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Expensive and less reliable- especially since you are in the boonies ( my Dad flew Starfighters out of Cold Lake)-- it's not like you have a dealer close.
How close is your nearest shop?
A stage 1 is very reliable, adding cams can be good- beyond that you are treading on thin ice and you will be in the process of discovering the next "weakest link" each time you run the bike
Nearest shop, and where I will be getting my work done is Lloydminster, 1.75hr drive. I don't wanna "f" with my reliablity to much, but my fatboy is a well tuned 96" with stage 1, I test rode a stock 103" and wasn't impressed ( understandable boing stock and all ), but a stage two will really bring the 103" alive?
I usually agree with MK's sentiment - but I couldn't resist and did the 103 stage 4 on my 2010 Street Glide last winter. I've done 4000 trouble free miles (knock on wood) since the install and it's a blast to ride - totally different bike. I went with the 263e cam which gives you a nice torque curve for a bagger. If you are buying new and an HD dealer does the work I think it is covered by your normal warranty - you might want to check that out.
103" I wasn't really impressed either- and went with the 96" and saved 2K.
I dunno, if you really want, there are proven packages with cams, hiflow air and exhaust with some kinda tuner- the fuel moto gets great kudos here for customer service.
You could take you time getting a new bike ( lots of time now with the chilly air coming in) and ride the darn thing to fuel moto and get their complete 107" package--- and could start with a 96" if you were looking at used bikes. ( make sure you have no fresh looking parts coming back across the border)
Maybe a call to Nick at Redline would get some of his experience- I think he's a straight shooter.
Think there is a pretty reliable Bike shop located right outside the CF army base Wainwright near AB/Sk border. A lot of Military guys and Oil Patch guys use him , cannot recall name but he has been doing good Hi-Perf HD work for a few years, and as you can figure out, tough customer base , so you had better be good ! ..ask around, you should hear the name, (can't recall that name right now). Also know an HD certified mechanic, does work on the side , but I would want to touch base with him before I send you to him, to make sure everything is cool (HD dealer frowns on certain types of work done outside the dealership)... Think I know the shop in Lloyd "Redline" HD ? HAve heard some OK reviews from guys, but been a while since I was out there, Stationed at Cold Lake 1994-2003. Miss the walleye fishing up in near you. Drop me a line if you need further details. Cheers, Scott
That is pretty much the truth of the matter summed up ! ... For the record: a Cold Lake Oil rig buddy I know had that previously mentioned Bike shop in Wainwrght do an S & S 106 kit on his brand new of the box Deluxe, and when we met up in Sturgis, I must admit it was impressive, the motor was solid, and I could not keep up to him on my hot rodded FXRS. ..for your consideration...let me know how you make out. Cheers,
nothing wrong with Screaming Eagle--but you can get more -- with reliabilty somewhere else
done correctly a built motor will be just as if not more reliable than stock
I speak from personal experience
I have 27xxx miles on my 09 RG with HQs 107 to include a trip this from ATL to L.A. and back, 3 built motor bikess not one problem (120, 107, 103 and stock 110) temps were wll above 90 everywhere with the exception of N.M.
I stick with what I know -- I only have HQs builds and a S&S crate motor on my other bike.
My past three bikes have had built motors prior to leaving the dealership -- 103, 107, 107 more than 100k miles on built motors not one Motor problem.
Do your reasearch I prefer HQs, but there are 5 - 7 other companies out there there chit is just as good and just as reliable
If you go Screamin' Eagle and get it done when you buy the bike....it SHOULD be covered under the warranty. If you can...get it in writing...into the buyers contract or something.
Ignore the haters...SE stuff is GOOD stuff.
I'd say go for it...get it done before you even leave the dealership. Make damn sure they tune it.
Thanks for the replies guys. FYI Nick sold the Lloyd division of Redline, It's now called Edge Harley Davidson, new owner is Clint. But the two mechanics stayed and I've heard alot of good things about Scratch's motor builds as well as the other mechanic, Rick maybe, and they did a great job on my fatboy. Guess I'll have to chat with them, and go from there, thanks again.
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