Hypercharger
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
RE: Hypercharger
It all depends on the look your going for. From what Iv'e read, and people I have talked to who have them, I would not expect any performance above what a good K&N conventional will give you. I guess it would look pretty cool if you were going for that boulevard street bike look, but not so much for the old school. It's all up to you dude.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 410
From: South Florida
RE: Hypercharger
Not entirely true. A lot of people like them because they take air from the front instead of the inside, which makes it cooler and allows for better expansion in the chamber. A little more than poser points there. The other thing that makes them functional is that while moving at speed, there is a slight ram air effect that the stock systems don't have. It's something that can't really be tested on a dyno standing still, but the upgrade is well worth it if you are looking for more than simply a good looking part.
Course, it may suck a few bugs, etc. Keep your eye on the filter.
All in all, a good additon if it's what you want. Another good addition may be the cooling fan, that can be set up to blow cooler air from the left side across the motor and into the air cleaner assy. Better also for hot days when you don't want the heat on your left leg.
Course, it may suck a few bugs, etc. Keep your eye on the filter.
All in all, a good additon if it's what you want. Another good addition may be the cooling fan, that can be set up to blow cooler air from the left side across the motor and into the air cleaner assy. Better also for hot days when you don't want the heat on your left leg.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,471
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Hypercharger
In general, there is no "ram" effect from a Hypercharger. Effective ram air usually doesn't take place until pretty high speeds are reached. And any possible ram effect would probably be negated because of the increased turbulence it caused. Unless the intake tract, including the Hypercharger, was designed to eliminate this turbulence, the effect could well be a net loss in air flow.
I have seen several before and after dyno runs with a "normal" (whatever that is) high flow air cleaner, vs a Hypercharger. Sometimes there was a loss of power, sometimes there was no statistical difference. The dyno runs simulate moving down the road by the fan blowing air onto the face of the bike. If properly designed, the amount and speed of the air would give the same effect as actually moving the bike down the road.
Personally, I don't like the looks of the Hypercharger. But that is subjective, and if someone likes the looks then It doesn't matter whether they run one or not. More importantly to me is the mechanical aspect of them. I see no reason to add moving parts that will wear out, or to add a vacuum line that will eventually leak. K.I.S.S. usually works best, it just doesn't always look as good to some folks.
I have seen several before and after dyno runs with a "normal" (whatever that is) high flow air cleaner, vs a Hypercharger. Sometimes there was a loss of power, sometimes there was no statistical difference. The dyno runs simulate moving down the road by the fan blowing air onto the face of the bike. If properly designed, the amount and speed of the air would give the same effect as actually moving the bike down the road.
Personally, I don't like the looks of the Hypercharger. But that is subjective, and if someone likes the looks then It doesn't matter whether they run one or not. More importantly to me is the mechanical aspect of them. I see no reason to add moving parts that will wear out, or to add a vacuum line that will eventually leak. K.I.S.S. usually works best, it just doesn't always look as good to some folks.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Ozark, AL
RE: Hypercharger
I've got one on my 04 Superglide (the wife's now) and I loved it. It stuck out less than the Stock breather. It does
had a little more noise. After a year here in Southern AL the vacuum lines did leak, relpaced with Fuel/oil line and back to running. Have been thinking about one for my 06 Goad glide. Can't make up my mind Chrome, Black or wrinkle.
had a little more noise. After a year here in Southern AL the vacuum lines did leak, relpaced with Fuel/oil line and back to running. Have been thinking about one for my 06 Goad glide. Can't make up my mind Chrome, Black or wrinkle.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Hypercharger
I had a Hypercharger on my 2000 Road King. The consensus of several of my most trusted HD mechanic friends is that it is comperable to a high flow air cleaner at best and robs power at worst. I would not use one if performance was my desire I could spend the money in more effective ways. For looks, well that is up to you.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 2
From: Oahu, Hawaii
RE: Hypercharger
I agree 100%. I have one on my Night Train and don't care for how it sticks out. You have to install two spacers for the setup. It made me to have to reach for the rear brake pad.
ORIGINAL: bountyhunter
Hypercharger's stick out quite a bit causing awkward/unsafe operation of the rear brake pedal. Not one of Kuryakyn's better ideas. PITA if ya got long legs!
Hypercharger's stick out quite a bit causing awkward/unsafe operation of the rear brake pedal. Not one of Kuryakyn's better ideas. PITA if ya got long legs!
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