Number line
Reliability vs High Performance
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 65
From: Earth
Reliability vs High Performance
Can these be one in the same? Specifically I am after some information about high lift cams. As you can see in below what I have in my 06. A couple of years ago I blew a S.E. style lifter that took out my cam, cam plate and the oil pump. I was told back then that these S.E. lifters were problematic and this was the cause of failure. Recently I have heard that the high lift cams like these 585's are hard on the valve train and may cause another failure.
I am looking for some feedback from you guys that run these type of cams and looking for opinions if I should be redoing the build, and if so with what?
I am looking for some feedback from you guys that run these type of cams and looking for opinions if I should be redoing the build, and if so with what?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
I have over 48,000 miles on a 95" Twincam with head work 10.5:1 pistons and .590 lift gear drive cams. I run the stock lifters, not the S.E. and have had zero problems with that bike. I'd ride it anywhere anytime.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
The more cubic inches you choose the less the motor has to work to carry the weight= reliabilty,performance,is built in.Costs can be kept to a minimum if you do your own work.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
If the build work is done with quality parts & competent workmanship there's only one reason for less reliability with improved performance. The rider! Most riders are so impressed with the increase in power that they tend to punish the motor. Holeshots, burnouts, drag racing are all hard on your motorcycle. Sometimes it's difficult to resist the temptation, but sensible use of a powerful motor will result in good reliability. My FXR has been stroked for nearly 12 years. It's never given me a problem, & is still a seriously fast machine.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 11
From: Stockbridge, GA (Atlanta)
99.99% of the time this is true -- you get addicted to the power rolling burnouts/wheelies/getting it sideways/improper warm-up all have a bearing. If the motor is built well and you up the maintenance intervals (catch it before it happens) you can have a reliable fast bike--abusing any motor will cause premature failure--just my .02
If the build work is done with quality parts & competent workmanship there's only one reason for less reliability with improved performance. The rider! Most riders are so impressed with the increase in power that they tend to punish the motor. Holeshots, burnouts, drag racing are all hard on your motorcycle. Sometimes it's difficult to resist the temptation, but sensible use of a powerful motor will result in good reliability. My FXR has been stroked for nearly 12 years. It's never given me a problem, & is still a seriously fast machine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 2
From: Maryland
I think for "HIGH LIFT" cams ..
I run S&S 585s I have S&S roller rockers and S&S lifters. so far so good . I think it is a reliable build
Stock lifter why??
NO roller rockers why not?
head work a must!
I run S&S 585s I have S&S roller rockers and S&S lifters. so far so good . I think it is a reliable build
Stock lifter why??
NO roller rockers why not?
head work a must!