So I hear from a friend who went to Leesburg Bike Fest last month and that on his way back took some nice back roads. He says that on some deserted back road he decided to "open her up" and then tells me that she topped out at 100 mph. I tell him that I've heard from the Clinic that some guys have stated to have exceeded 130 mph. So my question is, why does he top out at 100 mph? He has a 2006 with AIS and V & H Longshots, no other mods.
What should I tell him to do?

I would say that anyone that said they topped out in excess of 130 was exaggerating a bit. They may have hit that speed on a dyno machine which is a bit different than real life riding. I would say that a perfectly tuned R* would top out at a respectful 110 - 115mph. With a little air filter and carb work his would also. But my suggestion would be to tell him to slow down and not worry to much about the "Over"100mph stuff. He is not gonna be there in everyday riding.

113, on GPS, downhill, no windshield, tucked in. Straight and level, 105, 106 maybe. Have not gotten farther than that. If I just had my Longshots on and stock everything else it would go 94mph straight and level. Dave was being nice. The guy is full of shit. The speedometer is off significantly on most of these bikes as well. 6 to 7 percent is the "usual" discrepancy. As such, an indicated 110 that may stroke your ego is really 103-104.

My 2012 will top out at an indicated 112-113. That's an FI bike with fairing and hard bags. Without that stuff it would top out at an indicated 120, maybe a touch over. Takes a bit of road to get there.

My 2004 has no bags, windshield, or any of that extra heavy stuff. Everything about it is currently tuned perfectly. Last weekend I had the indicator just over 115 and it was still climbing very slowly. Maybe with another mile of road it would've gotten to 120 indicated, maybe not.

If he goes with a ported manifold, some sort of big air kit, and a properly tuned carb, he'll get a little more out of the top end most likely. Wind resistance is more the issue at top out speeds though. Does he have a windshield/bags and stuff? Was he riding alone and how much does he weigh?

The reason I keep using the term 'indicated' is as JD mentioned. I had my exact percentage of error figured out at one time but I don't remember. His stated 6%-7% is really close though.

Hell, these bike's are called cruisers. If he wants a go fast bike, get a Yamaha R1 or some other sport bike. I for one have no desire to go much over 70-75. I like getting there with some blood still in my fingers (white knuckle)
John

while riding through Montana in 2010 i chased my buddy 30 mile at 115 according to the speedo. he was on a wing, i did not catch him until he stopped. my 2008 FI did then and at 54K still runs like there is no tomorrow.

jd750ace wrote:
113, on GPS, downhill, no windshield, tucked in. Straight and level, 105, 106 maybe. Have not gotten farther than that. If I just had my Longshots on and stock everything else it would go 94mph straight and level. Dave was being nice. The guy is full of shit. The speedometer is off significantly on most of these bikes as well. 6 to 7 percent is the "usual" discrepancy. As such, an indicated 110 that may stroke your ego is really 103-104.



When I picked up my 01 and rode it home with LongShots, and no other work done to it, it topped out at around 92 on the Speedo, and I could feel the lean surge. It just didn't have anymore. With the jetting and Poormans BAK, w/K&N stock replacement air filter, it'll push into the triple digits. No lean surge now, but that "I just don't have the horses to go much faster feel", is there. I've never pushed it past the 104-5 mark on the Speedo, just to see where she runs out of legs.

The Springer with the 10.25 Pistons, still has more life then I have risk tolerance, at 110 on the Speedo. It's stripped done to just its knickers though.

Did about 104 yesterday on the speedometer, but it had a bit more. Sounds like about 105-115 real mph is about it. It will ride at 80 mph all day though, which is nice for highway stints.

Mine with the Big Bore and cams will do over 100 indicated then I shift to 5th gear. When I do that the gas gauge goes down at about the same rate as the speedometer goes up. But it is a F'n thrill.

Ive done 115 on the speedo, but I think thats more like 105 or so. Mine will break 100 2-up ask my wife if you dont think its true.