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Engine braking question between models

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Old Aug 24, 2020 | 10:35 PM
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Default Engine braking question between models

Without riding my specific bikes, this might be a dumb question, but I've been wondering this for a while. I have a 2012 FLHP and a 2005 FXST. The Road King's engine braking is ridiculously more prevalent than the Softail. I know there's more power and throttle by wire and all that crap

My question is, is that the difference between the 88 and the 103? Or the touring platform vs Softail? Or between the Police and civilian models? Or a combination of all of that?
 
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Old Aug 25, 2020 | 02:19 AM
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Compression ratio, gearing,rolling resistance due to friction and to a lesser degree aerodynamics all contribute to "engine braking". Compare those factors between the two machines and you should find the answer.
 
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Old Aug 25, 2020 | 06:40 AM
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More weight, displacement, compression...... All factors.
 
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Old Aug 25, 2020 | 07:19 AM
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My mate has a TC88 bored to 96 - he has notceably more engine breaking, i am always well on the brakes before he is coming into a roundabout.
 
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Old Aug 25, 2020 | 07:55 AM
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I know when I swapped my cams in my 110" to higher rpm cams, my compression braking is a lot less now. When other riders let off the gas I often will need to tap my brakes as I just don't slow down the same. I;m not sure it is about displacement so much as many other factors involved: weight, gear ratios, etc.
 
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Old Aug 25, 2020 | 09:42 AM
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I too noticed engine braking difference when I went from stock cams to Andrews 48H this past spring. Im the original owner of this 2013 FLHTC and have always used engine braking...not as much now since its less effective.
 
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