Tech Tip - Air Flow

Do you want more power from your Harley-Davidson engine?

Increased air velocity is one of the primary keys to excellent street performance. The difference between a set of heads with over-sized ports and in-take valves versus raised port heads with stock valves may not always show up as a difference in maximum horsepower (all other components being the same).

Both engines may produce the same maximum HP, but the raised, D-shaped port heads will produce much more torque resulting in the maximum horsepower output to occur at a lower RPM. The lower RPM range of the engine makes it more potent on the street - grab a handful of throttle and the bike will pull like a freight train, no more waiting for the engine to "come on the cam"... You’ll be guaranteed to beat your friends on the stop light Grand Prix circuit.

The key to a cylinder head design producing high horsepower is in creating high velocity air flow through the ports. This is easier to do with smaller ports rather than large ones. High velocity does a couple of things that are very positive to making power.

    1.The higher the air flow speed, the better the air/fuel mixture is atomized as it passes through the carburetor/induction module. This improves the combustion process.
    2.The higher velocity improves the combustion chamber 'swirl'. The 'swirl' distributes the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, improving the combustion process.
    3.The higher the velocity, the greater the inertia of the air flow. This helps fill the cylinder to its maximum, improving the 'volumetric efficiency'. High velocity engine port designs can achieve volumetric efficiencies of almost 100% in certain RPM ranges, meaning you just put 5 1/4 pounds in a 5 pound sack. This is very good for producing high horsepower.
    4.Smaller ports work better at low RPMs. If you are riding a street bike, most of you time is spent below 3000 RPM. Why have a port designed for 6500 RPMs?

Harley-Davidson has designed and produced many different styles of heads for all of your racing, playing or touring needs. So when building an engine talk to one of our experts to pick the right combination for you.

Tony D. & the Service team at Wild Fire H-D

Tech Tip - Choosing a Cam

Upgrading your Harley with a new cam is often referred to as a Stage 2 upgrade and is a step in the right direction to achieving greater performance.

There are a few basic questions you should ask yourself when selecting a camshaft for your Twin Cam engine.

1, What's the primary use of the motorcycle? Touring, Racing, etc...

2, What type of rider are you & what type of riding do you do? Relaxed,Agressive, Urban or Back Roads...

3, Have you made any other engine modifications?

When building your engine it is important to understand that Camshafts, Cylinder Heads, & Stroke Length all determine where your maximum torque horsepower peaks will occur.

While hot cams and an open exhaust will move your peaks higher up in the RPM band, more conservative cams will produce more torque at a lower RPM.

Selecting a Camshaft by the numbers (intake closing degrees):

• < 30% = a low range torque cam (this cam will generate more pull off the line)
• 30% - 50% = A mid range torque cam (this cam will deliver a constant pull in regular riding conditions)
• > 50% = a high-speed power cam (this cam will pull hard when approaching maximum speeds)

Choosing the right cam for you bike isn't really as simple as analyzing the numbers. The Chrome Consultants here at Wild Fire are experts at building an engine to exceed your expectations and offer the ultimate riding experience.

Tony D. & the Service Department at Wild Fire H-D

Tech Tip - Torque or Horsepower?

The bigger the cubic inches the more power your engine is going to have. For example a 103 cubic inch engine will create more power than a 96 cubic inch motor. Thus giving you more throttle to accelerate from the stop light or pass that annoying car on the highway. An engine is just like an air pump, the bigger the displacement the more pumping power. A V-Twin will also run smoother and experience better fuel economy once the airflow is opened up from a basic stage-1 kit (Exhaust, Air-Cleaner and Race-Tuner).

Frequently we’ll hear riders talk about how much horsepower their motorcycle makes. These claims are sometimes unbelievable. We’ll also hear some riders state that they prefer more torque over horsepower.  Harley-Davidson performance means different things to different riders. To some, it's just about getting a little extra power and better sound from their Harley. Others want to produce 100hp or more.

Most Harley riders will feel the greatest benefits with torque gains in the low to mid rpm range. There are many ways to achieve this from Stage-1 Kits to Minor Engine Upgrades. When you talk about Harley-Davidson performance, do you mean torque, horsepower or both?
•    Torque is pulling power. It's this power that gets you moving and pushes you back in the saddle.
•    Horsepower is the higher-end spinning power that keeps you moving and generates top-end speed.

