Cycle World review of 2014's
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
The new ones have different cams, better air flow, and a different tune. You are going to feel a little more power with them. You can change cams and tune in any bike and make an improvement.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
It seems everyone that bought a new bike is impressed by the power increase. I took a 20 mile test loop in wurtsboro,ny from the HD demo fleet last month & felt the power was only marginally increased. Cycle World seems to agree with my assessment as they feel the 6.5 hp increase does not translate to a huge difference in the real world. " you'll still run out of top end, you'll still find yourself downshifting to pass. Now granted they rode at higher altitudes but they felt that all the heavy touring bikes should have the 110's . I'm thinking that many people traded up from 2010,11,12's & they're convinced that there is a huge increase even though there really isn't.
Last edited by Jswerve; Sep 27, 2013 at 04:02 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,143
Likes: 6,165
From: SE Michigan
With cams you could probably do about the same or slightly better than the stock '14s I'd guess.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
I went from my 2004 88" with 203 cams, S/E A/C and Rineharts to the 2014. The '04 needed that stuff to make it serviceable, IMHO. I don't need to do anything to the '14. It's good from the factory. The handling is an even bigger improvement. All the tendency the '04 had to rear-steer (even with a Touring Link) is gone on the '14. (This factor, rear-steer, was my single greatest complaint about my 04' RK). I never rode an 09+ until I got this bike. So I can't compare them to the '14.
Someone who wants a high-horsepower bike isn't going to be content with the '14 stock power. But such a one won't ever be content with any 'stock' output, or very likely will never be so. Some folks will always need to 'improve on' things. My concerns are passing other vehicles, getting on the freeway, and staying out-of-the-way of other drivers (many of whom drive like they're high or nuts, or both). Each of these performance areas are well-covered by the '14. Leisurely passes on the freeway can be accomplished at 70+ in sixth; more spirited passing, or passing at lower cruising speeds, requires fifth or fourth, depending upon how rapidly it needs to get done. As far as 'rowing' the gear-box to get 'motivating'--I don't think anyone's said that, but just in case it's in someone's head--such isn't required. Certainly not on the stock '14's, and likely not on prior stock late-models.
The truth is, I was happy with my '04. But timing is everything. If I was ever going to get another new Harley, it really had to be this year (so as to have it paid off by retirement time). I didn't want to go into retirement with a bike having 100K+ miles on it. I didn't want to dip into savings (again). I didn't want to be buying a new bike once my income went fixed. So the '14 was it.
Every year there's updates, and 'reasons' to upgrade. Frankly, if my situation had been different, I'd have waited even longer to see what's around the next corner. But at some point, you need to get back on the Merry-Go-Round...because the day comes when it's time to get off for good. Time forced my hand, this year.
BTW, the stock pipes are fairly anemic sounding. (Think "BMW'...with an exhaust leak
). I'm not going to change them. At least, not right away. I find I don't miss the rumble. Not a bit. I guess I'm gettin' old...and really like the 'rumble' of the new radio... 
Alan
Someone who wants a high-horsepower bike isn't going to be content with the '14 stock power. But such a one won't ever be content with any 'stock' output, or very likely will never be so. Some folks will always need to 'improve on' things. My concerns are passing other vehicles, getting on the freeway, and staying out-of-the-way of other drivers (many of whom drive like they're high or nuts, or both). Each of these performance areas are well-covered by the '14. Leisurely passes on the freeway can be accomplished at 70+ in sixth; more spirited passing, or passing at lower cruising speeds, requires fifth or fourth, depending upon how rapidly it needs to get done. As far as 'rowing' the gear-box to get 'motivating'--I don't think anyone's said that, but just in case it's in someone's head--such isn't required. Certainly not on the stock '14's, and likely not on prior stock late-models.
The truth is, I was happy with my '04. But timing is everything. If I was ever going to get another new Harley, it really had to be this year (so as to have it paid off by retirement time). I didn't want to go into retirement with a bike having 100K+ miles on it. I didn't want to dip into savings (again). I didn't want to be buying a new bike once my income went fixed. So the '14 was it.
Every year there's updates, and 'reasons' to upgrade. Frankly, if my situation had been different, I'd have waited even longer to see what's around the next corner. But at some point, you need to get back on the Merry-Go-Round...because the day comes when it's time to get off for good. Time forced my hand, this year.
