Harley Davidson - Ride a Living Myth

[LoVel]

I was reading some stuff on a Harley web site and it is amazing the HP gains these people get with pipes.  The bike comes with Between 50 and 70HP and they put a set of pipes on it and dyno tune it(whatever that means) and all the sudden they are running 100 plus hp.  

So this gets me interested in what is the HP on the new Harleys.  On the Harley press release it is posted as N/A.  I assume this means not applicable as in doesn't have any, but let me tell you about my torque.    

I know, I know, Harley bashing but I can't help it.  You don't get a 50 to 100% horsepower increase by adding pipes and tunning the bike.  Maybe the new pipes came on a jap bike.

[motoguy128]

I thought I read the newer HD's are making around 90HP or so.  So not so bad.  Although the gearing is still pretty tall and the bikes are pretty heavy, so its' somewhat relative.  But they do make more than enough power now to get out of their own way.

As for aftermarket pipes.  I think you could see some significant gains.  I think HD is forced to detune the motors somewhat to meet emmissions and noise limits.  Ditching the cat, and noise reducing components, can increase flow.  Add in a super rich fule map and you could have another 10HP or more.


Even with 100HP, a 700+lb HD is still more bark than bite... because it likely has a heck of a lot of bark.  Plus most ridrs don't like to rev the bike out and the gearing is pretty widely spaced, so it seems like there's a lot of noise, but they aren't really going anywhere too fast.

[LoVel]

The bike I was reading about with the 25hp increase was a 2003.  I knew it had about 68hp to start.  I thought the new ones had more.  Kinda why I went to the source to see what they said.  

[chornbe]

I was reading some stuff on a Harley web site and it is amazing the HP gains these people get with pipes.  The bike comes with Between 50 and 70HP and they put a set of pipes on it and dyno tune it(whatever that means) and all the sudden they are running 100 plus hp.  

So this gets me interested in what is the HP on the new Harleys.  On the Harley press release it is posted as N/A.  I assume this means not applicable as in doesn't have any, but let me tell you about my torque.    

I know, I know, Harley bashing but I can't help it.  You don't get a 50 to 100% horsepower increase by adding pipes and tunning the bike.  Maybe the new pipes came on a jap bike.

The 96ci engine is rated at ~92 lbs of torque last I saw. It red lines at about 5800 RPM, I think. Let's call it 5500. I'll have to look. I bounce-rev mine often enough in the first three gears.

Doing the math, assuming the torque curve is consistent...

92 * 5500 / 5252 = 96hp

I don't know that I'd agree with bullshit 25% numbers, but the stock air cleaner is considered pretty restrictive. I put a Screaming Eagle air cleaner, Vance & Hines true duals and a FuelPak on mine trying to get it to run cooler. I lost some feel in the bottom end, but it sure does seem to rev far, far peppier and stronger in the top end. And that's without any "tuning" other than punching in the maps suggested by V&H.

[MK96xj]

Pipes alone will not get you there.

My 94 80ci lowrider was just shy of 100HP after I installed an Andrews cam, installed a 2-1 pipe, did some carb work and lost the restrictive airbox. It would however try to rip you from the saddle right up to the redline every time

[Z50a]

I was reading some stuff on a Harley web site and it is amazing the HP gains these people get with pipes.  The bike comes with Between 50 and 70HP and they put a set of pipes on it and dyno tune it(whatever that means) and all the sudden they are running 100 plus hp.  

So this gets me interested in what is the HP on the new Harleys.  On the Harley press release it is posted as N/A.  I assume this means not applicable as in doesn't have any, but let me tell you about my torque.    

I know, I know, Harley bashing but I can't help it.  You don't get a 50 to 100% horsepower increase by adding pipes and tunning the bike.  Maybe the new pipes came on a jap bike.

Most of the people "claiming" 100 plus hp, did  NOT just do pipes / air cleaner / re-jet or re-map........
On a "Big Twin" that might get you to something close to 80 hp. (if the person knows what the $%#^ they are doing)
A Stock Sportster (883) is 45 - 50 hp (I used to own one..... and did some mods to it)
 
They did probably did something more like:

http://www.zippersperformance.com/catalogue/showproduct.asp?cat=865&prod=1572
http://www.zippersperformance.com/catalogue/showproduct.asp?cat=865&prod=2063
http://www.zippersperformance.com/catalogue/showproduct.asp?cat=862&prod=2201
or
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/ekit8831200.shtml
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/ekitevbt.shtml

[Justin]

That's a lot of work when you could just install one of these and gain 30 HP and 40 Lbs of torque instantly..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PB-PERFORMANCE-CHIP-HONDA-CBR1100XX-EFI-MOTORCYCLE-30_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem53dcf3b63eQQitemZ360189244990QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Z50a]

That's a lot of work when you could just install one of these and gain 30 HP and 40 Lbs of torque instantly..
.
.