If you look at the difference between a Harley-Davidson V-Rod and a regular Harley Twin Cam 96, you'll see that the V-Rod engine puts out a considerably more horsepower than the Twin Cam, but less low end torque. For most Harley-Davidson riders, it makes little sense to try to increase engine performance in the 4,000 to 6,000 rpm range, when most of your riding occurs between 2,000 to 4,000 rpms, especially when doing may negatively affect your torque output.

You can get good low to mid-range performance out of your Harley-Davidson engine without a ton of modifications. If you're looking for better performance, the first question you need to ask is; “Torque or Horsepower?”



Give us a call at 630.834.6571 we know how to build an engine & can ensure that you get the most out of your Harley!

Tony D. & the Wild Fire Service Team

Tech Tip - Stereo Updates

Harman Kardon radios (the units that come stock with select Harley-Davidson Touring models) have the capability to be updated which can cure minor problems like skipping, display issues, etc.

Installing these updates is quick and easy; Simply visit Harley-Davidson.com
1, Go to the Parts section of the website
2, run a search for “Advanced Audio AM/FM/CD Radio Kit by Harman/Kardon®”
Click on the link to download updates. Once you download and burn the update to a disk you can download it to the radio.

To install the update on motorcycle:
1, Make sure there is no CD in player.
2, Make sure run/stop button is in run position.
3, Hold any 2 soft keys on the stereo at the same time while turning on the ignition making sure not to release the soft keys until you see a diagnostic screen appear. You will see 1 of the options will say update. Push that button and it will prompt you to install the disk.
4, Once you install the disk it will take over and run through the process on its own.  Once the process is complete it will return to a regular display and you are all done.
5, Just eject disk and shut off ignition. This works on all Harman Kardon stereos from 2006 to present.

Of course, you can always stop in and we will gladly install the update for you.

Enjoy the tunes and love the ride…

Tony D. & the Service Team at Wild Fire H-D

Tech Tip - Winter Condensation

As riders we understand the agony of not being able to ride your bike during the long winter we have to endure here in Chicago. Sometimes simply starting your bike is enough to keep the cravings for a ride at bay. But, Over the winter months it is very important not to Start and shut your bike off without allowing it to get to full operating temperature.

With an air cooled engine the only way to properly get your bike to operating temperature is to ride it. By riding the bike it allows all parts of the engine and Transmission to warm up evenly. Starting and shutting the bike off with out getting to full operating temperature will create moisture in the oil and could potentially cause permanent engine damage. The buildup of condensation is much more common than you might think.

Every time your engine is started moisture is created, even weather changes from warm moist weather to cold weather and frequent high dew points can create moisture to form in you engine. By riding the bike long enough that moisture is burned off thanks to the heat of the engine. However, if a bike is started and not ridden far enough to reach operating temperature that condensation will remain in the engine.

So be smart this winter and let your baby sleep. Well maybe if there is a beautiful day and you just have to ride then ride it. But, be sure to ride long enough to bring your bike to full operating temperature.

I got to go now. I have a lot of winter storage bikes to take care of.
One of them could be yours!

Tony D.& the Wild Fire Service Team

Tech Tip - Winter Battery Care

Want to prolong you battery life throughout the winter? 

Besides using a battery tender to help ensure your battery stays charged we recommend putting your bikes alarm system into storage mode.   By putting your bikes alarm in storage mode it will help your battery tender maintain the battery more effectively as your alarm system is a constant draw from the bikes battery.  Your battery and battery tender will last longer by doing this simple step. 

Here is how it’s done:

For bikes that are from 2006 and later

To Enter Winter Storage Mode:

1.    Turn the ignition switch to IGNITION
2.    Set the engine stop switch to OFF
3.    With an assigned fob within range, turn the ignition switch from IGNITION to ACC
4.    Simultaneously press both the left and the right turn signal switches. This must be done within five seconds of turning the ignition switch to ACC
5.     After the turn signals flash once, turn the ignition switch to OFF and the module is armed
6.    Confirmation: Turn signal blinks three times when armed for one ignition cycle

To Exit Storage Mode and Return the system to normal operation:

With the fob present, turn the ignition switch to IGNITION to disarm the HFSM. To cancel the transport mode, set the engine stop switch to RUN.

