Possible Future Tech Article - Harley Forum

sinolav · #1 08-15-2008, 10:30 AM

Fairly new to AIM, just subscribed, and really get into the tech section.

I don't know if an article like the one I will describe has been posted or not, so here goes.

I'd like to see an article on making my bike more reliable, and more fuel efficient.

I have a stock 03 Ultra Classic Electra Glide. I want to keep it stock, but.... now I'm finding I will need to do some engine work to keep it from having mechanical problems.

So, do I keep the stock cam setup, or go with a geared cam? If I go to a geared cam, which one? I want fuel economy, reliability, nor HP.

I like quiet pipes, so if I change the cam, which exhaust should I get? Which air cleaner is best. Finally, what's the best way to setup the ECM for good fuel economy and touring?

I can appreciate getting all the power/performance possible from an engine. I also know that doing this reduces fuel economy, and in the long run, costs more to maintain the engine.

Heck, I'd even let you use my bike for the project, as long as I can help do the work.

milindh · #2 08-15-2008, 12:44 PM

Hey Sinolav

I think what you're proposing would make an excellent tech article. Build a quieter, more dependable, somewhat fuel efficient bagger. I think it could be done for sure.

Harley's focus with the Twin Cam was to produce a quiet engine that met EPA regs for both sound (including cam noise) and exhaust emmisions while still producing fairly good hp. For sure you could improve on what Harley did and still get what you're asking for with some aftermarket tweaking and stuff. I don't think the cost would be justified for the small gain in fuel savings but it might make you real happy in other ways.

Yeah, I'm diggin' it.

sinolav · #3 08-15-2008, 01:52 PM

Exactly, performance, reliability, economy, (both fuel and maintenance).
That's where I'm headded with my 03.

It seems once one starts down the path of upgrades, it's a never ending spiral. Plus better performance upgrades seem to come out daily.

geezerglide04 · #4 08-20-2009, 07:12 PM

I got scared reading about the cam chain tensioner failures on the twinkies,so I went with gear drive cams (Wild Things TC-1G).I had a Doherty power Pacc A/C which puked oil all over the side of my bike.The S&S reed valve was a $100 mistake,it did nothing to help the problem.Screamin' Eagle Stage One fixed that (and it runs better).Supertrapp SE Slip-on muffs,a little louder than I was hoping for,but Hogtunes speakers fixed that.S/E Stage 2 download and some help from a DFO,and I'm seeing 81 lb-ft. and 72 hp and averaging 42-43 MPG.The bike was Dyno'ed with the Doherty and no download,just the DFO.It feels stronger now.

HDDon · #5 08-21-2009, 12:18 AM

Sinolav, I've got an 05 FLTRI and was really worried after reading the stories about the chain tensioner pad wear and the damage that could be done. I decided to replace the chain with the S&S gear drive and Andrews 26G cams, SE A/C, Vance and Hines headers and Python slip on. The dyno showed 72hp and 78lb.ft. torque. I have over 56,000 trouble free miles and get 45 to 51 MPG, depending on how hard I twist the throttle. The way this bike runs I have named it Sweet.