That's why I sold the bike....., cause adding up the cost of upgrading: Engine, Suspension, Brakes, Tires, Seat .......
I thought; I should just buy a different bike !

[atadaskew]

I dunno, from the subject heading I thought you were going to tell us about a test ride or sumfink...

 

[Kramer]

Hm...I had a 2K Sportster.
Got new high-flow heads, ported, polished, squished (greater compression).  Added high compression pistons, more aggressive cams.   Nice hooker pipe (not open, btw), carb properly tuned, tunable ignition...and STILL didn't break 100hp.  Granted it was a 1200cc motor.
But I'll tell ya what... between the quicker reving.. (for an H-D) and the serious torque, that was one fun bike.  Of course I improved the suspension as well.  As for the brakes and heavy flywheel...well, she didn't stop very well.
Point is, it cost me a lot of $$ to go from 65hp to low 90's hp.

[1KPerDay]

This thread rules. Please continue, by all means.  

[Tombstone]

This thread rules. Please continue, by all means.  

You just don't understand.......Bro.  

 

[1KPerDay]

You just don't understand.......Bro.  

 

I didn't ask.  

[Wilbur]

The 96ci engine is rated at ~92 lbs of torque last I saw. It red lines at about 5800 RPM, I think. Let's call it 5500. I'll have to look. I bounce-rev mine often enough in the first three gears.

Doing the math, assuming the torque curve is consistent...

92 * 5500 / 5252 = 96hp

I don't know that I'd agree with bullshit 25% numbers, but the stock air cleaner is considered pretty restrictive. I put a Screaming Eagle air cleaner, Vance & Hines true duals and a FuelPak on mine trying to get it to run cooler. I lost some feel in the bottom end, but it sure does seem to rev far, far peppier and stronger in the top end. And that's without any "tuning" other than punching in the maps suggested by V&H.

I doubt you'll get peak torque at redline. Check this thread in the HD forums where they are showing peak HP in the mid 60's (at the wheel):

http://hdforums.com/forum/general-harley-davidson-chat/194880-stock-96-twin-cam-hp-and-torque.html

That would probably mean low to mid 80's at the crank.

[county]

.......Bro.  

 

 

[county]

I dunno, from the subject heading I thought you were going to tell us about a test ride or sumfink...

 

Well, I came to bash Harleys and that's not happening either.

[Quickv4]

If you want to get 100HP and 110 Ftlbs stock in a cruiser, get a Victory!

[Rude_Rydah]

Well, I came to bash Harleys and that's not happening either.

Damn this thread.  Isn't Harley bashing to mention that Harley's do not make 100HP.

If the rider wears a 1% patch, you can be sure his steed makes plenty o' horses!

[FBRR]

My last Harley had around 120 at the crank. And 106 at the rear wheel.
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.Of course it was a V-Rod!!

My 88 was properly tuned for power with a pipe and air cleaner only. ( I did the tune using the Harlet race tuner and dyno)
It made 81 HP at the rear wheel. Most stock 96 are not much better as their torque curve ( as someone pointed out peaks higher than an 88 but well below 5252 RPM) A good stock 96 with pipe and aircleaner might make close to 85 but not much more without further engine work.. As a reference my 88 made 74HP Stock before pipe and aircleaner.
One other thing to consider is the 96cu.in. Harleys have a smaller valves than my older 88. ( due to emissions. So they choked off as RPM increases!!)

[mist]

I rode a 2007 Dyna(96ci) and it was shockingly quick out of the hole ...past that no comment.

[weidauer]

I'm all for calling BS on the ridiculous HP gains claimed out there. But then, if I'd wanted a 100HP plus touring bike, I would've bought a Kawasaki C14. Instead, I wanted comfy and solid. So I got myself an Ultra Classic.

