Need experienced opinion on new build.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 14
From:
Need experienced opinion on new build.
On a recent trip I made a fatal mistake of not packing my needle and jet kit. The trip went well at first but the trip home got cold and wet and the dense air had me running too lean. I made it home but 3 days later I went to take a ride and I dropped a cylinder in the driveway. Zero compression in rear cylinder. Pulled the head and found a warped exhaust valve. So, it's starting Winter here. Bike has 98,000 on the bottom end. It vibrates over 3000 rpm. Guess my crank wasn't "average"!
Background: 2002 Road Glide, Bored to 95", Andrews gear drive 21's, 9:1 Wiseco pistons, Ported heads, (253 cfm @ .500" lift) Rejetted stock Carb. I'm running a Baker DD6 tranny.
This engine runs great. Lots of torque yet revs out nice when I want it.
Since I'm considering pulling the crank and having new bearings, maybe rods and balanced I'm considering stroking it to 4.375".
My concerns: I'm getting 43 mpg now. I like that and would like to keep mileage in the equation.
So do I build a stroker 96", a 103" or do I just fix my stock crank and rebuild what I have.
I'm 55 years old, don't drag race. I still like to wick it up in the twisties though!
I tour a lot usually pulling a small trailer.
Anybody have any feed back on whether or not I should go bigger or not. Folks with practical experience with the different combinations would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Background: 2002 Road Glide, Bored to 95", Andrews gear drive 21's, 9:1 Wiseco pistons, Ported heads, (253 cfm @ .500" lift) Rejetted stock Carb. I'm running a Baker DD6 tranny.
This engine runs great. Lots of torque yet revs out nice when I want it.
Since I'm considering pulling the crank and having new bearings, maybe rods and balanced I'm considering stroking it to 4.375".
My concerns: I'm getting 43 mpg now. I like that and would like to keep mileage in the equation.
So do I build a stroker 96", a 103" or do I just fix my stock crank and rebuild what I have.
I'm 55 years old, don't drag race. I still like to wick it up in the twisties though!
I tour a lot usually pulling a small trailer.
Anybody have any feed back on whether or not I should go bigger or not. Folks with practical experience with the different combinations would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Whatever you decide to do with your rebuild, get the poor thing tuned properly on a dyno! You don't say where you are located, but I suggest you find a local tuning shop and talk through your options. Find someone who can offer a proven package so you don't have to design things yourself! There are several sponsors in the Tech Engine section who you can call for top quality advice.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 588
From: Michigan
How deep are your pockets? If you were satisfied with the 95" motor & 21G cams, I'd rebuild that.
Stroking the crank means new rods, pistons, etc. Then you'll probably want to consider a different cam set for the larger displacement, then a Mikuni upgrade for more flow capacity, etc. It starts to add up quickly.
My experience? Had a '91 FXR 80" & was happy with that (103,000 miles). Had a '99 Ultra 88" that didn't get it; upgraded to 95" w/9.2:1 CR & was happy with that (70,000 miles). Had an '07 Ultra that came out the dealer door as a 103" w/10.1:1 CR & was happy with that (39,000 miles).
Now have an '03 Nightrain 88" & am happy with it (Stage 1, 42mm Mikuni, 15,000 miles) and a '14 Limited, stock & happy with that (only 3,800 miles, no motor upgrades planned).
Many would say both my current rides need to be "leaned on" to make them run right. I ride them & they make me smile every time I'm out there on the road, so I say they're fine as is. To each their own & whatever it takes to get the rider to smile while out there riding.....
Your decision. Hope you're happy with which ever way you decide to proceed.
Stroking the crank means new rods, pistons, etc. Then you'll probably want to consider a different cam set for the larger displacement, then a Mikuni upgrade for more flow capacity, etc. It starts to add up quickly.
My experience? Had a '91 FXR 80" & was happy with that (103,000 miles). Had a '99 Ultra 88" that didn't get it; upgraded to 95" w/9.2:1 CR & was happy with that (70,000 miles). Had an '07 Ultra that came out the dealer door as a 103" w/10.1:1 CR & was happy with that (39,000 miles).
Now have an '03 Nightrain 88" & am happy with it (Stage 1, 42mm Mikuni, 15,000 miles) and a '14 Limited, stock & happy with that (only 3,800 miles, no motor upgrades planned).
Many would say both my current rides need to be "leaned on" to make them run right. I ride them & they make me smile every time I'm out there on the road, so I say they're fine as is. To each their own & whatever it takes to get the rider to smile while out there riding.....
Your decision. Hope you're happy with which ever way you decide to proceed.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 14
From:
Graham, I alway love seeing your bike. I had a 91 FLHS and put 154,000 miles on it. Nice machine.
As far as tuning I am running an Innovate with a wide band O2 sensor and a gauge in the dash. I knew I was lean and without my other needles there was nothing but stop riding or take my chances. Gambled and lost. When I started the trip I was running 14/1 AFR. The bike was happy in the warm dry air!
As far as all the cost of enlarging I realize that. I was just considering it since I have to split the cases, now would be the time to do it.
As far as tuning I am running an Innovate with a wide band O2 sensor and a gauge in the dash. I knew I was lean and without my other needles there was nothing but stop riding or take my chances. Gambled and lost. When I started the trip I was running 14/1 AFR. The bike was happy in the warm dry air!
As far as all the cost of enlarging I realize that. I was just considering it since I have to split the cases, now would be the time to do it.
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