255 cam in 96"
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
I have an 09 Ultra with the 103 Big Bore Stage II with 255 cams. All the power is down low. Your shifts will be shorter and your rpms will come up really quick. Tons of torque down low if you tour and 2 up a lot. If you want to wind it up past 4500 forget it because it does peter out there. Mileage stayed the same as the stock 96. Whatever you choose to do, Put some kind of tuner on it. It just works better allaround if you do.
You're over thinking it.
Your cam selection is just one componant in your overall build. Any number of bolt in cams will give your bike better performance than the stock cams. You're going to get all kinds of recommendations, but the bottom line is that unless you overcam, you're probably not going to be unhappy with whatever you choose.
SE255, SE204, TW5, TW6, HQ 500, Andrews 37. I know for a fact that any of these will work just fine in a 96 build. Run the 255s, and you won't be making a mistake. You might lose a little off the top compared to some other cams, but you aren't going to have an unrideable bike. Get the cams you can get a good deal on. Look for SE255 CVO takeouts on ebay for about 150 bucks and save yourself a little cash.
Some guys will make themselves crazy trying to find the one most perfect cam. There ain't such a thing. The tune you get will have a greater impact on your bike's performance than the slight differences in cam design, as long as you choose one from within the appropriate group.
Your cam selection is just one componant in your overall build. Any number of bolt in cams will give your bike better performance than the stock cams. You're going to get all kinds of recommendations, but the bottom line is that unless you overcam, you're probably not going to be unhappy with whatever you choose.
SE255, SE204, TW5, TW6, HQ 500, Andrews 37. I know for a fact that any of these will work just fine in a 96 build. Run the 255s, and you won't be making a mistake. You might lose a little off the top compared to some other cams, but you aren't going to have an unrideable bike. Get the cams you can get a good deal on. Look for SE255 CVO takeouts on ebay for about 150 bucks and save yourself a little cash.
Some guys will make themselves crazy trying to find the one most perfect cam. There ain't such a thing. The tune you get will have a greater impact on your bike's performance than the slight differences in cam design, as long as you choose one from within the appropriate group.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
I tour a lot and that is why I bought a Ultra Classic. At 2 years we had over 40,000 miles on the clock. 1 year with the 255 cams. I now have had the Ultra for 4 years and have 50,000 miles on it. I have several bikes, 3 are touring bikes.
I did not buy my bike or add cams to impress anyone by attempting to our run them. That is for those that just cruise, wash and shine. I ride, 20-30,000 every year.
If I want speed I would ride 1 of my other touring bikes that have 100++ hp out of the box.
The 255 cams are a very good touring or general riding cam. Very good low end enough hp to enjoy and pass with out any problems. Good mpg. My bike sounds great at any rpm. I also like to hear my tunes at all speeds. If momma has something to say I want to know not by her knocking the crap out of me.
to each their own.
I like my 255's
dd
I did not buy my bike or add cams to impress anyone by attempting to our run them. That is for those that just cruise, wash and shine. I ride, 20-30,000 every year.
If I want speed I would ride 1 of my other touring bikes that have 100++ hp out of the box.
The 255 cams are a very good touring or general riding cam. Very good low end enough hp to enjoy and pass with out any problems. Good mpg. My bike sounds great at any rpm. I also like to hear my tunes at all speeds. If momma has something to say I want to know not by her knocking the crap out of me.
to each their own.
I like my 255's
dd
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 3
From: Wis
I'll put my .02 in for what it's worth.
I had the 255's in my Fatboy lo last year. I loved em. As for running out of steam @ 4k...umm no! If you buy them you won't regret it. They're nice cams.
I'm running the Woods 555 in my SG. I love this cam. It turns on a little later (not much) and pulls a lot harder.
255's are nice but triple nickels are nicer.
I had the 255's in my Fatboy lo last year. I loved em. As for running out of steam @ 4k...umm no! If you buy them you won't regret it. They're nice cams.