Stock, it's got about 64 HP and maybe 82 lb.-ft. of torque. I've still got the stock exhaust, but adding a new "Stage 1" air cleaner set up that opens up the breathing, along with a Vance & Hines FuelPak, bumped the torque and HP up some; the changes might have added 4 HP and 8 lb.-ft. of torque, based on data from the V&H website. Mostly it revs better, and pulls harder from a stop. Roll-ons are easier without shifting down. Been to both coasts on mine with no problems.

Want to bash Harleys, go ahead. I couldn't care less. But there really isn't anything wrong with the bikes: they're well made, hold thier value, and do what they're designed to do. The Motor Company uses technology, but they use it to build the bikes they want to build.

Lots of people who ride Harleys are morons. And lots of people who ride (pick a bike) are morons, too. Big deal. Lots of people who read this forum are...well, you finish it.

Anyway, want to go fast, or corner like Mladin? Buy a sportbike, and tell yourself you can ride. Whatever.

Think Harleys are crap? Don't buy one. I doubt H-D cares.

Flame on...

[chornbe]

Good post!

[Galo]

Sorry, but.....a thread bout Harley horsepower is kinda like talking about Edsel performance.  
 
This thread reminds me of the guy riding an 883, all dresed in pirate gear who coincided with me at a gas station and who had the ballz to ask me 'when was I gonna get a real bike?'

Galo: 'ahhhh...as in....what?'
Pirate: 'as in something like this!'
Galo: 'excuse me....do you know how many horsepower your bike has?'
Pirate, with a pirate scowl on his face: 'A lot. It's a Harley!'
Galo: 'Really?? That POC has 53 horsepower, my bike has 118. If I had that POC, i'ld put training wheels on it!'

Pirate was not happy.

Flame over

[atadaskew]

Well, I came to bash Harleys and that's not happening either.

You not feeling well?

Maybe start off slow on something like chaps, or those tassle thingies some peeps put on their handlebars.  Ya know, ease into it.

[JamesG]

All dynos, even of the same make and type, read differently.  Any measurements that are not done on the same instrument (dyno) under the same conditions are competely meaningless.

[Paul Barnard]

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical/200801perfindex.pdf

[atadaskew]

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical/200801perfindex.pdf

Meh, they have the Ducati St4 top speed of 153mph, but the 10hp stronger St4s top speed is 142mph.  They also have the 1/4 mile time for the much weaker St4 much quicker and faster. (difference in gearing may account for top speed but not acceleration and vice versa. Ignoring the fact that the bikes share the same gearing...)
So yes, this link is useful...

[MadMax96]

I know Harleys aren't all about "hey - we have this much horsepower on our bikes"  BUT - if you're paying a premium price for what many people think is a premium bike - you shouldn't have to throw MORE money at it to get the hp/performance up to par with it's competitors.

[Playinthestreet]

I know Harleys aren't all about "hey - we have this much horsepower on our bikes"  BUT - if you're paying a premium price for what many people think is a premium bike - you shouldn't have to throw MORE money at it to get the hp/performance up to par with it's competitors.

They have no competitors in their market segment.

[falconati]

They have no competitors in their market segment.

That's a load of shit.  How are you defining their market segment?

[chornbe]

That's a load of shit.  How are you defining their market segment?

cruiser styled bikes - whether actual cruisers or tourers.

Oh... They have successful competitors... just like Apple is a successful competitor to Windows. But in sheer calculable numbers... nah.

[scottzilla]

I was reading some stuff on a Harley web site and it is amazing the HP gains these people get with pipes.  The bike comes with Between 50 and 70HP and they put a set of pipes on it and dyno tune it(whatever that means) and all the sudden they are running 100 plus hp.  

So this gets me interested in what is the HP on the new Harleys.  On the Harley press release it is posted as N/A.  I assume this means not applicable as in doesn't have any, but let me tell you about my torque.    

I know, I know, Harley bashing but I can't help it.  You don't get a 50 to 100% horsepower increase by adding pipes and tunning the bike.  Maybe the new pipes came on a jap bike.

EPA regs force Harley to really restrict what the engine is capable of to pass emissions and noise, thus a set of pipes do indeed uncork a lot of HP.  I heard Harley dealers are not allowed to perform exhaust mods which explains the healthey aftermarket.  

[Playinthestreet]

That's a load of shit.  How are you defining their market segment?

