Is this the right cam setup for me?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
Is this the right cam setup for me?
I am strongly looking at the SE-204 cam for my 2012 103 Road Glide. Other mods are RSD Intake, Dresser Duals, and CFR Mufflers all tuned by a Fuel Moto PCV.
I ride MOSTLY around town, and usually solo. I am not looking for neck snapping power but some extra power would be nice. I really want a nice lope and better exhaust note.
I would like to have good power in the 2000-4000 range where I normally crusie and pass at. Is this the right setup for me?
What else do I need. I know gaskets etc. I was going to probably buy an install kit from Fuel Moto. What about pushrods? Needed? I would also like to change the pushrod covers to black, are these available anywhere?
I ride MOSTLY around town, and usually solo. I am not looking for neck snapping power but some extra power would be nice. I really want a nice lope and better exhaust note.
I would like to have good power in the 2000-4000 range where I normally crusie and pass at. Is this the right setup for me?
What else do I need. I know gaskets etc. I was going to probably buy an install kit from Fuel Moto. What about pushrods? Needed? I would also like to change the pushrod covers to black, are these available anywhere?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 902
Likes: 3
From: Cincinnati, OH
You'll get a lot of opinions on cam choice. I run the SE255s and they give good torque in the RPM range your looking at but the next guy to post won't go for the 255s...just watch 
As far as pushrods go, it all depends on how you're planning on removing the stock rods. Are you going down through the top end (i.e. remove the rockers boxes and pull the rods out that way) or are you going to leave the rockers alone? If that's the case then you'll have to cut out the stock rods with bolt cutters and install adjustable rods. I went with the Fuel Moto adjustable rods because they don't require new pushrod covers. Good luck and be prepared for many opinions on this one....
As far as pushrods go, it all depends on how you're planning on removing the stock rods. Are you going down through the top end (i.e. remove the rockers boxes and pull the rods out that way) or are you going to leave the rockers alone? If that's the case then you'll have to cut out the stock rods with bolt cutters and install adjustable rods. I went with the Fuel Moto adjustable rods because they don't require new pushrod covers. Good luck and be prepared for many opinions on this one....
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
I know I will get a ton of opinions and options and I have been reading alot of different things. The main thing that I want is the lope and the 204 seems to be the right choice based on that.
I am going to be taking rocker boxes off anyway because I have a set of wrinkle black ones sitting in the garage to replace the stock chrome ones.
I am going to be taking rocker boxes off anyway because I have a set of wrinkle black ones sitting in the garage to replace the stock chrome ones.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I was going to do cams in my 09 SG but since installing the Rev Performance EMS, I see no need. My advice is to put a decent tuner on the bike first and see how it performs. Then if your not satisfied, go with the cams. Your need a tuner either way, so what do you have to lose??
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
Fenderzip is spot on... cams are like oil products. Everyone thinks their choice is the best one...
The 204's will give you the 'cam lope' you want, but there are better choices for a heavy bike for the power band your looking for.
SE 255's - peak power quick (big curve) then drops off ~4250-4500;
Se 259e - similar to the 255's but with a flatter peak for a bit longer and doesn't run out of steam quite as early-- just edging over the 255's on a good day.
S&S 551 - I happily run these-- good power from ~2000-2250 RPM but run out of steam ~4800 revs. I don't have any comparison with other cams but when I twist the wrist they pull very well (as any of the above would feel too).
If your going to pull the rocker boxes I'd just re-use the OEM pushrods.
PS-- Personally I wouldn't choose a cam on the basis of how it sounds. The 204's will work but are really made for a lighter bike. Having said that guys do run them on baggers and are happy. All depends on what makes you 'happy'....
Just my thoughts and I too await comment from others.
The 204's will give you the 'cam lope' you want, but there are better choices for a heavy bike for the power band your looking for.
SE 255's - peak power quick (big curve) then drops off ~4250-4500;
Se 259e - similar to the 255's but with a flatter peak for a bit longer and doesn't run out of steam quite as early-- just edging over the 255's on a good day.
S&S 551 - I happily run these-- good power from ~2000-2250 RPM but run out of steam ~4800 revs. I don't have any comparison with other cams but when I twist the wrist they pull very well (as any of the above would feel too).
If your going to pull the rocker boxes I'd just re-use the OEM pushrods.
PS-- Personally I wouldn't choose a cam on the basis of how it sounds. The 204's will work but are really made for a lighter bike. Having said that guys do run them on baggers and are happy. All depends on what makes you 'happy'....
Just my thoughts and I too await comment from others.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Roads of Idaho
255's work well for me as they have added tons of power, and it has made my my bike a whole new world to play in!!! 
Last edited by petewerner; Nov 26, 2011 at 03:14 PM.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 98
From: Colorado Springs
The torque doesn't surprise me but the HP kinda does. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a 255 hater like there are around here. Just surprised that's all. That's 8%-12% more than I'd guess.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
wow, that's nice numbers from your 255s. did you do any headwork also? gotta be very fun to ride for sure.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
Ask your doctor if SE-204 is right for you, side effects may include loss of fuel mileage and carpo tunnel of right hand. Other noted side effects may include blurred vision or loss of license.