Guys , have also posted this question on the Softail section but was wanting peoples advice on what they thought a 2008 Fxstc comfortable cruising speed should or could be .
Still have the restrcitive stock pipes and aircleaner on and soon will be replacing both as well as getting a remap but am a little dissapointed in the crusing speed of the new beast ... from zero to 90 or 95 no problems but pushing it to 100 and beyond really seems to be putting a lot of unwanted pressure on the new girl .
Had only 1200 K`s when bought and only done about 500 K`s these last few weeks so i realise it is still pretty tight but surly a 96 cube bike should be able to handle a 100 K`s or more ... i have had other brand bikes in the past that have flat spots in there rev range and was thinking this may be the case as it does seem to free up a little above 100 but dont want to push it and do any damage .
I do come from a Jap bike back ground of late and i dont expect it to rev like one of them but Jeez this thing is nearly a 1600cc engine ... am i expecting to much or are they that resticted and will it be a considerable difference once the new pipes aircleaner and remapping is done .
Thanks for any advice and idears ... Tim .
You might have to try the rest of the gears?
it may be 1600cc's but its a V twin, air cooled motor so the sweet spot is closer to 3000rpm NOT 7000rpm on a sports bike. ( give or take )
Stay out of top gear until $1.10+. I dont use 6th unless steadily doin over $1.20. Will easily cruise all day long on $1.40 and regular bursts above and beyond that. You may need to change your riding style.
Hey new Bro, I have an 09, FLSTC & while they are a heavy bike, you should have no trouble powering up from 80klm in 6 gear all the way 180klm +. Something is definatly wrong, best advice is to take it to a Harely specialist (Not a Harley Dealer) & get them to take it for a ride & get their opionion! Sounds like it could be running lean or the timing is too far retarded etc. Don't ride it too much until you get it checked out. Let us know what it was. Mine loves to cruise from a 110 k to 140k where it just sings all day, every day without any stress.
PS. A nasty thought is that the motor could have been cooked & seized by a previous owner, I hope not!
Ah shit mate, I didn't notice before, you only live around the corner, you can come around here and give me a look at it, or you can go to the Grunt factory at Yatlia & get Robbo to take it for a spin & evaluation, just ring them first (38077211) & ask Simon (The owner) for the best & most convienient time to go over!
Good engine temp depends on time of year, where you are riding & how hot the day is. Around this time of year cruising down the M1 200 / 225 F should be about average. Harley Says that the 96cu twinkies, run safe up to 300deg F But I would pull over at 275deg F temp & let the bike cool down. By the way, what sort of oil are you running in the motor & gearbox?
PS. Some good advice: Do not do any upgrades uintil you know for sure that your bike is running to factory specs, & again I would hesitate to push it hard through the gears as I have already stated I have no problems excellerating from 80klm to over 160+ in 6 th gear with a pillion on the back. It would also pay you get Bad Cookies advice as he knows his shit, same with Chopper.
Cheers! C.E.
Hit the rev limiter on my FXST 2009 in 4th gear the other day and was surprised to see 185 and 2 more gears to go.
Cheers Bro, anytime!
a mate is ya bike one of da recent imports dat r floodin oz ya see HD S sent or made 4 oz av differences from say bike ya may av bort dat was say made an tuned california coz theres bit of difference does ya id plate start wif 1hd bla bla bla coz dem ones made 4 usa market our id start 5hd on plate av look on ya frame see if ya can see stampin of heap of numbas maybe on ya rego 1hd if is da case well u av american market made HD which can make lotsa diff firstly ya dont no wat state was made 4 coz usa has diff fuel restriktions dan ere like say 89octane maxsetup were as ere can av 98 or higher i use 98 always never use dat low grade shit will run like puss ,now if yor bike was 4 california state well never run propa coz ya motar made 2 use 87 -89 octane now could b part ya prob 2 start wif jus coz not many ks on im seems 2 me kood b 1 dese brought from sum dude usa an resold ere by dese companys all bike mobs doin it so if dem frame start wif 1hd u will not no wat state of usa was sold in u mite b luky an av paperwork from purchase in usa but doubt it u dont no anythin bout bike then coz shop no giv ya papers sayin was bort sum us shop 4 15k new so herin lies ya first step c wat ya got go out look on frame an if saz 1hd well wasnt homologated 4 oz 2 start wif , u no like all dem jap import cars dat people buy sorta look same but not an can or not b trouble ,so firstly look rego papers see 1hd on print well dats first point or if 5hd all is good an ya jus need 2 put highest octane an go out giv another go dont b scared 2 rev dese motors av built in rev limitas so u b ok on m1 5th 110klms 6th 120 odd bike should be responsive as from getgo try twistin throttle more day not like o ill jus rely on tourque not way 2 ride them can do more harm by labourin moter ,listen start riden like ya jap bike dese motors will take it wont rev past 4500 limita cum on but will sound like is revin a lot higher but is not ,there not a plonk plonk plonk sorta moter ya av 2 giv it sum dont b afraid it should b givin u a thrill in seat of pance wheel spinnin even mate cruising speed on m1 4 me 120 min or if ya conservitive rider 110 in 5th u will find this annoyin u b goin 6th 5th 5th 6th remember usa has 70miles an hour limit so gearin not rite 4 here TAKE ALL THIS INTO YA HEAD AS JUS AN OPINION ON ISSUES U WROTE BOUT YA BIKE NOW YA NO Y HARLEY GUYS SEEM 2 B GOIN BIT FASTA DAN LIMIT ON M1 OR WEREVER
