120R as a touring platform?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 6
From: Omaha Nebraska
I remember looking at a dyno sheet somewhere on this forum of a 120R, I think that the peak power occured near 6000 RPM. If correct this means that you would have to shift around 6300-6500 to average the most power for maximum excelleration. Going to a more radical cam would raise this even higher, wonder what the redline is? If I were buying one for our Ultra, I would probably consider a milder cam in it to increase the power in the lower RPM ranges where I usually ride it.
As much as I'd love to have a denim black 120R RGC to park beside my vivid black 103 RGC, I could never view it as a true Touring bike. Mainly due to the reduced gas mileage and excessive power I guess. And as stated above, I'd be more concerned about stuff breaking while 100's of miles away from home. I say a Stage 2 bagger with a 103 engine is the best combination of power, reliability, and gas mileage for a touring bike, but maybe I have it wrong.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
I believe you have it wrong, if Harley came stock with the 120R, they would have a line of people waiting right now.103 is definitely not the ultimate size. I imagine when 74 was the largest size for HD if they would've had a 103R many people would've thought the same way, when in fact the 103 is much more powerful and efficient than a 74. I truly believe the main thing stopping people from going to a 120R now is $$$$, I know if I could do a factory 120R for the same price as I can upgrade to 107, my bike would be in the shop today.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: MI
I put a 120R in my 2008 SG during a COMPLETE rebuild (painted frame, chrome tranny, etc, etc) I bought the crate motor, threw in a set of TMAN 662-2 cams, S&S roller rockers, Woods directional lifters, mated it up to a HPI 54mm reworked FBW throttle body with 5.3 injectors (actually flows better thatn the HD 58mm), S&S tuned induction intake, and took the chance of running my D&D fatcat with BB baffle instead of a boarzilla. Tuned with TTS and im gettin 127HP/138TQ SAE with a bandit clutch.
The bike is a train..seriously fast and powerful. I have 120ft lbs of TQ at 2600rpms (I did lower my gearing).
Can not speak about reliability due to the fact that I just finished the bike and am not able to really ride yet due to a motorvehcle accisent that I am still trying to recover from, but the thing sounds MEAN!!!
AND YES, pics will follow when I have the time!!!
The bike is a train..seriously fast and powerful. I have 120ft lbs of TQ at 2600rpms (I did lower my gearing).
Can not speak about reliability due to the fact that I just finished the bike and am not able to really ride yet due to a motorvehcle accisent that I am still trying to recover from, but the thing sounds MEAN!!!
AND YES, pics will follow when I have the time!!!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
On the subject of comparing gas mileage, the figures for stock 103 and 110 bikes will be EPA compliant, with emissions and lean burn. The 120R is a 'racing' engine and has none of that stuff, so there is not a direct comparison! A 120R running at optimum settings, instead of EPA ones, will very likely provide good mileage while touring, compared with the other two.
As for a 120R not being suitable as a touring engine I have a simple comparison for you. A Dyna ridden solo has a much better torque-to-weight ratio than a dresser when 2-up. If you simply want the same sort of get-up-and-go of a Dyna, while riding fully loaded, it is very easy to justify a 120R! Unfortunately it won't fit earlier bikes....
As for a 120R not being suitable as a touring engine I have a simple comparison for you. A Dyna ridden solo has a much better torque-to-weight ratio than a dresser when 2-up. If you simply want the same sort of get-up-and-go of a Dyna, while riding fully loaded, it is very easy to justify a 120R! Unfortunately it won't fit earlier bikes....
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 6
From: Omaha Nebraska
Patience, Patience. Wait until there are some used ones on the market. By then we will know a lot more about them, good or bad, and a lot cheaper.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 33
From: Lewisberry PA
+1 I would be in line!
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
I have 4675 miles since my 120R Swap. Bike runs flawlessly!!! I am riding another 1300 miles this weekend and I am 100% confident that the bike is "road worthy"!
My 2001 Night Train had 96,000 miles on it when she took a dump on me.
My 2007 Road King had 25,000 miles on it when she gave way.
Bottom line, well maintained bikes last a long time!!
My 2001 Night Train had 96,000 miles on it when she took a dump on me.
My 2007 Road King had 25,000 miles on it when she gave way.
Bottom line, well maintained bikes last a long time!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 161
From: Booming metropolis
I have 4675 miles since my 120R Swap. Bike runs flawlessly!!! I am riding another 1300 miles this weekend and I am 100% confident that the bike is "road worthy"!
My 2001 Night Train had 96,000 miles on it when she took a dump on me.
My 2007 Road King had 25,000 miles on it when she gave way.
Bottom line, well maintained bikes last a long time!!
My 2001 Night Train had 96,000 miles on it when she took a dump on me.
My 2007 Road King had 25,000 miles on it when she gave way.
Bottom line, well maintained bikes last a long time!!