Who are their competitors in touring bikes/cruisers?  Victory? Kawasaki? Yamaha?... not a drop in the bucket.

[Geoff]

Harleys lack of power. Jap bikes lack character and resale value. What else is new?

[st ryder]

Harleys lack of power. Jap bikes lack character and resale value. What else is new?

Read an interesting post the other day about a Ducati rider who was getting some gas and a squid asked him what was so great about the Ducati as he was paying for his gas. The squid was on a Ninja of some type, which the squid stated made more power and cost less. The Ducati rider stated it was like the difference between the Zippo lighter and the Bic lighters being sold at the counter. One was a classic design and could be used over and over, refilled, refurbished, and be kept for years, always maintained, though the original purchase price was considerably higher than the Bic, which even though was far less money and provided a bigger flame temporarily it was simply disposable and had little value. I thought that was a good analogy, which works for HD as well.

Years ago, I was reading a motorcycle magazine, and saw what I thought was one of the best ads I've ever seen: it was a picture of a motorcycle scrap yard, with hundreds of rusting out old bikes plied up. The ad read,"See any Harleys?" or something like that, and of course none were to be found. Many years after reading that ad, I was searching for a shifter pedal for my BMW and called a large well known scrap yard and asked if they had one. The sales rep just chuckled and stated "BMW's don't make it this far down the food chain."

Some bikes are just more loved, appreciated and valued than others and *power* has NOTHING to do with it.    

[chornbe]

This is a good post.

I parted out a no-title K75 last year. You would not believe how fast those parts sold. I still get emails, more than a year later, asking about "do you also have..." for some of the most obscure stuff from that bike. I actually just sent out a couple of fairing bolts and a bracket the other day that I found in a bolt bin that I toss small hardware in.  

Read an interesting post the other day about a Ducati rider who was getting some gas and a squid asked him what was so great about the Ducati as he was paying for his gas. The squid was on a Ninja of some type, which the squid stated made more power and cost less. The Ducati rider stated it was like the difference between the Zippo lighter and the Bic lighters being sold at the counter. One was a classic design and could be used over and over, refilled, refurbished, and be kept for years, always maintained, though the original purchase price was considerably higher than the Bic, which even though was far less money and provided a bigger flame temporarily it was simply disposable and had little value. I thought that was a good analogy, which works for HD as well.

Years ago, I was reading a motorcycle magazine, and saw what I thought was one of the best ads I've ever seen: it was a picture of a motorcycle scrap yard, with hundreds of rusting out old bikes plied up. The ad read,"See any Harleys?" or something like that, and of course none were to be found. Many years after reading that ad, I was searching for a shifter pedal for my BMW and called a large well known scrap yard and asked if they had one. The sales rep just chuckled and stated "BMW's don't make it this far down the food chain."

Some bikes are just more loved, appreciated and valued than others and *power* has NOTHING to do with it.    

[1KPerDay]

Read an interesting post the other day about a Ducati rider who was getting some gas and a squid asked him what was so great about the Ducati as he was paying for his gas. The squid was on a Ninja of some type, which the squid stated made more power and cost less. The Ducati rider stated it was like the difference between the Zippo lighter and the Bic lighters being sold at the counter. One was a classic design and could be used over and over, refilled, refurbished, and be kept for years, always maintained, though the original purchase price was considerably higher than the Bic, which even though was far less money and provided a bigger flame temporarily it was simply disposable and had little value. I thought that was a good analogy, which works for HD as well.

Years ago, I was reading a motorcycle magazine, and saw what I thought was one of the best ads I've ever seen: it was a picture of a motorcycle scrap yard, with hundreds of rusting out old bikes plied up. The ad read,"See any Harleys?" or something like that, and of course none were to be found. Many years after reading that ad, I was searching for a shifter pedal for my BMW and called a large well known scrap yard and asked if they had one. The sales rep just chuckled and stated "BMW's don't make it this far down the food chain."

Some bikes are just more loved, appreciated and valued than others and *power* has NOTHING to do with it.    

good post

[Geoff]

Read an interesting post the other day about a Ducati rider who was getting some gas and a squid asked him what was so great about the Ducati as he was paying for his gas. The squid was on a Ninja of some type, which the squid stated made more power and cost less. The Ducati rider stated it was like the difference between the Zippo lighter and the Bic lighters being sold at the counter. One was a classic design and could be used over and over, refilled, refurbished, and be kept for years, always maintained, though the original purchase price was considerably higher than the Bic, which even though was far less money and provided a bigger flame temporarily it was simply disposable and had little value. I thought that was a good analogy, which works for HD as well.

