Big Bore Kit - Do It Yourself?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Big Bore Kit - Do It Yourself?
I am considering doing a 95" kit, sending the heads out to be polished and ported, and doing a new cam. This will be done over the upcoming winter. I am not a wrench, but have done all the work and service on my bike so far. I've done work on the clutch, replaced cables,. In the past I've rebuilt carbs. , so I have limited experience. Is the big bore kit something I could tackle myself, or is specialized equipment and diagnostics needed? Looking at it it appears to be bolt on, but I know looks can be decieving. Anyone here do a big bore kit yourself? How tough was it and what is your experience level? any help and guidance would be appreciated....Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 4
From: London, Canada
RE: Big Bore Kit - Do It Yourself?
I did mine and am very happy with the results. Everybody has different levels of competence/confidence with mechanical stuff, no offence to anyone.
You absolutely need a torque wrench and a manual. The cam bearings will require some special tools. I am not a trained mechanic, but have been wrenching on cars for a lot of years. Its not rocket science, but you need to be meticulous about every step.
You absolutely need a torque wrench and a manual. The cam bearings will require some special tools. I am not a trained mechanic, but have been wrenching on cars for a lot of years. Its not rocket science, but you need to be meticulous about every step.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,519
Likes: 5
From: Slidell, LA
RE: Big Bore Kit - Do It Yourself?
I have to kind of agree with bountyhunter. I do alot of my own maintenance and have built many a V8 motor but I didn't do my motor as I just don't have the experience with them. I have a big bore, cams, heads, high compression motor with 8000 miles on it. Several long trips and not one problem yet. Glad I let a pro do it. My wrench has been building harley race bikes for 35 years. He even modified the harley HTCC heads for a little more omphhhh.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA (live in Manteca, CA)
RE: Big Bore Kit - Do It Yourself?
Your life is worth more then to try to save some bucks let the pro do it. Look on the bright side if it not right you can go back a holler at them. When was the last time you hollered at yourself.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Big Bore Kit - Do It Yourself?
I'm built too low to the ground. That project is way over my head. I've recently found an independent wrench (word of mouth refferals) who I'll have do any significant engine work for me. Good luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 4
From: London, Canada
RE: Big Bore Kit - Do It Yourself?
100thRK if you can build a V8 and make it run, you can build a Vtwin. Pistons, rings, lifters, pushrods, rockers, gaskets. There is no "magic" inside that little motor. All the same principles apply as a Chevy or Ford.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 0
From: MS
RE: Big Bore Kit - Do It Yourself?
You can always try it and then take the box full of leftover parts to the dealership and have them figure out where they go. J/K I think anyone with the manual and some degree of mechanical ability and the proper tools can probably do it.
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