Anyone peg 120 mph on glide
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
In '97 you did it on an '06? Are you Marty Mcfly?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 675
Likes: 17
From: Broken Bow, Oklahoma
I've done it one time. Rode back with some people I knew from my home town area. Didn't know they rode like that. One stretch of road (nearly 40 miles) we rode between 85 (curves) and 115 (straight areas) the whole distance. At one point I thought might as well see if it will hit the 120 on the speedo. It did and then some.
To do this, they guys that I was riding with had to run in 5th gear. after slowing down a little in the curves, they had to down shift to 4th to get it back up. I used 6th gear the whole time. they were all stock bikes except for exhaust, you can see my mods in my sig...
It was nerve wracking. I won't ever do that again. at least not for that long. I don't mind running it up there right quick and letting off, but to run all the way home that way is just asking for an early burial if you ask me.
To do this, they guys that I was riding with had to run in 5th gear. after slowing down a little in the curves, they had to down shift to 4th to get it back up. I used 6th gear the whole time. they were all stock bikes except for exhaust, you can see my mods in my sig...
It was nerve wracking. I won't ever do that again. at least not for that long. I don't mind running it up there right quick and letting off, but to run all the way home that way is just asking for an early burial if you ask me.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I agree that it is weird, but in the case of the 41mm fork models the problem at speed is in the design of the top tree design, which doesn't properly support the tubes, plus the lousy damping. The Rushmore bikes with their 49mm forks and better top tree should be a much better.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Likes: 70
From: The Redneck Riviera
I guess I have never left any stock but am surprised at those on this thread that claim they cant get ot up.... All you guys that can't seem to get there must be riding an old 4 speed shovel or older.
350 lbs between me and the miss' and not sure our 1st Harley and '81 shovel ever made it over 110 MPH but we have never had an issue hitting 120 MPH since the introduction of the rubber mounted 80 inch evo....
I have no problems getting there with either of these bikes and yes the batwing fairing makes it interesting so I don't stay there long.
'03 FLHTCI - 95", 10.5:1, 211 cams, SE heads, & V&H True Duals and Monster Ovals
'13 FLHTK - 103", stock heads pistons and compression, TW-555 cams, & V&H Power Duals and Monster Rounds
350 lbs between me and the miss' and not sure our 1st Harley and '81 shovel ever made it over 110 MPH but we have never had an issue hitting 120 MPH since the introduction of the rubber mounted 80 inch evo....
I have no problems getting there with either of these bikes and yes the batwing fairing makes it interesting so I don't stay there long.
'03 FLHTCI - 95", 10.5:1, 211 cams, SE heads, & V&H True Duals and Monster Ovals
'13 FLHTK - 103", stock heads pistons and compression, TW-555 cams, & V&H Power Duals and Monster Rounds
(All Speeds Indicated)
The '81 FXWG Sifton Cam, S&S Super, Polished Heads, Drag Pipes would run close to 120 (clocked by a 427 Vette back in the 80s)
The '01 FXDWG Pissed off 103, SE 6sp, Underdriven Primary will top out the forks when you nail it with the speedo buried
The '05 SEEG Bone Stock except K&N and PCIII will bury the speedo and not come back to 120 until after counting "one thousand three"
The "09 SERG 117 / DD7 has seen 4200 rpm in top gear (way past the pin) with plenty left, pulling hard ~ going to setup GPS / video one of these days and see what time it is
Both of the Baggers (Bat and Shark) are stable as a brick on top, with the edge going to the Shark...
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 4
From: South Carolina
I havent tried it yet but I can see why some after market windshield makers stress the fact that some of their shields create a downward force to keep the front planted firmly instead of a negative pressure lift makes you feel out of control and almost flying.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
Not saying a Shovel couldn't but i don't remember mine ever doing it. What I do remember is my feet nearly vibrating off the floorboards at high speeds and looking for another gear.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 4
From: South Carolina
LOL! I'd forgotten those days when the mirrors turned into a blur and would slowly start to rotate left or right and the grips felt like you were getting shocked from the buzzing vibration....not to mention the chain oil skunk stripe up my back...I miss that ol shovel head.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,883
Likes: 33,004
From: King George, VA
I've got a 107 motor in my 06RG with Axtel jugs, big S&S cam, 6 speed Baker tranny and blah, blah, blah and dyno tuned at 121/132. I never go much over the posted speed limit. Nope, not me. Never.