Years ago, I was reading a motorcycle magazine, and saw what I thought was one of the best ads I've ever seen: it was a picture of a motorcycle scrap yard, with hundreds of rusting out old bikes plied up. The ad read,"See any Harleys?" or something like that, and of course none were to be found. Many years after reading that ad, I was searching for a shifter pedal for my BMW and called a large well known scrap yard and asked if they had one. The sales rep just chuckled and stated "BMW's don't make it this far down the food chain."

Some bikes are just more loved, appreciated and valued than others and *power* has NOTHING to do with it.    

Well said.

[mjrfd99]

I wanted more speed from my 79 FX--- so I bought a Busa

[falconati]

Read an interesting post the other day about a Ducati rider who was getting some gas and a squid asked him what was so great about the Ducati as he was paying for his gas. The squid was on a Ninja of some type, which the squid stated made more power and cost less. The Ducati rider stated it was like the difference between the Zippo lighter and the Bic lighters being sold at the counter. One was a classic design and could be used over and over, refilled, refurbished, and be kept for years, always maintained, though the original purchase price was considerably higher than the Bic, which even though was far less money and provided a bigger flame temporarily it was simply disposable and had little value. I thought that was a good analogy, which works for HD as well.

Years ago, I was reading a motorcycle magazine, and saw what I thought was one of the best ads I've ever seen: it was a picture of a motorcycle scrap yard, with hundreds of rusting out old bikes plied up. The ad read,"See any Harleys?" or something like that, and of course none were to be found. Many years after reading that ad, I was searching for a shifter pedal for my BMW and called a large well known scrap yard and asked if they had one. The sales rep just chuckled and stated "BMW's don't make it this far down the food chain."

Some bikes are just more loved, appreciated and valued than others and *power* has NOTHING to do with it.    

Holy shit...what is this place coming to?  Thoughtful posts?

I'm quite ashamed, and expect an apology.

[chornbe]

I'm quite ashamed, and expect an apology.

LOL  That's funny right there.

[atadaskew]

They have no competitors in their market segment.

Tis true.  Honda is trying to unload their VTX1800 cruisers for up to $6125 OFF!!!!
http://powersports.honda.com/total-price-massacre.aspx

[DCLXVI]

This thread reminds me of something I heard a while ago. A guy said that owners of Jap bikes will go on for hours bashing Harley's and that Harley owners will go on for hours talking about booze, boobies, and riding and they could care less about what other bike owners say. That seems to sum it up pretty well.

[chornbe]

Pretty accurate. At the *very* few Harley-specific gatherings I've been to, there are some sneers at the non-Harleys, but they're forgotten the minute a friend, new set of boobs, or another Harley gets the sneerer's attention.

There simply aren't hours and hours of bashing.

[atadaskew]

People on this site are just jealous of my fringed chaps.

[chornbe]

People on this site are just jealous of my fringed chaps.

This is you, isn't it?

[atadaskew]

This is you, isn't it?

I was a little cold that day.

[scramblerracer123]

I saw a good shirt last week.  
On the front it had the Harley Emblem with a Dealer name, from Utah I think.
On the back it said Turning Gasoline into noise since 1903 and had a big eagle around it.  

I laughed about that for the rest of the day.

[falconati]

Cute gear, bro.

[FBRR]

I was a little cold that day.

Did you say chaps or chapped?

Almost ATGATT?!!!!! But there's a little exposure. ( Or should I say BUTT there'e a little exposure?)

[rwortman]

The 96ci engine is rated at ~92 lbs of torque last I saw. It red lines at about 5800 RPM, I think. Let's call it 5500. I'll have to look. I bounce-rev mine often enough in the first three gears.

Doing the math, assuming the torque curve is consistent...

92 * 5500 / 5252 = 96hp

I don't know that I'd agree with bullshit 25% numbers, but the stock air cleaner is considered pretty restrictive. I put a Screaming Eagle air cleaner, Vance & Hines true duals and a FuelPak on mine trying to get it to run cooler. I lost some feel in the bottom end, but it sure does seem to rev far, far peppier and stronger in the top end. And that's without any "tuning" other than punching in the maps suggested by V&H.

