Horsepower
Horsepower
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 2
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Very true, I know in my 06 Owners manual, it says my 88incher makes 85ft lbs of torque at 2500rpm......Wellll not according to any of the Dyno sheets Ive seen comparing stock engines to one with mods done.
+1, I agree the horsepower from a stock engine is definetly nothing to advertise or brag about.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
there area lot of variables, and an air cooled motor is just not the most efficient.
if a HP race was in place with the customers focusing on a number, motors might be set up for a peak HP number while sacrificing power ( such as low end torque numbers) at other rpms.
For example, good peak HP numbers can be posted at 6500 RPM using drag pipes, now just try get a bagger to move from a start with drag pipes.
the lost torque makes it difficult.
and HP numbers would change depending on the destination market ( and gearing also changes)
on the 80" evos, 49 State bikes were about 55 HP, CA bikes were about 45 HP ( due to cams)--- the popular stage 1 and a CA cam swap to stock would bring about 63 HP, a cam swap to a drop in could bring us to about 72 HP.
all the while retaining good torque specs for the 3000 rpm range were we do 80% of our riding.
with the twin cams HP has remained in the mid 60's somewhere stock. stage 1 will get you that 7 to 10 HP from a free-er flowing motor.
if you wanna go fast, don't get a Harley- if you wanna go fast on a harley, get a Sporty, best power to weight ratio. stripped dynas and FXRs can be pretty quick too. ( for harley's--- my hipo stripped 88 FXRP turns about the same 1/4 mile times as my 1974 Kawasaki 900
BTW my 74" Panheads dyno'd about 38 HP that's both '53's and a '63 all pretty much stock
mike
if a HP race was in place with the customers focusing on a number, motors might be set up for a peak HP number while sacrificing power ( such as low end torque numbers) at other rpms.
For example, good peak HP numbers can be posted at 6500 RPM using drag pipes, now just try get a bagger to move from a start with drag pipes.
the lost torque makes it difficult.
and HP numbers would change depending on the destination market ( and gearing also changes)
on the 80" evos, 49 State bikes were about 55 HP, CA bikes were about 45 HP ( due to cams)--- the popular stage 1 and a CA cam swap to stock would bring about 63 HP, a cam swap to a drop in could bring us to about 72 HP.
all the while retaining good torque specs for the 3000 rpm range were we do 80% of our riding.
with the twin cams HP has remained in the mid 60's somewhere stock. stage 1 will get you that 7 to 10 HP from a free-er flowing motor.
if you wanna go fast, don't get a Harley- if you wanna go fast on a harley, get a Sporty, best power to weight ratio. stripped dynas and FXRs can be pretty quick too. ( for harley's--- my hipo stripped 88 FXRP turns about the same 1/4 mile times as my 1974 Kawasaki 900
BTW my 74" Panheads dyno'd about 38 HP that's both '53's and a '63 all pretty much stock
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Oct 11, 2011 at 11:24 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
Like these guys said, they don't publish them because they don't want you to know. Compare their numbers with some of the metrics and you'll go, "HUH"? That said, Harleys are known for torque, it's what puts your *** in the seat, so they publish that. You can find stock Dyno numbers on lots of sites, FuelMoto has some to compare stock to Stage 1, cams, etc. They list the 96" at 65HP/77Tq. 103" at 69HP/87Tq, 110" at 86HP/103Tq. Of course, they also list what they are with the mods in place, those are much more attractive numbers.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 143
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Apples to oranges, you areand comparing rear wheel torque to "flywheel" torque, same as every other manufacturer, cars and motorcycles. manufacturers published numbers are inflated by taking the numbers at the motor, not rear wheel.
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