BTW, the stock pipes are fairly anemic sounding. (Think "BMW'...with an exhaust leak
). I'm not going to change them. At least, not right away. I find I don't miss the rumble. Not a bit. I guess I'm gettin' old...and really like the 'rumble' of the new radio... Alan
Last edited by AlanStansbery; Sep 27, 2013 at 11:08 PM.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 67
I am going to make it puke...or else
I am going to a dealer's demo days tomorrow morning. I will be doing everything I can to make that sob puke it guts out, even if I have to gag to do it. It should be a fun day.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 3
From: a small country between TX and AZ
I went from my 2004 88" with 203 cams, S/E A/C and Rineharts to the 2014. The '04 needed that stuff to make it serviceable, IMHO. I don't need to do anything to the '14. It's good from the factory. The handling is an even bigger improvement. All the tendency the '04 had to rear-steer (even with a Touring Link) is gone on the '14. (This factor, rear-steer, was my single greatest complaint about my 04' RK). I never rode an 09+ until I got this bike. So I can't compare them to the '14.
Someone who wants a high-horsepower bike isn't going to be content with the '14 stock power. But such a one won't ever be content with any 'stock' output, or very likely will never be so. Some folks will always need to 'improve on' things. My concerns are passing other vehicles, getting on the freeway, and staying out-of-the-way of other drivers (many of whom drive like they're high or nuts, or both). Each of these performance areas are well-covered by the '14. Leisurely passes on the freeway can be accomplished at 70+ in sixth; more spirited passing, or passing at lower cruising speeds, requires fifth or fourth, depending upon how rapidly it needs to get done. As far as 'rowing' the gear-box to get 'motivating'--I don't think anyone's said that, but just in case it's in someone's head--such isn't required. Certainly not on the stock '14's, and likely not on prior stock late-models.
The truth is, I was happy with my '04. But timing is everything. If I was ever going to get another new Harley, it really had to be this year (so as to have it paid off by retirement time). I didn't want to go into retirement with a bike having 100K+ miles on it. I didn't want to dip into savings (again). I didn't want to be buying a new bike once my income went fixed. So the '14 was it.
Every year there's updates, and 'reasons' to upgrade. Frankly, if my situation had been different, I'd have waited even longer to see what's around the next corner. But at some point, you need to get back on the Merry-Go-Round...because the day comes when it's time to get off for good. Time forced my hand, this year.
BTW, the stock pipes are fairly anemic sounding. (Think "BMW'...with an exhaust leak). I'm not going to change them. At least, not right away. I find I don't miss the rumble. Not a bit. I guess I'm gettin' old...and really like the 'rumble' of the new radio...
Alan
Someone who wants a high-horsepower bike isn't going to be content with the '14 stock power. But such a one won't ever be content with any 'stock' output, or very likely will never be so. Some folks will always need to 'improve on' things. My concerns are passing other vehicles, getting on the freeway, and staying out-of-the-way of other drivers (many of whom drive like they're high or nuts, or both). Each of these performance areas are well-covered by the '14. Leisurely passes on the freeway can be accomplished at 70+ in sixth; more spirited passing, or passing at lower cruising speeds, requires fifth or fourth, depending upon how rapidly it needs to get done. As far as 'rowing' the gear-box to get 'motivating'--I don't think anyone's said that, but just in case it's in someone's head--such isn't required. Certainly not on the stock '14's, and likely not on prior stock late-models.
The truth is, I was happy with my '04. But timing is everything. If I was ever going to get another new Harley, it really had to be this year (so as to have it paid off by retirement time). I didn't want to go into retirement with a bike having 100K+ miles on it. I didn't want to dip into savings (again). I didn't want to be buying a new bike once my income went fixed. So the '14 was it.
Every year there's updates, and 'reasons' to upgrade. Frankly, if my situation had been different, I'd have waited even longer to see what's around the next corner. But at some point, you need to get back on the Merry-Go-Round...because the day comes when it's time to get off for good. Time forced my hand, this year.
BTW, the stock pipes are fairly anemic sounding. (Think "BMW'...with an exhaust leak
). I'm not going to change them. At least, not right away. I find I don't miss the rumble. Not a bit. I guess I'm gettin' old...and really like the 'rumble' of the new radio... Alan
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
Uh, why?
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 272
Likes: 5
From: pomgolia
Every year Harley claim between 5% and 10% more power
My 52 panhead only puts out 63 ft lb torque at the back wheel on the dyno but it would take one hell of a salesman to convince me to trade it in on a new twin cam