Well you assumed that the torque curve was flat and it never is.  That motor falls way off at high rpm.  Those bikes stock make around 75hp at the rear wheel.    Thousands of dollars in special parts and you end up with a heavy pig that won't keep up with a stock FZ6.   If you want a fast bike, buy one.  Around these parts the cruiser riders don't care how fast it is as long as it's loud.

[atadaskew]

   If you want a fast bike, buy one.  

And if you want a cruiser, buy a Harley.
Which apparently is what is happening seeing Honda is offering up to $6125 off the MSRP of their cruisers just to get rid of them....

[chornbe]

Well you assumed that the torque curve was flat and it never is.  That motor falls way off at high rpm.  Those bikes stock make around 75hp at the rear wheel.    Thousands of dollars in special parts and you end up with a heavy pig that won't keep up with a stock FZ6.   If you want a fast bike, buy one.  Around these parts the cruiser riders don't care how fast it is as long as it's loud.

  You're talking to the choir. I believe my post mentioned something about "IF" in regards to torque and RPM.

"... assuming the torque curve is consistent..."

I'm the biggest "right tool for the job" guy you'll talk to... and the big-twin Harleys are better than just about anything else in terms of moving people and provisions for traveling and touring.

[barracuda]

My 94 FXDL (80ci) was a dog bone stock. It topped out at 95ish. After a Andrews 27 cam, Crain HI4 ign, S & S super E carb, Python 2 pipes and the heads milled, ported and polished it actually got better mpg than stock and was almost as fast as my first bike. A 80s Yaha Seca 400 2 cyc. Sad but true. I still miss that bike. Simple, everything right there where you can get at it. 50something mpg. My Yamiee was kinda cool.  

[Desmo Demon]

I bought my Harley and immediately went to modifying it. I had the heads ported and polished, larger intake valves, different cam, S&S Super E carb, pipes, Compufire ignition, and another one or two things. I *thought* it was much faster as it went from around 65 hp to 75 hp and something like 70 ft-lbs to around 80 ft-lbs. Then, I got a "puny" little '99 Ducati SS750 with "only" 65 HP at the crank....and I realized very quickly that the $3000+ I spent in my Harley was a total waste of time and money. I guess the build was pretty good, though. I regeared the HD for highway use and it's held up for over 80k miles with that configuration.....and I get 50-55 mpg out of every tank I burn through it.

[Geoff]

I bought a Harley, left it stock and toured most of the U.S. and Canada.  

I laugh when I read about hopped up Harleys. They'll only go so fast no matter what you do. On the other hand, as a friend once told me, the goal with a (modified) Harley is to be fast among other Harleys.

[chornbe]

I bought a Harley, left it stock and toured most of the U.S. and Canada.  

I laugh when I read about hopped up Harleys. They'll only go so fast no matter what you do.

Ditto that. One does not need a fast bike to ride well and enjoy the ride.

One of my pleasures as a Harley owner is out riding other Harley owners without even trying hard.

There's a certain grin-worthy pleasure of walking away from them the minute a turn shows up in the road

[st ryder]

Ditto that. One does not need a fast bike to ride well and enjoy the ride.

One of my pleasures as a Harley owner is out riding other Harley owners without even trying hard.

There's a certain grin-worthy pleasure of walking away from them the minute a turn shows up in the road

That Grin must turn into a "S.E.G." when you out ride squids.  

[chornbe]

That Grin must turn into a "S.E.G." when you out ride squids.  

I can not tell a lie... it's kinda fun.  

[Playinthestreet]

I'm perilously close to pulling the trigger on a used Street Glide and I don't care how fast it will go.

[chornbe]

I'm perilously close to pulling the trigger on a used Street Glide and I don't care how fast it will go.

You should really buy my '08.

[Playinthestreet]

I know, but I can get into the repo auctions and there are plenty of bikes to choose from in So Cal.

[chornbe]

I know, but I can get into the repo auctions and there are plenty of bikes to choose from in So Cal.

I'll deliver it. $16k It's got the *right* farkles.

Hell, I'll even put the Zumo mount back on it if you have a Zumo.  

[Rembrant]

I ride with my old man and his crew quite often, and they're all on Harleys...couple of them are 96ci with 103 kits installed. I'm actually surprised at how hard they pull...seriously....lol. I am however, an inline 4 guy thru and thru...lol, so they're just not my bag.

