Performance for Coast to Coast Riding

After Stage 1, what's next??
The answer to that question could take pages to answer. The answer will vary, as does everyone's own thoughts as to what performance is. Yes engines can be built that will give you useable horsepower and torque where you want it in the RPM range, and yes, there are engines that can be built to move your butt back onto the passengers' seat and test your ability to hang onto the handlebars at the same time when the fun muscle in your right wrist acts up. In order to achieve your goals on the performance level you are after, you will need a plan. Like everything else in this world, taking the time to plan will help in making success a reality.

When developing performance packages we consider many variables that effect power, reliability, and cost. We study not only our own dyno run charts, but also those of the Harley – Davidson® performance world, the components that are used, the shape of the horsepower and torque curves, how complete a performance package is, and of course, costs. Many of these performance oriented companies supply components to our packages to compliment our own Harley – Davidson Screamin' Eagle product line. We look at each component to make sure it contributes to the goal, and not just the cost. You need to look at value when you are building a performance engine, bang  for your buck applies everywhere.

When we are putting our performance packages together we need to take into consideration the following;  The type of bike ...Cruiser, sport, touring, all out racing
Use of the bike...Long distance touring, two up riding, trailer towing, around town light to
light, dyno shoot outs, and of course all out racing...Your riding style.
Component selection... Is it needed? Is it right for this application? Does it solve a concern?
Is there a less expensive option? The components we choose have to be
the right ones.

• Reliability / maintenance ... Knowing that your engine has been built for touring, hard roll
  on power, the comfort knowing that you can take your performance across the country, and be able have it serviced wherever you stop at.
• Future plans... How the package you choose will fit in your long term plans for your engine.
• Budgeting, building  for the long term.
• Impact on warranty and extended warranty...How each part of the bike may be affected.
• Cosmetics...What look do you want your bike to have, the overall style. Again, what works
  for you.

With all the engine configurations that are available with the Screamin' Eagle product line, the Calgary Harley – Davidson® Service Department team has developed some unique engine component combinations that produce a higher level of performance with good value. When it is possible, we will use the genuine Harley – Davidson®, Screamin' Eagle  components in our packages, but we will custom tailor the  package to include different cams, pistons, cylinder heads, exhaust system, EFI throttle body / carburetor, and other components from the aftermarket manufacturers to meet the goal in mind.

A few things to keep in mind, the engine is in reality a pump, pumping expanding / heated air. To make this engine more efficient, more powerful, you need to have more air coming in, and going out, efficiently. The old saying, "There is no substitute for cubic inches” holds true, but efficiency of the process is the key. If you are going with a big bore package ( increasing the size of your piston to get more cubic inches) or a stroker package (increasing the length of piston travel in the cylinder, to get more cubic inches), or a combination of both bore and stroke, you have to increase the air intake  and exhaust volume to get the full potential. The cylinder heads in stock form are built for your current stock engine displacement. Yes, changing your air intake and exhaust systems are key components in this equation, but all that air you are trying to get into this now bigger motor, the stock cylinder heads are now a bottle neck of sorts. You gotta breathe. Again, it all comes back to good planning.

For those of you who feel that the big bore or stroker route may not be for you there are some great alternatives. There are cams and cylinder heads performance packages available that work incredibly well if you don't want to go the big bore or stroker paths, and it's a bit easier on the budget as well.

The horsepower and torque numbers, when stated, are based upon Dyno charts generated here at Calgary Harley – Davidson® from performance packages we have installed. The actual numbers can vary, but what we represent is a minimum range that can be expected. We often have higher numbers when the engine is completely optimized. We suggest a Dyno run break in tune session, and after you have 1600 kms on these new components, especially big bore or stroker packages, come back in for your final tuning session. The reason for this second Dyno run, we don't want to be running your new motor configuration at high RPMs, we want the motor to be broken in properly, before we go for the gusto.

We invite you to review our Calgary Harley – Davidson® performance packages, ask all the questions you want, schedule a time for you to get together with our Service Department team performance specialists, and allow us to prepare a complete estimate, specifically for you and your motorcycle.