Is Larger Displacement Better? Harley Engine Discuss Is Larger Displacement Better? in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I'm getting annoyed by this constant "need" for more CCs in a stock bike by the factory. Whole more power is good, pretty soon baggers and the like will be ...

[Majicbringer]

I'm getting annoyed by this constant "need" for more CCs in a stock bike by the factory. Whole more power is good, pretty soon baggers and the like will be topping out at over half a ton, compression releases will be stock (more crap to go wrong), and then what?... More cylindars? Water cooling on everything? I ride a bike because I want to ride BIKE, not car engine on two wheels.

[4cams]

Originally Posted by Majicbringer

I'm getting annoyed by this constant "need" for more CCs in a stock bike by the factory. Whole more power is good, pretty soon baggers and the like will be topping out at over half a ton, compression releases will be stock (more crap to go wrong), and then what?... More cylindars? Water cooling on everything? I ride a bike because I want to ride BIKE, not car engine on two wheels.

I agree with you, when H.D. increased the stroke to get 96" what were they thinking? Of course you will get more heat. A bigger bore would have made a better engine IMO. Look at how well a 95" motor runs. Sure it has different heads and cams, but this "stroker" idea has seen it's day with the EPA in force. That's why I think the X-Wedge will be a good motor. It can be made Square, Under Square or Over Square. What ever power characteristics you want. S&S offers a Sportster engine 91" with a 4" bore and a 3 5/8 stroke or the 100" square motor with a 4" bore and stroke. This is the same motor that just set a world speed record at Bonneville with a off the shelf motor.

I'm in agreement but maybe it's because of my small world of touring. Perhaps if I was in a different circle I'd understand better the quest for more power, bigger engines, and wider tires.
I guess since I started touring on bikes that are tiny by today's standards I don't see that much advantage inmore power. My biggest impression over the years was the increase in reliability and parts availability. Most everyone makes modificati ns to their stock Harley. I am one of them. But some go to extremes in size and power and cut the life of the engine and have many more reliability issues. When I ride with friends with tons more power on a trip, we all seem to be enjoying ourselves and we all reach the destinaion at the same time. I don't think even riding above the speed limits in this country or crossing the highest mountain peeks and passes has given the hot rodded bikes any more advantage. So, I am one who just don't get it. I guess for me my near stock Harley is just not boring to ride and more power just doesn't add much to the thrill for me. Everyone has their own ideas on what's fun, and for some building up the engine is just part of the fun. I can respect that.

If you are truly touring...Do you need to be in a big hurry? I would rather be on a bike that takes a beating last longer then one that is faster and toasts yer nuggets.