Perfomance Upgrades ... why?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Perfomance Upgrades ... why?
Performance, Performance, Performance. Really never have had any complaints with my stock 88. Can keep up with everyone, can get from 0-60 pretty quick and can get up to like 95 MPH pretty quick too.
Everybody always wants better performance. Why?
I can pass vehicles safely. Engine sounds pretty good, SE pipes.
Never have messed with the engine. Over 55K, still runs great.
Seems like all my friends who have done performance mods, have had serious breakdowns of all sorts. The stock guys just keep humming along. It's like if you put bigger cams in you put more stress on other components like rocker arms, springs, tensioners and such.
Is it really worth the trouble in the long run?
The only drawback that I can see with stock is, I can't make it bark.
Everybody always wants better performance. Why?
I can pass vehicles safely. Engine sounds pretty good, SE pipes.
Never have messed with the engine. Over 55K, still runs great.
Seems like all my friends who have done performance mods, have had serious breakdowns of all sorts. The stock guys just keep humming along. It's like if you put bigger cams in you put more stress on other components like rocker arms, springs, tensioners and such.
Is it really worth the trouble in the long run?
The only drawback that I can see with stock is, I can't make it bark.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Nothing wrong with stock. I have an 11 Limited and it has plenty of zip for me. I did remove the CAT. After paying $25k for a motorcycle it's gonna stay the way it is for a long time unless I win the lottery. Then all bets are off. I also agree about the dependability factor.
Senior Rider
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver Canada
Performance upgrades
I'll tell you why I'd like to upgrade mine (budget considerations).
I have an FLHTC with the bags & tour pack. Wet and single rider = 1000 lb. Add luggage for a trip, and some basic tools and I'm at 1200 lb. I have a 96 cu in totally stock, and it's set lean for the EPA.
For the same money, the new BMW 6 has 120+ horses, and it weighs about the same.
Which bike will be safer in passing on some of the narrow mountain roads we have from Oregon north? What's the reserve I can count on when I'm 2-up?
I'm glad you are happy with the 88. If I had the money, I'd be shoving the 120 inch engine in there like RIGHT NOW.
I have an FLHTC with the bags & tour pack. Wet and single rider = 1000 lb. Add luggage for a trip, and some basic tools and I'm at 1200 lb. I have a 96 cu in totally stock, and it's set lean for the EPA.
For the same money, the new BMW 6 has 120+ horses, and it weighs about the same.
Which bike will be safer in passing on some of the narrow mountain roads we have from Oregon north? What's the reserve I can count on when I'm 2-up?
I'm glad you are happy with the 88. If I had the money, I'd be shoving the 120 inch engine in there like RIGHT NOW.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Even though I added a few trinkets to my SG (TD's, breather, tuner) it's main use is cruising. As long as I can run at hwy (55) & fwy (75) speeds - nothing else matters. Would be different if the bike runs 1/4 mile drags, but not mine...it's therapy...JMO.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 11
From: Lorton, VA
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Tomball TX
it's part of the fun, making it you own. If you're happy with yours, that's great for you. I personnally wanted to make a few changes that make it a better experience for my taste. Besides, someone has to help those poor stealers make their monthly sales quotas.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: NE Illinois
Stock bikes run fine. I don't plan on doing anything to mine. But, I'm an old fart. I used to have a Chevy Nova as a kid but had to put in a 396, then a Dana rear axle, then a B&M shift kit and the list goes on and on. Let them have their fun and spend money to keep the economy going.