I'm running the Woods 555 in my SG. I love this cam. It turns on a little later (not much) and pulls a lot harder.
255's are nice but triple nickels are nicer.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
From: USA
I don't know what part of PA. you live in but if it's got hills and mountains, the 255 is a great cam. There are plenty of 9 - 11% grades here where I live and some 15 - 17% roads. The scoot climbs them effortlessly! Also, 6th gear had no ***** at all with the stock cam but now there is a useful amount of torque even in 6th.
I also want to say that I agree with those that stated that there is still plenty of torque up to 4500 rpm. If I've ever been above that rpm, it's because I'm passing someone and my attention is totally focused on completing the pass safely. I don't even look at my tach at such times. I just go by sound (as far as engine rpm).
I did not read the entire thread but if you ride two-up it's a great cam to get you and the OL going from a stop up to cruising speed. It may not be the best cam out that's out there but it's a damn good cam.
I also want to say that I agree with those that stated that there is still plenty of torque up to 4500 rpm. If I've ever been above that rpm, it's because I'm passing someone and my attention is totally focused on completing the pass safely. I don't even look at my tach at such times. I just go by sound (as far as engine rpm).
I did not read the entire thread but if you ride two-up it's a great cam to get you and the OL going from a stop up to cruising speed. It may not be the best cam out that's out there but it's a damn good cam.
Last edited by jimski; Sep 12, 2011 at 10:21 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I think whoever installed his cams got the timing wrong--i.e., a tooth or two off the mark. A typical 103-255 will run off and leave a Stage 1 96 in the dust.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Powell, OH
255 Torque Monsters
I finally dropped the dime this spring and had the dealer install the 255's. I have to say if there is a more torquey cam out there, I'm not sure if I'd want to ride it. At a 1/2 throttle pull away from a stop and shifting no higher that 3000 RPM, you really have to hang onto the handlebars. If you're not ready for it, you might lose your grip . . .
The only thing I've noticed is if you get a little twisty in the wristy, your fuel mileage drops dramatically. I can get 38-42 MPG on the highway, but in town if I get a little "excited", my mileage goes under 30MPG.
BTW, I'm using the SESPT and I did the riding while it was hooked up (not the dealer). That way, it would record MY driving habits.
Good Luck! It was a hard decision for me, but I feel I chose . . . correctly.
The only thing I've noticed is if you get a little twisty in the wristy, your fuel mileage drops dramatically. I can get 38-42 MPG on the highway, but in town if I get a little "excited", my mileage goes under 30MPG.
BTW, I'm using the SESPT and I did the riding while it was hooked up (not the dealer). That way, it would record MY driving habits.
Good Luck! It was a hard decision for me, but I feel I chose . . . correctly.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I finally dropped the dime this spring and had the dealer install the 255's. I have to say if there is a more torquey cam out there, I'm not sure if I'd want to ride it. At a 1/2 throttle pull away from a stop and shifting no higher that 3000 RPM, you really have to hang onto the handlebars. If you're not ready for it, you might lose your grip . . .
The only thing I've noticed is if you get a little twisty in the wristy, your fuel mileage drops dramatically. I can get 38-42 MPG on the highway, but in town if I get a little "excited", my mileage goes under 30MPG.
BTW, I'm using the SESPT and I did the riding while it was hooked up (not the dealer). That way, it would record MY driving habits.
Last edited by iclick; Sep 12, 2011 at 01:23 PM.
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Joe Kucinski
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Hi guys I'm a new member.I've been on here reading and kind of getting a little confused ,here is my question.I have a 2010 SG with a Propipe and Ness air cleaner ,I'm leaning towards the 255 cam which from what I read on here is a good choice for the 96.Will I have tuning and hard starting issues with this choice? It seems like it is a problem in the 103 from what I have read. Thanks everyone.
I think most people (that have 255's) will agree , the 255's make a Big Bagger a lot more fun to ride.Or look at it this way if you ride most of the time below 80MPH the 255's will work great,,