The dreaded PINING on the 103!
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: WNC
I have my new dream bike built from the HD website. 2012 Road Glide Custom Vivid Black. I say take the cats out and let Jamie at FM take care of the rest. Performance intake/exhaust and fuel management. We have a state inspection here in NC and it is really who you know when it is time for inspection.
Last edited by A1ACruiser; Jul 12, 2012 at 04:54 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 23
From:
Ive got a 07 RK, stage 1 with tts mastertune, as soon as the weather got HOT my bike pinged like crazy, I re-tuned a half dozen times with no change...gave up took it to HD dealer for dyno tune, got it back same ole PING...I reduced timing quite a bit, bike still runs good and that removed the PING....One thing I noticed was that when I removed the lower fairings (using an infared thermometer) I noticed the rear cylinder temperature dropped by about 30*,good luck...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
no pinging (sea level) and still enjoy the pipes.
chuck
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Most the time when I talk to guys complaining of their bike pinging, it comes down to they should be dropping a gear rather then trying to push it in 6th gear.
I have come to the conclusion along time ago, that stock harley engines up to 103, don't have the umph to properly pull these 6sp transmissions. They don't have the umph down low for it. Dropping a gear almost always cures this issue.
Guys alway **** and moan about it when they can't get the premium gas, I laught at them as I pump the cheap stuff. My bike runs better, quicker and gets better economy running the cheap stuff (87 oct).
I have come to the conclusion along time ago, that stock harley engines up to 103, don't have the umph to properly pull these 6sp transmissions. They don't have the umph down low for it. Dropping a gear almost always cures this issue.
Guys alway **** and moan about it when they can't get the premium gas, I laught at them as I pump the cheap stuff. My bike runs better, quicker and gets better economy running the cheap stuff (87 oct).
Agree about the fuel. I have a 2100 FLHTK with a stock engine inside but with intake/exhaust changes. I mostly use 87 octane, have NO pinging, good consistent gas mileage. I have almost 19K in 14 months so it has a pretty good record. I don't ride it like an idiot but do accelerate aggressively sometimes. These engines are not high compression, not high tech, and can use regular fuel just fine. But you have to get rid of the lean and my fuelpak does that job nicely. That along with a more open intake, no cat, and freer mufflers.
I imagine that HD recommends premium fuel to meet EPA mandates, just like the excessive lean and resultant excess heat. Rather than design a modern engine, HD hangs along with turn of the last century technology.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 242
Likes: 17
From: MN
I have done the same and xieds and mine pings like mad with 91 octane. Gonna try cooler plugs next. I was going to take it to the dealer for warranty before I gutted the cat but their mechanic told me ping is caused by to much fuel. I decided to go it on my own.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
How many miles you got on the clock?
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: nashville
about 1,000 at the moment; just a couple months old. It's a cop bike that was never put in service; is there any difference in engine tuning for the police bikes? I can't imagine why anyone would want to change anything about it; runs great all around but only getting 36 mpg for the most part.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 5
From: SATX
If you are using 87-89 you are doing it wrong. I have a full stage one from Jamie, Use 91+ and have yet to have any pinging.
Pinging is cause by being to lean and not using the right octane. You are going to pay 20+k dollars on a motorcycle and then not use better gas. Yeah, Seems legit.
Colder plugs might help but you're better off by starting at the pump...
Pinging is cause by being to lean and not using the right octane. You are going to pay 20+k dollars on a motorcycle and then not use better gas. Yeah, Seems legit.
Colder plugs might help but you're better off by starting at the pump...