cams
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
No, it's not a gearing issue, it's an issue of the bike not pulling worth a hoot stock, the gearings just fine. If it was geared lower by changing one of the pulleys, than it would be geared to turn too fast when on the interstate.
When I was in my early twenties, I rode a 350 Yamaha. We rode the BRP a lot with friends and as long as nothing got in the way that bike would run the intire parkway, two up, in fifth gear. Other modern bikes with similar gearing as my Limited will run the Parkway without constantly have to be shifted like a 125cc bike, I expect the same out of a 1690cc Harley. With the 255s and stock gearing it runs like it should, with a relaxed none screaming ride on the interstate and the ability to pull good in the mountians in forth and fifth gears, without constantly having to be shifted. This is a touring bike and is used by some of us to tour. Seems like some only worry about how much faster and quicker they can make it. If that was all I was worried about, I wouldn't be riding touring bikes to start with.
When I was in my early twenties, I rode a 350 Yamaha. We rode the BRP a lot with friends and as long as nothing got in the way that bike would run the intire parkway, two up, in fifth gear. Other modern bikes with similar gearing as my Limited will run the Parkway without constantly have to be shifted like a 125cc bike, I expect the same out of a 1690cc Harley. With the 255s and stock gearing it runs like it should, with a relaxed none screaming ride on the interstate and the ability to pull good in the mountians in forth and fifth gears, without constantly having to be shifted. This is a touring bike and is used by some of us to tour. Seems like some only worry about how much faster and quicker they can make it. If that was all I was worried about, I wouldn't be riding touring bikes to start with.
My mild midrange cam does help with the power issues in the 2200 to 2600 range, but there is a zone in the third and fourth gear range that requires a shift. The cam helps, but at the end of the day the taller gear ratios are what's getting in the way. The two options are running at a slightly higher RPM by changing the trans or a primary pulley. Some say the Baker DD7 tranny is a strong solution as well.
Changing to a 68t drive pulley on the rear wheel increases RPM only by 80. I did this and I like it. Other options are the 30t or 31t trans pulley. Some like the Evolution Industries 49t sprocket ring gear which is around a 300 rpm difference.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
I'm hearing you, but I think we have to agree to disagree on this. I've ridden the Parkway from top to bottom so I am relating to what you are saying.
My mild midrange cam does help with the power issues in the 2200 to 2600 range, but there is a zone in the third and fourth gear range that requires a shift. The cam helps, but at the end of the day the taller gear ratios are what's getting in the way. The two options are running at a slightly higher RPM by changing the trans or a primary pulley. Some say the Baker DD7 tranny is a strong solution as well.
Changing to a 68t drive pulley on the rear wheel increases RPM only by 80. I did this and I like it. Other options are the 30t or 31t trans pulley. Some like the Evolution Industries 49t sprocket ring gear which is around a 300 rpm difference.
My mild midrange cam does help with the power issues in the 2200 to 2600 range, but there is a zone in the third and fourth gear range that requires a shift. The cam helps, but at the end of the day the taller gear ratios are what's getting in the way. The two options are running at a slightly higher RPM by changing the trans or a primary pulley. Some say the Baker DD7 tranny is a strong solution as well.
Changing to a 68t drive pulley on the rear wheel increases RPM only by 80. I did this and I like it. Other options are the 30t or 31t trans pulley. Some like the Evolution Industries 49t sprocket ring gear which is around a 300 rpm difference.
Yes, I guess this is a case where two people have different expectations and outlooks. We do a lot of touring, sometimes, on portions of some trips, we are forced to run interstates, as much as I dislike them. I don't want the bike to turn any faster than it does at 80 mph. On the other hand we ride the Parkway a lot, we can ride the intire BRP and never be more than four hours from home. I've rode from end to end so many times I've lost count. On top of that, living in the Appalachians, we do a lot of local riding on twisty mountainous roads, so how the bike performs on the botton end of highly important to me. I wasn't very happy with the Limited when I first got it, since I also have a Goldwing and they make around 100 ft. lbs of torque at 2000 rpm. Installing the 255s makes the Limited, while still not close to the Wing at 2000-2400, at least a lot better and it still keeps the relaxed cruise at 80 on the interstate. As close to eating your cake and having it too as you can get for a touring rider. I'll leave the hotter cams to you guys that seem to worry about trying to get your touring bike to get to 120 mph, something us pure touring types could care less about.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
Yes, I guess this is a case where two people have different expectations and outlooks. We do a lot of touring, sometimes, on portions of some trips, we are forced to run interstates, as much as I dislike them. I don't want the bike to turn any faster than it does at 80 mph. On the other hand we ride the Parkway a lot, we can ride the intire BRP and never be more than four hours from home. I've rode from end to end so many times I've lost count. On top of that, living in the Appalachians, we do a lot of local riding on twisty mountainous roads, so how the bike performs on the botton end of highly important to me. I wasn't very happy with the Limited when I first got it, since I also have a Goldwing and they make around 100 ft. lbs of torque at 2000 rpm. Installing the 255s makes the Limited, while still not close to the Wing at 2000-2400, at least a lot better and it still keeps the relaxed cruise at 80 on the interstate. As close to eating your cake and having it too as you can get for a touring rider. I'll leave the hotter cams to you guys that seem to worry about trying to get your touring bike to get to 120 mph, something us pure touring types could care less about.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,917
Likes: 184
From:
They certainly are popular. I'm considering the Woods 555 but not sold yet. Now I would really like to know more about the SE 204. From what I have read they seem to be a great choice. Are 1.725 rockers needed or an option? One characteristic that caught me in a thread on these was "drivability" Would love to hear from any who run them.
