I've ever had with this bike is the damned Compensator (a design flaw that began in this year model). It's been replaced in this bike 3 times now - under the ESP thank heavens!
The Starter was replaced at around 90k I think, otherwise this entire motor and Transmission have never been touched.
Oil changes at 5k on the motor, 5k on the Primary and 15k on the Transmission. The only problem I've ever had with this bike is the damned Compensator (a design flaw that began in this year model). It's been replaced in this bike 3 times now - under the ESP thank heavens!
The Starter was replaced at around 90k I think, otherwise this entire motor and Transmission have never been touched.
