Performance upgrades...what to do first??
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
RE: Performance upgrades...what to do first??
The bike is made to ride. That is job #1.
*Put a good suspension on front & rear. Now the bike will ride much better, corner better, does not beat you to death like a bagger does. You can enjoy your ride. Only a person who is an experienced rider with discerning taste will appreciate this upgrade.
*Put on good brakes on that stop you in all conditions, do not cause friction, and work well.
*Put good lighting on that you can see at night.
Let me see, rides good, stops good, can see at night. Go from there. Leave the chrome & paint for last unless, of course you spend your riding time at the bar talking about riding.
*Put a good suspension on front & rear. Now the bike will ride much better, corner better, does not beat you to death like a bagger does. You can enjoy your ride. Only a person who is an experienced rider with discerning taste will appreciate this upgrade.
*Put on good brakes on that stop you in all conditions, do not cause friction, and work well.
*Put good lighting on that you can see at night.
Let me see, rides good, stops good, can see at night. Go from there. Leave the chrome & paint for last unless, of course you spend your riding time at the bar talking about riding.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
RE: Performance upgrades...what to do first??
ORIGINAL: Strokah
Nice, FastHarley. Suggestion is to leave your scoot as is. Each to their own of course, that's what drives us to unique.
Nice, FastHarley. Suggestion is to leave your scoot as is. Each to their own of course, that's what drives us to unique.
The question is what to do first. I answered that in my own opinion.
I said: get your bike to ride well & be comfortable, stop in a shorter distance than those POS stock brake pads, and change the lighting. Once you get your bike to use the road well than modify it to go faster (next step). These bikes new do not handle what they have already (HP) much less make them faster. Paint work is your choice in build/modification order but if they were ridden than that is not so much of an issue as is chrome.
I am saying: Get the bike to ride right first if you plan on riding your bike. If your bike to you has the function of a nose ring or just a possession than the order of importance is different than mine so you should do what you like. On my dresser, there is only 2 things stock on it (1 is modified [frame]) & that is the title & the frame. Nothing left of HD. Now I have used a 124 S&S, C/F wheels, my own body work, inverted front forks, radial brakes & 320mm rotors,a modified frame with a 22 degree rake (I raked it but the other way) shortened the frame by 2 1/2", developed a new wrap around gas tank that is a smooth top, and I am not no where done. I am currently developing a HID 35 watt/each set of passing lamps. both 3" & 4 1/2" as well as my main light. I am using a headlight bucket and my own detachable frame mounted front fairing that looks like a Hayabusa type of shape for aerodynamic features & enclosed/integrated attached lowers & vents. The whole body work comes off and the bike looks like a large FXR. The shocks are not in the same position either. By the way I will chrome some & give the bike a paint bath.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
RE: Performance upgrades...what to do first??
Great reply FastHarley, you brought up something most riders never think of and you're right. HD gets a ton of cash for their product and puts some truly poor suspension and brakes on them. Old school doesn't begin to describe the ancient design used front and rear. Stiffen the chassis, fix the forks and add some decent shocks to ANYbagger and you'll smile every time you drag the floorboards. Ditto with the brakes.Anyone who is truly a riderwill appreciate this advice.
When yougo after the motor almost any combination of a/c, pipes, and ecm will add 10 hp-lbs/ft. but youshould do all three. You might get lucky and find a canned map that will work but there's nothinglike a good tuner and some dyno time. Money well spent and your bike will JUMPwhen you shift to 2nd and 3rd and still get 45+ mpg.
When yougo after the motor almost any combination of a/c, pipes, and ecm will add 10 hp-lbs/ft. but youshould do all three. You might get lucky and find a canned map that will work but there's nothinglike a good tuner and some dyno time. Money well spent and your bike will JUMPwhen you shift to 2nd and 3rd and still get 45+ mpg.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 522
Likes: 1
From: Work and ride in sunny San Diego
RE: Performance upgrades...what to do first??
I just installed the Stage I listed below, and couldn't be happier with the change.
According to the Dyno results, my HP is now 75.38, my Torque is now 88.31, and my fuel economy has increased 30 miles per tank.
Plus the True Duals rumble like a Harley should.
According to the Dyno results, my HP is now 75.38, my Torque is now 88.31, and my fuel economy has increased 30 miles per tank.
Plus the True Duals rumble like a Harley should.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
snowdevil23
2014-2024 Touring Models
8
Sep 30, 2014 07:39 AM
