Should I spend the money on an engine Mod and 6 speed?
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Florida
For the most part I agree with what others have said, with the exception of MPG. My sig basicaly spells out what I have and my last tank of gas took me 240 miles (5.8 gallons added) at 41 MPG. Built motors operate more efficiently, at least with a good tune they do. Of course the problem then becomes keeping your hand from twisting the throttle to bring back that **** eatin' grin that always appears after a quick twist. I enjoy the hell out of my bike and never worry about it breaking, then again I did the work myself and checked everything multiple times during the process.
Purchase a "kit" from Fuel Moto or Hillside and the customer service, whether by phone or email will probably rank among the finest CS you have ever experienced. To date I have never heard of ANY HD dealer offering CS on the level with these two outfits.
$8500 is what I consider out of market for what is being offered. I have spent almost exactly half of the amount you are being quoted. Surely there isn't $4250 in labor involved.
Purchase a "kit" from Fuel Moto or Hillside and the customer service, whether by phone or email will probably rank among the finest CS you have ever experienced. To date I have never heard of ANY HD dealer offering CS on the level with these two outfits.
$8500 is what I consider out of market for what is being offered. I have spent almost exactly half of the amount you are being quoted. Surely there isn't $4250 in labor involved.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
$8500.00!!!!!???? into a 2004 standard!!!!!??? That is crazy talk!!!!????About any decent shop around will build ya nice 95/98 that will do about 90hp/100tq (plenty enough!) for around $3000. I wouldn't even worry about a 6 speed with the extra power a sprocket change will bring the rpm down for cruising. But either way, ya better plan on keeping it awhile because ya will never get any of that money back out of it! Ya may be able to find a bike out there with all that done for less than doing yours???
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Mar 2, 2013 at 09:06 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
What details do you have on what the prior owner did engine-wise?
Also, has the bike been dyno tuned and do you have a sheet showing hp and tq?
If not, I'd take it to an indy or HD shop and have the bike dynod so you have a baseline for comparison purposes.
.
Depending on how and where you ride, I'd consider changing the primary gearing from what you have--probably 3.16:1-- to 3.37. It's a very inexpensive change since HD used the latter with the poor early EFI they used and needed a lower gear (higher numerical gear) to supply adequate torque to the Touring models. That change in gearing will make a big difference in your torque from off the line and up to highway speeds. The downside is that it will add about 200 rpms at 60 mph. Parts will cost about $140 or so, but make a big difference when riding 2-up.
There are quality builders who can make great, reliable power out of 95-98 motors. I doubt, however, that what you're are looking for is a rocket; probably just need a bit more torque at lower rpms and passing on highways. I did a cam change on my '04 and it was all I needed w/o head work. If I road two-up I'd have done the gearing change even with the extra rpms at highway speeds since my loud stereo system would have made the additional engine noise irrelevant, and the low end torque would have been more than adequate with the gearing change. Also, the v-twin is very happy running 2800-3200 rpms.
Use the search function and look for 3.37 and you'll find a ton of info.
Carl
Also, has the bike been dyno tuned and do you have a sheet showing hp and tq?
If not, I'd take it to an indy or HD shop and have the bike dynod so you have a baseline for comparison purposes.
.
Depending on how and where you ride, I'd consider changing the primary gearing from what you have--probably 3.16:1-- to 3.37. It's a very inexpensive change since HD used the latter with the poor early EFI they used and needed a lower gear (higher numerical gear) to supply adequate torque to the Touring models. That change in gearing will make a big difference in your torque from off the line and up to highway speeds. The downside is that it will add about 200 rpms at 60 mph. Parts will cost about $140 or so, but make a big difference when riding 2-up.
There are quality builders who can make great, reliable power out of 95-98 motors. I doubt, however, that what you're are looking for is a rocket; probably just need a bit more torque at lower rpms and passing on highways. I did a cam change on my '04 and it was all I needed w/o head work. If I road two-up I'd have done the gearing change even with the extra rpms at highway speeds since my loud stereo system would have made the additional engine noise irrelevant, and the low end torque would have been more than adequate with the gearing change. Also, the v-twin is very happy running 2800-3200 rpms.
Use the search function and look for 3.37 and you'll find a ton of info.
Carl
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Some excellent advice so far. Forget the 6-speed, as that will not add any performance, just cost. Sponsors like Hillside and Fuelmoto can fix you up with a tuning package you can either install yourself, or get an indy to do. You may even have a good tuning shop nearby who can do the whole package for you in-house. Most dealers by contrast will only bolt stuff on, not do any actual tuning work, such as porting the heads.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
How much power do you really need....I didn;t say how much do you want. Many on here have listed several shops that can give you great info and you won't break the bank.
I had 2006 RG that the previous owner upgraded the 88" to a 95" w/203 cam and it had solid power and got great gas mileage. I currently have a 2002 CVO RK which came stock with a 95" w/203 cam and that bike moves quickly for what it is. I was never unhappy with the power these bikes provided. Both bikes got over 40+mpg on the highway at 70+mph.
You don't have to spend big $$$ to get reliable power that will make you happy.
I had 2006 RG that the previous owner upgraded the 88" to a 95" w/203 cam and it had solid power and got great gas mileage. I currently have a 2002 CVO RK which came stock with a 95" w/203 cam and that bike moves quickly for what it is. I was never unhappy with the power these bikes provided. Both bikes got over 40+mpg on the highway at 70+mph.
You don't have to spend big $$$ to get reliable power that will make you happy.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 142
From: Sioux Center, Iowa
My 02 Ultra started with an 88. Did the 95 kit with Stage 1. Added the 6-speed gear set to my stock tranny housing. Made a great open road combination for a lot less than $ 8500.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,195
Likes: 790
From: Kansas City, Missouri
a good big bore kit on that 88 will make it run good. Forget the 6 speed and do a gear change if needed. I'd think real hard before spending $8500 on a 2004 . if your gonna spend that much might as well trade for a newer bike with a 96" and a 6 speed. those are reasonable priced if you look around.
