Cams...2011...anyone have experience.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Here's a chart pulled from another site showing 255 (red) and 254 (blue) in the same bike, a '10 103. As you can see the 255 had the upper-hand until about 4000 rpm when the 254 pulled ahead. I would surmise from this chart that if you want the power <4000 rpms the 255's would be the better choice.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: California
What do the numbers mean? 205, 254, 255, 504. How do they differ? Taller, shorter? Smoother lobe? Faster drop?
As the OP has a 103", what does it come with from the factory.
As the OP has a 103", what does it come with from the factory.
Last edited by Matt0987; Aug 14, 2011 at 10:25 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
As the OP has a 103", what does it come with from the factory.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Great Plains
I'm having the 255's installed on Wednesday on my 2011 Ultra Limited. I was told the biggest difference between the 254 and the 255 is the quarter mile time, with the 254 being quicker. Since I didn't care about 1/4 times i decided on the 255's which were geared toward heavier bikes. Hope I am making the right choice!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 435
Likes: 10
Cams are as individual as the parts you put on your bike, it depends on your riding style and what components you put together for the desired result.
Simple solution would be to find a very good dyno turner and/or engine builder to find out what your expectations are, how you ride (two up loaded down or solo, rpms you generally shift at, in town, freeways, agressive, where you want the torque to come on, etc.), and what components or head work you plan to put with the cam, and they can make recommendations.
Sounds like you want a mild bolt in cam, just to wake the motor up and there are many good choices. Also you can look at the baggers dyno sticky and see a lot of examples of cam & exhaust combinations, & see the comments.
I would suggest that you go with an aftermarket set of cam bearings like Torrington, which are more durable & have more surface area than the HD standard bearings.
Simple solution would be to find a very good dyno turner and/or engine builder to find out what your expectations are, how you ride (two up loaded down or solo, rpms you generally shift at, in town, freeways, agressive, where you want the torque to come on, etc.), and what components or head work you plan to put with the cam, and they can make recommendations.
Sounds like you want a mild bolt in cam, just to wake the motor up and there are many good choices. Also you can look at the baggers dyno sticky and see a lot of examples of cam & exhaust combinations, & see the comments.
I would suggest that you go with an aftermarket set of cam bearings like Torrington, which are more durable & have more surface area than the HD standard bearings.
Last edited by Kingspoke; Aug 15, 2011 at 03:04 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
I've heard great things about the Woods TW555. I am almost convinced on them though there is the warranty problem. I will install them myself... Damn the torpedos, I say.
If you want to do the install yourself then you need to watch J&P Cycles' Youtube video and atrain's step by step procedure with photos and a list of parts/tools.
If you want to do the install yourself then you need to watch J&P Cycles' Youtube video and atrain's step by step procedure with photos and a list of parts/tools.
Also consider George's Garage for bearing puller and installer. Reasonable cost for each and installs the new bearings to the correct depth. You can loan it to friends for beer after you've used them....
Can also save a lot of grief if one of those pesky INA rollers falls out of the cage while your trying to get the old bearings out with the wrong tools.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
I went with the HD 255 cam dealer installed in my 2011 Roadking with 103 kit
I chose this cam because it has increased low end torque and a relatively smooth power curve until it drops off around 4500 - 5000 rpm
In practical terms I wanted plenty of power at the low end of rpm which I felt was needed with the heavy bike and my almost 300 lbs fat ***
There are other bolt ins that I considered like the Andrews 555 but ultimately I didn't want to void the warranty and in the end I am happy with my choice.
If you care about being the fastest off the line the 255 isn't for you but if you want plenty of juice left to pass that 18 wheeler without downshifting while riding 2-up its worth a look.
I chose this cam because it has increased low end torque and a relatively smooth power curve until it drops off around 4500 - 5000 rpm
In practical terms I wanted plenty of power at the low end of rpm which I felt was needed with the heavy bike and my almost 300 lbs fat ***
There are other bolt ins that I considered like the Andrews 555 but ultimately I didn't want to void the warranty and in the end I am happy with my choice.
If you care about being the fastest off the line the 255 isn't for you but if you want plenty of juice left to pass that 18 wheeler without downshifting while riding 2-up its worth a look.
Last edited by Invictys; Aug 15, 2011 at 08:13 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I'm having the 255's installed on Wednesday on my 2011 Ultra Limited. I was told the biggest difference between the 254 and the 255 is the quarter mile time, with the 254 being quicker. Since I didn't care about 1/4 times i decided on the 255's which were geared toward heavier bikes. Hope I am making the right choice!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
You're right about operator skill being a big factor in most things you do with a bike. BTW, have you installed your 107 kit yet? I presume you'll give us a full report when it is done.