S&S 124 for touring?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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from s&s the 124LC for better dependability and longer engine life with less chance of detonation, sounds like what the op was looking for. add more power from the higher compression and lose the dependability of the rest of the driveline.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
I am currently adapting my tune with wide band sensors and auto tune to see if I can improve FE. I'm not expecting much since it's difficult to stay under 80.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Idaho
That's actually pretty darn reasonable.
I've been talking to the most experienced tuner that I know, (fantasizing about going to a .585 cam...) and what the impact on mileage might be. Obviously, the biggest influence is your right hand, but aside from that:
It's very, very possible to take a look at the VE tables in the range where you do most of your cruising, for example 15%-20% throttle and perhaps 2,800-3,200 rpm, and ever so slightly go a bit leaner in that range. That way you get decent mileage at cruising speeds, but when you nail it you still get full power from 3,500 to redline.
I've been talking to the most experienced tuner that I know, (fantasizing about going to a .585 cam...) and what the impact on mileage might be. Obviously, the biggest influence is your right hand, but aside from that:
It's very, very possible to take a look at the VE tables in the range where you do most of your cruising, for example 15%-20% throttle and perhaps 2,800-3,200 rpm, and ever so slightly go a bit leaner in that range. That way you get decent mileage at cruising speeds, but when you nail it you still get full power from 3,500 to redline.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,510
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From: Connecticut
I'm gonna sound like a party pooper, but if I was planning on doing numerous long-distance trips on a new bike, I would leave the engine essentially "un-opened" (not including mufflers, a de-cat, tuner, perhaps an air cleaner) and essentially "un-messed-with" inside.
You'll probably get much more longevity and reliability out of it that way.
My Road Glide (an '07 that I bought with 7,500 miles in 2011) just turned 65,000 today, and all the engine has ever needed was fluid changes...
You'll probably get much more longevity and reliability out of it that way.
My Road Glide (an '07 that I bought with 7,500 miles in 2011) just turned 65,000 today, and all the engine has ever needed was fluid changes...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Admittedly it was several years ago, in 2008 and for an Evo, when I really wanted an S&S 124" for my Glide, but ended up being persuaded against it. There was only model available then, the high CR version, which I was assured was not a good touring engine, especially if riding 2-up. I 'made do' with a 107". If I was in the market for a big motor today I would have no hesitation in chosing a 124LC.
There is of course the S&S 143", for those in need of a little extra!
There is of course the S&S 143", for those in need of a little extra!
Last edited by grbrown; Mar 10, 2016 at 05:42 AM. Reason: Added link.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: NE Ohio
I'd do the 124LC also in a touring bike, especially if you go to areas where fuel quality is sketchy. I've been places where 87 octane was the only thing that could be had. I know my present 120 doesn't like 87 octane, it'll ping and kick back when starting something awful. I learned this when I mistakenly put 87 in the tank, I couldn't fix it with octane booster, had to drain the tank and replace the fuel.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
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From: Grays Creek, NC
I'm gonna sound like a party pooper, but if I was planning on doing numerous long-distance trips on a new bike, I would leave the engine essentially "un-opened" (not including mufflers, a de-cat, tuner, perhaps an air cleaner) and essentially "un-messed-with" inside.
You'll probably get much more longevity and reliability out of it that way.
My Road Glide (an '07 that I bought with 7,500 miles in 2011) just turned 65,000 today, and all the engine has ever needed was fluid changes...
You'll probably get much more longevity and reliability out of it that way.
My Road Glide (an '07 that I bought with 7,500 miles in 2011) just turned 65,000 today, and all the engine has ever needed was fluid changes...
If you don't understand, your not one of those people.
I'd say as long as your engine is properly installed, broken in and dyno tuned you will have no issues. And chances are if you can afford to install an S&S124 than you can afford to pay to have it fixed if you have any issues.
If you can't, you might want to stay with a stage one with warranty.
If it was me and I had an S&S dealer/installer close by, I'd go with the 124 no question.
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Joined: Aug 2015
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From: PA
I'm gonna sound like a party pooper, but if I was planning on doing numerous long-distance trips on a new bike, I would leave the engine essentially "un-opened" (not including mufflers, a de-cat, tuner, perhaps an air cleaner) and essentially "un-messed-with" inside.
You'll probably get much more longevity and reliability out of it that way.
You'll probably get much more longevity and reliability out of it that way.
