Thread: Getting power out of a harley

Originally Posted by stevodog

Can anyone explain why Harleys have that fucked up unbalanced sound rather than the dook dook dook of other v twins?

Firing order combined with degrees of crank throw.

Or something like that...

Originally Posted by Finnwolf

Surprisingly we get on well enough that the odd words in the intercom are not a worry “let’s stop for a drink here” “I need to fuel up at the next town” “hell did you see the bunch of rabbits back there” kind of stuff
She goes hunting with me and carries her own rifle.
And goes fishing with me.
Oh and is a petrol head like me, she’s a mate that’s a ‘she’

(Known her since the 70’s and we haven’t had a spat yet)

I know what you mean @Finnwolf..
Mine is also my best mate and I love her to bits....if they weren't the relationship would never last and we do everything together. And have done for over 25 yrs and still going strong.

But that was my line in the sand. Bike time was our alone time even when we rode together.
And the last thing I needed was her trying to chat while I'm concentrating on riding like an idiot...

Originally Posted by Finnwolf

Firing order combined with degrees of crank throw.

Or something like that...

Correct... first cylinder fires just over 300 degrees crank throw and the second just over 400 degrees.... Cant remember exact figures....so there is a long pause between cylinders firing....why they sound like about to stall at idle. It's the heavy flywheel that keeps the engine turning between firing.

Originally Posted by mimms2

I don't know if I posted this before, but:

Harleys are the fastest way to turn petrol into noise, without the side effect of horsepower...

You forgetting include “and most expensive” after ‘fastest’.

Of course I always saw the major plus in owning a Harley was it being the best way to get a reaction from the non-Harley owners, it certainly works!

Well here you go lads, just to really stir this thread up... just upgraded to an even noisier, less maneuverable big boy. Couldnt be happier lol
1.7liter, stage 1 kit and tuned 10,000kms. Collect this weekend

Originally Posted by cameronjackwhite

Well here you go lads, just to really stir this thread up... just upgraded to an even noisier, less maneuverable big boy. Couldnt be happier lol
1.7liter, stage 1 kit and tuned 10,000kms. Collect this weekend

Attachment 153821

Nice......
As long as you are happy mate it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
I hope it gives you many enjoyable miles cruising this fine country of ours.

What's a "stage 1 kit" does that get you up to 45hp?

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

What's a "stage 1 kit" does that get you up to 45hp?

No, for that, you need to fit the barrels and heads from an early XLCH Ironhead motor.

Originally Posted by cameronjackwhite

Well here you go lads, just to really stir this thread up... just upgraded to an even noisier, less maneuverable big boy. Couldnt be happier lol
1.7liter, stage 1 kit and tuned 10,000kms. Collect this weekend

Attachment 153821

Very minimalist as a Harley should be. If your thing is a Harley, then nicely done. Enjoy the fuck out of it.

Haha it's the most fun with 45hp I'll ever have!

Originally Posted by outlander

Very minimalist as a Harley should be.

Horsepower included , or not. At least you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery at harley speeds....

Originally Posted by cameronjackwhite

Haha it's the most fun with 45hp I'll ever have!

True!
My Royal Enfield is 47hp and it’s fun to ride, a real ‘puts a smile on your face’ bike
And on the open road it’s sixth gear everywhere, no need to change down for any of the hills.

Originally Posted by Ftx325

Horsepower included , or not. At least you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery at harley speeds....

Horsepower is not everything you know. I've had some of these machines speed past me at well over my safe travelling speed of 85kmh. Most have the highly modified unbaffled engines too and one can hear them in the distance, accelerating away on the down hill stretches for the most part of a hundred kilometer journey. Fascinating.

Originally Posted by outlander

Horsepower is not everything you know. I've had some of these machines speed past me at well over my safe travelling speed of 85kmh. Most have the highly modified unbaffled engines too and one can hear them in the distance, accelerating away on the down hill stretches for the most part of a hundred kilometer journey. Fascinating.

that would explain the need to stop at every watering hole on the 100km journey to allow those fire breathing engines to cool ..... and for the rider to come down off of the nerve tingling, adrenalin pumping high that accompanies riding such a rapid , rabid machine . My hat is off to those brave men who battle the beast every time they throw a leg over ....

Originally Posted by outlander

Horsepower is not everything you know. I've had some of these machines speed past me at well over my safe travelling speed of 85kmh. Most have the highly modified unbaffled engines too and one can hear them in the distance, accelerating away on the down hill stretches for the most part of a hundred kilometer journey. Fascinating.

some of them are ridden by big hairy people with funny patches on their backs and even less regard for their own lives than they do for others