As for power...hehehe....I was waiting to cross the street in North Conway, NH during Laconia Bike week in June and I lifted up my camera to get a picture of this row of bikes coming down the street. This guy on an Ultra-Classic wacks the throttle at the same time I took the pic....

It made me laugh so hard I had tears streaming down my cheeks...lol.

[Geoff]

[steve.m]

   the robot's grabbing her tit!

back to the point...a tool for every job.  I'm never going to ride a literbike on the street again, it's just stupid.  I'm never going to take a harley to the track, that's just idiotic.  Some folks like using their wrenches to hammer nails, but i'm not one of em.

HD sales might be bad in other parts of the country, but here in TX they're still flying out of dealers.  Houston alone has 3 separate HD dealers within the beltway (one dealer has 2 locations) and they all seem to be doing just fine.  Saw a LOT of people signing paperwork at the dealer this past weekend, and it wasn't just for the buells.  Guy I work with just rode in yesterday with a brand new ultra.  Said he couldn't let me have the newest bike on the block.  fu*ker    

and HD does make a motor that produces over 100 hp and still has great torque.  strangely enough it's the 1200 mill.  It's just been massaged by buell for the past 25 years    Have i mentioned how much i love my 3 day old uly  

[bandit1250]

Nobody has yet pointed out the difference between claimed horsepower and actual horsepower. A local shop (non Harley) used to bring a dyno in every year for their open house. Anyone could run their bike on it for I think about $20 (which went to charity). Every year a few Harley guys would show up and put their bikes up. They all seemed to think they would pull a little over 100, I guess that's what they were told at the Harley dealer where they got their pipes and Power Commanders. Not one made over 85.

The really crazy part was the mechanic at the non-Harley shop built more than one Harley that cranked out over 150 - yes 150 -  I saw a few of the dyno runs. Show me the charts!  

[stromgal]

I have a Texas friend with a couple of built FXRs that make a legitimate 130+ rwhp. Lord only knows how much $$ he has into 'em.  

[steve.m]

gew!

god love tx...the rednecks down here LOVE to chase horsepower  

[stevent]

Shit my 96ci is plenty fast for any kind of sane riding box stock, all you have to do is keep it up around 3500~4500 and it pulls like a freight train. It tickles me to see guys doing endless pipe swaps, air cleaner set ups and down loads then dorking around at 2500 rpm rattling windows....Whatever works I guess..

[chornbe]

Shit my 96ci is plenty fast for any kind of sane riding box stock, all you have to do is keep it up around 3500~4500 and it pulls like a freight train. It tickles me to see guys doing endless pipe swaps, air cleaner set ups and down loads then dorking around at 2500 rpm rattling windows....Whatever works I guess..

 

Yep. I try telling people... I try. But do they listen? Noooooooooooo.

[Rude_Rydah]

Yep, then it redlines at 4502 RPM, you have to shift into 2nd gear and the bread van in the other lane continues to pull away from you.  

How's that?

[chornbe]

There ya go!  

[Geoff]

It's amazing how so many judge a bike by how fast it will go.  

[chornbe]

It's amazing how so many judge a bike by how fast it will go.  

Agreed. Some bikes are fun because they're fast. Some are fun because they're not. Some are fun because they handle like a razor regardless of speed. Some are fun because they handle 2-up better than anything else. Some are fun because they're just raw, scrappy, visceral experiences.

It's all about the fun.

$.02  

[Rude_Rydah]

I forget which member it is, but someone has a sig line that says "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow" or something like that.  I agree.  The old F2 in my garage is more fun (interesting?) sometimes than the Hayabusa.

[Geoff]

I forget which member it is, but someone has a sig line that says "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow" or something like that.  I agree.  The old F2 in my garage is more fun (interesting?) sometimes than the Hayabusa.

I believe Cycle World's peter Egan coined the phrase.

[atadaskew]

Yep, then it redlines at 4502 RPM, you have to shift into 2nd gear and the bread van in the other lane continues to pull away from you.  

I have never lost a race to a bread van.  An ice cream truck almost took me, but he had a jump on the lights.

[chornbe]

I have never lost a race to a bread van.  An ice cream truck almost took me, but he had a jump on the lights.

I hate those deep-staging fuckers. It's like it's union rule or something.