Tony D. & the Wild Fire Service Team

Tech Tip - Oil Changes

Is changing your engine oil every 2500 miles a rip-off? Possibly. If you drive gently and only drive on the highway in moderate temperatures or don't plan on keeping your bike more than 20,000 - 30,000 miles from new, then you can safely extend those oil change intervals.

Mechanics recommend oil changes every 2500 miles not because they like doing them, in fact oil changes are not high on their want to do list, but because everyday they see the difference in bikes that have been serviced regularly and those that haven't. Plugged oil passages or oil pump inlet screens, lifter or other engine noises, stuck piston rings, loss of oil pressure, premature engine wear or failure - all symptoms of extended oil changes.  Some engines are more forgiving than others. Some can withstand the abuse to over 100,000 miles while others may show symptoms by 20,000 miles
Your gamble.

Engine oil carries metal that has worn away, dirt and moisture from the air and combustion gasses that gets past the piston rings and sludge from chemical processes. These materials increase friction on metal parts and seals and causes seals and gaskets to harden. These contaminates also dilute and wear out the additives in the oil that maintain viscosity and counter sludge formation.

The extra cost of oil changes every 2500  miles versus 5 or 6 thousand is a lot less than most engine repairs. Using a good synthetic oil is a better way to extend those oil changes to 5,000 miles or more.

Engine deposits and wear are slow, sure killers of performance and engine life. In most cases, by the time you are aware of an issue, the damage has been done and often cannot be reversed without a major engine repair or replacement. Changing the oil in a vehicle at the appropriate drain interval is the easiest, most cost-effective insurance against lubricant-related engine damage.

Tony D. & the Service Team at Wild Fire Harley-Davidson
120 W. North Ave. - Villa Park, IL 60181
800.400.RIDE - www.wildfirehd.com

Tech Tip - Winter Storage

It’s that sad time a year again where we will be putting our Harley’s away for the winter.   There are some important points that will ensure your bike is ready for long term storage.
Depending on how long you'll be storing your bike, you'll want to make sure your bike emerges as undamaged from rust, corrosion, and inactivity as possible.

Here is a list of things you may want to consider as a necessity for “Winter Storage”.

1.    Battery Tender and Battery Lead
2.    Fuel Stabilizer
3.    S100 Cleaner and S100 Corrosion Spray / Harley Cleaning Products
4.    Motorcycle Stand or Lift
5.    Motorcycle Cover

1, First things first, clean your bike; remove any road grime, tar, bugs etc…
The S100 and Harley products available make this an easy task.
If your bike is stored in your garage (where your daily cars are in and out) we suggest using the S100 Corrosion spray. This will prevent salt damage brought in by your car. Using a Harley-Davidson breathable bike cover will also help to keep your bike clean and safe from salt while in storage.

2, Top off your fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer.
You should start your bike to move the gas and stabilizer mixture through the lines.  If you’re on a carbureted bike run the bike then turn petcock to off and let the bike run until it dies to ensure gas has been cleared from the bowl.

3, Ensure your tires are inflated to spec. the use of a stand or lift can help keep your tires off the cold concrete in unheated garages. Extended contact with concrete can also lead to dry-rot in tires. It’s crucial to ensure your tires are not in direct contact with untreated concrete for an extended period of time.

4, Hook up a battery tender, this will help maintain a healthy battery and its extend its life span by keeping it at a proper charge.
A Harley-Davidson Tender is the best choice as it’s a simple self monitoring charger. 

One huge word of advice is to never start your bike during the storage period thinking this will help keep your bikes battery charged.  This is one of the worst things you can do to your motorcycle!

If you are not a “do-it-yourself” type person we can always help you out with your winter storage needs here at Wild Fire. Visit: www.wildfirehd.com/service.asp for more information on our Winter Storage Program.

We will keep your bike warm and safe all you need to do is talk one of our staff members for more details!

See you on the road this Spring!

The Service Team at Wild Fire H-D

Tech Tip - Tire Pressure

Now is a good time to check your tire pressures and make sure your tire treads are in good shape for fall weather riding. With temperatures changing so can the air pressure in your tires. The sidewall of your tires will show what max air pressure should be. Always check your tire pressures when the tire is cold (before the tire heats up from riding) this will allow correct max pressure. Running cold max tire pressure will give you better handling & longer tire life. The roads can be slick with wet leaves and cold surfaces this time of year. So be safe on all your back roads adventures.