SC
96--> 103" TTS (cam) V&H DDuals, MRounds
SC
96--> 103" TTS (cam) V&H DDuals, MRounds
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
I was right with you until that last sentence. I am a touring guy for the most part (~20,000 miles a year) and I like to get to 120 from time to time. I live in a state that is wide open and affords plenty of opportunity to let em rip. I tour with some crazy Beemer, kaw,honda and duc riders that don't dilly daly around lol.
Fifteen or twenty years ago we would have been on perfect agreement, but I guess I'm finally starting to get old. I still like to occasionaly get a little wild in the curves but I lost the desire, for the most part, just to see how fast I can go. Not afraid to, two years ago crossing lower Texas on 90 trying to make Alpine before dark I had the Wing up to 120 indicated a bunch, and over 100 for miles on end. Got lucky, didn't run into a Texas state trooper until two day later and he stopped me for just 6 over. Now my biggest thing is just to see as much of this beautiful world as I can in my remaining years, in a relaxed and comfortable manner. I've been in 32 states and four Canadian provence in the last three year in that quest, hopefully going to get in the rest of the stated and several more Canadian provenced this year. You guys keep enjoying your high speed thrills. I not so old that I don't understand, just old enough that I've lost most of the desire myself.
Last edited by Allen Dye; Jan 6, 2012 at 12:07 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
Fifteen or twenty years ago we would have been on perfect agreement, but I guess I'm finally starting to get old. I still like to occasionaly get a little wild in the curves but I lost the desire, for the most part, just to see how fast I can go. Not afraid to, two years ago crossing lower Texas on 90 trying to make Alpine before dark I had the Wing up to 120 indicated a bunch, and over 100 for miles on end. Got lucky, didn't run into a Texas state trooper until two day later and he stopped me for just 6 over. Now my biggest thing is just to see as much of this beautiful world as I can in my remaining years, in a relaxed and comfortable manner. I've been in 32 states and four Canadian provence in the last three year in that quest, hopefully going to get in the rest of the stated and several more Canadian provenced this year. You guys keep enjoying your high speed thrills. I not so old that I don't understand, just old enough that I've lost most of the desire myself.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 98
From: Colorado Springs
I've just been informed there are not only poser bikers lurking, but apparently poser touring types also. When, oh when, can I become a "pure touring type"? After another 40 years on bikes, will I then qualify? Another 25 on Harleys? Perhaps I need to purchase a 'Wing?
Please....
I really wanted this to be about cams. Oh well.
Last edited by ocezam; Jan 6, 2012 at 06:38 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
I can, and do, ride all the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and I'm never more than 4 hours from home.
Riding in the Rockies, I've been on a few "twisty mountainous roads" and I'm concerned with all aspects of my bikes performance. Heck in less than 45 minutes I can be at the summit of Pikes Peak. You may have heard of it. It's over 14000 feet in elevation and there is a famous race up it's "twisty" road.
Hilarious!
I've just been informed there are not only poser bikers lurking, but apparently poser touring types also. When, oh when, can I become a "pure touring type"? After another 40 years on bikes, will I then qualify? Another 25 on Harleys? Perhaps I need to purchase a 'Wing?
Please....
I really wanted this to be about cams. Oh well.
Riding in the Rockies, I've been on a few "twisty mountainous roads" and I'm concerned with all aspects of my bikes performance. Heck in less than 45 minutes I can be at the summit of Pikes Peak. You may have heard of it. It's over 14000 feet in elevation and there is a famous race up it's "twisty" road.
Hilarious!
I've just been informed there are not only poser bikers lurking, but apparently poser touring types also. When, oh when, can I become a "pure touring type"? After another 40 years on bikes, will I then qualify? Another 25 on Harleys? Perhaps I need to purchase a 'Wing?
Please....
I really wanted this to be about cams. Oh well.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
that settles it for me