Thinking about serious motor work

When they checked my cam chain tensioners before my trip they said they were worn, but OK. They were more concerned that the cams were getting worn and suggested that as a winter job. Someone here recommended the gear driven cams, which sounds good to me. At 68K miles, I have no issues with that.

I was also thinking about going with a big bore kit and getting a little more power. The problem is that I have to go with the dealership. The only other guy around here that does motor work is a total ass. He doesn't charge any less, and you have to stand around and listen to him insult you and every other idiot who's bought a new motorcycle at a dealership in the last 20 years. I just don't want to give him my money. At least at the dealership they're friendly to me.

Looking in the Harley catalog and online, all they have listed are kits for EFI models, and even those are only for bikes '06 and newer. Are we not expected to be riding bikes that are more than a year or two old? What companies should I look at for something like this? I don't want to go real fast, but it would have been nice to be able to go the speed limit in Utah (although I blame most of that on my carb and high altitude).

Just got back from the shop. They recommended 37G cam set from Andrews, bore out the cylinders, get bigger pistons, adjustable pushrods, a thick head gasket, and mist-free something to do with the rocker arms thingies to keep all the oil from blowing out my breather. So now I'm looking at motor parts websites and trying to figure out how many classes I have to teach to pay for all of this.

Why can't I just be into designer clothes? :gah:

I'd love to do it myself. I'd have to pull it in the apartment though, which I'm perfectly willing to do. Hmmm. I'll have to look at the doors and see if I can get it in the kitchen. I have a huge kitchen, so it's doable. I just might not be able to get in the fridge for a while - probably wouldn't hurt me.

With the tools and the time (we have long winters), I'm confident I can do it. I'll take a look before I start tearing things apart though.

I'll be reading up on it, but I try to squeeze out every last day of riding that I can. It might be a few months. I've decided that this sounds like wayyy too much fun to pass up. Hell, if I can ride it across the country by myself, I can certainly take it apart in my kitchen. Just don't tell the landlord.

I have the service manual already. Slept with it last night. The last time I slept with my "Successful Shotgunning" book I got up and did extremely well at 5-stand. Imagine what I could do with a smart man. :roflmao: (I start reading in bed and then fall asleep - in case that isn't real clear)

Anyway...

I thought I'd throw a piece of plywood down on the floor. It's brand new vinyl that I nagged to get for a few months and finally got them to agree to buy it if I had my ex install it. I think I can get the bike in through the kitchen door. There's a small mudroom, so it isn't a straight shot. I park the bike on the porch outside the door. The property manager owns a Harley. I knew him from riding before I rented and the whole reason I got this place was so I could pull the bike up on the porch. Sometimes they need to come in because you have to get in the basement through my kitchen, but he'd probably be OK about it. As long as I don't start it in the house I should be OK.

Chicago Harley-Davidson also gives 20% off all in stock parts and accessories. I've had good luck with them. We also have a "biker co-op" (my own name for it) locally. A bunch of different guys man the shop at different times and in return for working there, they get their parts at cost. They sell at a discount to everyone else. I'm not sure who they get all their parts from. I'll have to check that out.

Not to hijack your thread but if you like 5-stand, you'll love Mazeclays. I tried it last week and it is a challenge to say the least.

Maze Clays - new and exciting shotgun game

Maze Clays - new and exciting shotgun game

When I owned my condo, I used to pull my sporty (before I totaled that) into the house. Parked next to my couch in the living room... Sure it leaked a little, just put a little pan under it. Was the best place to park it cause the neighborhood was quickly changing over to quite a seedy one...

Cams and Heads

I recently completed an engine job on my 03 Road King. Installed new Heads, Cams, and Rods. I had the cylinders bored. Everything came to just a little under $1500. I found this local shop Axiom Cycles Axiom Cycles: Custom Chopper Parts - Frames,Rolling Chassis,Handlebars that a had a special on S&S products. They were very helpful and informative.

Wow - $1500.00 I'd look into this if I where you.

Everything I have read about twin cams is that the limiting factor is the heads. It sounds to me that a simple inexpensive performance increase would be cams and heads - throw in gear drives - and the way you go. If I where you I'd do that first before punchng out the jugs and all that. I'm just saying this to help you simplify your life but at the end of the day its your money.


I like the American Iron mag. It has great tech sections.

Good luck.
T

PS - Jack stands are hard on linolium (sp) I found :roflmao:

what I did before I got a place with a garage is a cheap piece of half inch plywood or wood paneling and staple some cheap carpet to it , not shag something like indoor outdoor