Hey Gang! Call me Hoist. I'm from NYC. I've been lurking the past week to try to pick up some common ideas, upgrades and problems with the SE CVO's. I just ordered my '07FLHRSE3 a few weeks ago and it's coming in Phase 3 (Feb). I've had 4 FLHR's since '95 (all carb models) and use them for travelling. I've left them all pretty much stock and have traded them in every couple of years for a new one. I have a '85 FXWG (4-speed Evo, 80" with hopped-up top end, shovelhead bottom end) Bike runs high 12's. I also have an 89" Evo ProStreet (about 425 lbs) that runs in the 11's. I try to keep the performance work to these 2 bikes. My trip bike (FLHR) is usually kept relatively stock. When I saw the '07 SERK (factory hot rod trip bike) I had to order it! And I will be keeping this one! Three keepers should be enough but you just never know! That brings me to my questions.
You all seem to upgrade with the same mods. 575's, Air Cleaner, Exhaust (true duals vs. slip-ons),SERT or TMAX, Fueling oil pump and lifters, Zipper's bypass, etc. I see you're all happy with these mods but the $$$$$ on top of $30K for the bike! I'm trying to avoid that and keep it simple. HD has basically had to set up their motors lean since the CV carb was introduced (EPA). Carb model Evo's were relatively simple to set-up to run decent (carb, ignition, air cleaner, and pipes). You went from 60HP to 75Hp and the bike ran smooth. With cam change, 80HP and pulled real well. Even my '96 FLHR with S&S carb, Supertrapps, and SE ignition ran high 13's at over 100 MPH.
The '07 110" SE motors are street legal motors, so they're inherently set up at the factory for EPA compliance. As with the earlier models, they need to be set up to "breath" properly. The basis for this engine should be decent if it's opened-up and should not require much. It already has a high-flo air cleaner, SE 255 cams (decent lift, crappy duration) 4' CVO Touring Mufflers. The biggest item missing (due to EPA Compliance) is proper fuel delivery.
My friend Dyno'd a stock '07SERK. 75HP and 90ft-lbs. He added pipes and Dynojet Power Commander and bingo, 92HP and 99ft-lbs. The numbers I'm seeing you guys show for all the additional work is yielding only a few more HP and ft-lbs for a lot more $$$. Going by $/HP formula, the additional items don't seem worth it for 700-800 lb rolling Barcoloungers. After all, they're still Touring Bikes and you're not breaking any land speed records. There are plenty of ways to spend money to go fast, but I'm trying to figure out how to squeeze the most out of the stock 110" engine for the least cost.
FINALLY MY QUESTION: Has anyone left an '07 SERK or CUSE alone except for the fuel delivery. It seems that the SERF (SE Race Fueler) should allow the additional fuel adjustment to properly set up the motor. With halfway decent cams, air cleaner and pipes as stock, this should get at least 85-90HP and 95ft-lbs and should pull OK. The SERF is only 200 bucks! Does this work? I've read about the stock ECM stochiometric mixture min. of 14.7. I think the stock ECM is set leaner than that and with other stock 110" components, the A/F ratio could be set through the SERF for better combustion efficiency. Since we already have open intake, pipes, and cams, AM I WRONG ABOUT THIS? Worst case, SERT or Power Commander to remap instead of just fuel adjustments, but has anyone done only this item and how do you feel about it?
You guys seem as passionate about your bikes as I am so I'm hoping to get some good input before just throwing $$$ at the problem. Ther seems to be some real good techs and "scientific" here and I'm looking forward to your responses.
Thanks for your help. HOIST!