[1KPerDay]

 

[NKGMAN]

I was reading some stuff on a Harley web site and it is amazing the HP gains these people get with pipes.  The bike comes with Between 50 and 70HP and they put a set of pipes on it and dyno tune it(whatever that means) and all the sudden they are running 100 plus hp.  

So this gets me interested in what is the HP on the new Harleys.  On the Harley press release it is posted as N/A.  I assume this means not applicable as in doesn't have any, but let me tell you about my torque.    

I know, I know, Harley bashing but I can't help it.  You don't get a 50 to 100% horsepower increase by adding pipes and tunning the bike.  Maybe the new pipes came on a jap bike.

Hey Sprint Killer.  "STFU"     CLOWN

[Playinthestreet]

I put a set of boom tubes, a K&N air filter and my Henry Aaron rookie card in the spokes and I now have 155 rear wheel horsepower.  I've had to pull off one plug wire to keep from spinning up the rear tire when taking off at idle.

[1KPerDay]

Hey Sprint Killer.  "STFU"     CLOWN

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet. New fish.

[chornbe]

Hey Sprint Killer.  "STFU"     CLOWN

Thank God you're here to be the other voice of reason.

[atadaskew]

Thank God you're here to be the other voice of reason.

So that's what would happen if we made the mirror image of Ti954...
 
 

[chornbe]

So that's what would happen if we made the mirror image of Ti954...
 
 

Like Star Trek.

[Rude_Rydah]

Wow, two posts and both of them were STFU.  I hope he has stamina!  

[stromgal]

I put a set of boom tubes, a K&N air filter and my Henry Aaron rookie card in the spokes and I now have 155 rear wheel horsepower.  I've had to pull off one plug wire to keep from spinning up the rear tire when taking off at idle.

Classic.    But they're boom cans.  Jus' sayin'.

[stevent]

I just put a set of D&D Police Interceptor cans on my FLHT and noticed an immediate increase in torque and horsepower without being overly loud, just like their dyno report said!

I've also developed a taste for donuts and coffee at odd hours of the day.....  

[Playinthestreet]

Classic.    But they're boom cans.  Jus' sayin'.

"Boom Cans" would be Linda Vaughn...

[NoDak]

Hey Sprint Killer.  "STFU"     CLOWN

It took a lot of imagination to come up with that one.   NGKMAN has had two posts.  Both include name calling and profanity.  

Last summer I had issues with 3 people.  All "HD" riders.  The first was a women on a HD calling my wife "Beemer Trash".  The second was another HD women call my bike "Jap Junk".  Which I could not figure out because I was riding my Triumph.  The third was a HD guy bragging his chopper smoked a Honda CBR and that my Sprint was plastic junk.

I know many HD riders that are great people.  But there are some out there like this guy who think because they ride a "HD" think they can insult who ever they want and just plain be obnoxious.  It gets very tiring dealing with these people.  

Why do some people that buy HD's act this way??  Why can't they just respect the fact I do not want to own a HD?  It does't bother me they ride HD's.  Some people need to do some growing up.

[chornbe]

Why do some people that buy HD's act this way??  Why can't they just respect the fact I do not want to own a HD?  It does't bother me they ride HD's.  Some people need to do some growing up.

Same reason some sport bike riders do wheelies down the road and give you the finger as they sneer.

Assholes are everywhere. Every shape, size and bike style.

[NoDak]

Same reason some sport bike riders do wheelies down the road and give you the finger as they sneer.

Assholes are everywhere. Every shape, size and bike style.

I agree with you.  I met a guy riding a Honda ST1300 last fall.  He was an absolute tool.  Jack asses are well represented on all makes of motorcycles.

[atadaskew]

You will never, ever meet a slapnut on a Guzzi.










Unless I'm riding it

[Rude_Rydah]

LOL...  

[Geoff]

I sneer at BMW riders when riding my Harley and vice-versa when I'm on my BMW.  Like yin-yang, my complementary behavior constantly interacts, never existing in absolute stasis.  

[ConPilot1]

You will never, ever meet a slapnut on a Guzzi

That's cause they've all been on the receiving end of a good beat-down or two,
and have finally learned some manners.  

[ConPilot1]

Thank God you're here to be the other voice of reason.

More like the other voice of insanity.

[chornbe]

More like the other voice of insanity.

I have never been more sarcastic in my entire life than when I made that post.