When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Every time I think I want to "crank her up" my next thought is what my new nickname could be..."Splat". Usually this thought process keeps my right wrist in check.
I did have my 02 RKC to 105 once on a nice stretch of road. On a closed course, with a professional driver, at a sanctioned event.
65 makes a much more pleasant ride and provokes less thoughts of my new nickname.
Did 158 in my camaro on the front stretch at Road America. My brakes got pretty grumpy when I entered turn 1, but I did make it out of 1 and into 2 (good news)....I was thinking about my new nickname when the brake pads where smoking.
I've just remembered an article in a UK bike mag, probably in the mid-80s. Chap progressively tuned a Glide to give 125HP, which he reckoned was enough to reach 125mph. I thought then it sounded too much for a dresser and still do! This thread has prompted me to think of doing the ton (as we say over here), which will have to be fully loaded and 2-up, just to say we've done it.
It is theoretical top speed that has encouraged me to reduce my bike's gearing, to improve rear wheel torque. With my S&S 107 and stock UK gearing of 2.94:1, at 6,000rpm that was 153mph. Plainly ridiculous! With stock US gearing now that has come down to 133mph, which is still high, but given me 15% increased rear wheel torque. I reckon changing the compensator from 24T to 22T will give 122mph, a further increase of 9% rear wheel torque and even more get-up-and-go.
With a Glide's 'aerodynamics' it will also probably go faster than ever before!
Off subject but cage tires have spped ratings which is why they have limitors that don't allow speeds over tire ratiungs! What is the speed rasting of stock and aftermarket tires?
Off subject but cage tires have spped ratings which is why they have limitors that don't allow speeds over tire ratiungs! What is the speed rasting of stock and aftermarket tires?
Bike tyres have ratings as well. Stock Harley tyres are mostly H rated and have a max speed of 130mph. Some aftermarket tyres we use are V rated, which have a max speed of 149mph. Should be sufficient in most circumstances!
Never tried to max it out... maybe this summer? I think I've probably hit 90 mph or so. Seems fast enough to me, but I guess I owe it to myself to hit 100.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.