Rolling Thunder XXV

[mw1151]

Just got back fro trip to DC- 1000+ miles in all -on our 2011 stock Tri-Glide. Bike performed OK but it is sluggish in the mountains 2-up and roasted us. So, after a year of reading the various excellent opinions on lowering the heat, what is the latest consensus? Planning on header pipe (any opinions on which?), Air intake, a race tuner....We like the sound of the stock mufflers. Can we do this ? Any latest whiz-bang solutions? The trip was great otherwise. Trike performed well and gave a good ride. Thanks for any input!

[TNTriker]

Just got back fro trip to DC- 1000+ miles in all -on our 2011 stock Tri-Glide. Bike performed OK but it is sluggish in the mountains 2-up and roasted us. So, after a year of reading the various excellent opinions on lowering the heat, what is the latest consensus? Planning on header pipe (any opinions on which?), Air intake, a race tuner....We like the sound of the stock mufflers. Can we do this ? Any latest whiz-bang solutions? The trip was great otherwise. Trike performed well and gave a good ride. Thanks for any input!

There is no consensus! There is one consensus and that is the ride for Rolling Thunder is one of the most awesome, rewarding, and heart wrenching rides a person can participate in. It can humble you to the core and you come home with a new appreciation of the sacrifices our military has given for our freedom. I haven't been able to ride to it, but just watching it on the net, has tears streaming down my cheeks and sobbing. It's awesome and I'm glad you made it back safe!

[10rhrk]

Just got back fro trip to DC- 1000+ miles in all -on our 2011 stock Tri-Glide. Bike performed OK but it is sluggish in the mountains 2-up and roasted us. So, after a year of reading the various excellent opinions on lowering the heat, what is the latest consensus? Planning on header pipe (any opinions on which?), Air intake, a race tuner....We like the sound of the stock mufflers. Can we do this ? Any latest whiz-bang solutions? The trip was great otherwise. Trike performed well and gave a good ride. Thanks for any input!

I haven't done anything to my wife's 2012 Triglide except Stage 1 A/C, Slipon's and FL-XIED'S for AFR enrichment because she rides solo. I've done ton's of research and will give you my opinion as to what I would buy if we ever start riding twoup and need more power.

I would buy Fulsac's kit. go to Fulsac.com and check it out. You could use your stock muffler's.
I like the package they put together with the TTS Mastertune Tuner.

Plus Triketalk has one of the best when it comes to TTS. Read his sticky on Harley's are Hot, To use a tuner or not. JMO

[abnranger1964]

I have a 2012 T/G.. I plan on replacing the exhaust system with Vance & Hines headers (true dual) and CFR slip-ons. Arlin Ness Big Sucker, and tuner. Got to get rid of the CAT. Want the CFR slip-ons so that I can be heard by inattentive cage drivers.

[Chappy]

Thank you for going!
God bless our Warriors and their families!

The day before leaving for the ride down to DC for Rolling Thundar with my best friend, I had to cancel the ride for myself because of my health issue. It was the first time I didn't follow through with a plan for a road trip and especially one that is for Veterans issues. I was really hoping to ride down this year, but although I knew that long distance rides are be oming more difficult for me I didn't expect it to happen to me so early in the riding season or to have it happen this year for that mater. I guess I didn't expect, "simplify, simplify", would include, "limitation, limitation". My spirit is strong but my flesh is weak!

My buddy, Delta stopped by yesterday and gave me a couple 25th Annv Rolling Thunder pins, a patch and a tee shirt. Thanks Don!!!!!

chappy

[mw1151]

Have read with interest the threads on TG heat issues here- wow what a wealth of information! My curiosity, I guess, is if there is a new or definitive school of thought or product line out there. I guess that I'm having too much info, and I am definetely not the sharpest bulb in the drawer. Lookin for a cheap, easy solution to get my wife interested in triking again!

[delta]

Your welcome Sam.

I guess I did about 1500 miles of riding to Rolling Thunder and back this year. The bike performed flawlessly. The only glitch was when traffic was at a stand still on the superslab in Maryland. Temps were about 90s and the engine heat did get a little warm, not totally uncomfortable. Only pinged a few times; but, that was because of the extended idling. As soon as I got moving, the engine temps cooled right down. My EITMS never kicked in with the mods I have done. I am using dyno oil at this point and will change over to syn at the 5,000 service.

I am running the fuel moto head pipe, billet air cleaner, and Power Vision. My slip-ons are SE Fatshotz. I had zero problems with power on the highways or mountains. My last bike was a 2008 Ultra with the same 103 engine with the exception of the 255 cams. It is my opinion that gear selection and/or anticipation of the road incline ahead is important. I have always considered 6th gear to be like Overdrive, not meant for quick aceleration - if you have the stock cam. The 255 pulled like crazy. I miss it but have vowed not to open this engine up. The only other mod I have planned at this point is to change the thermostate in the oil cooler to lower the point at which it opens to begin flowing to the cooler. For $25 it seemed like an inexpensive experiment. For info: THERMOSTATS MAIN - WARDS PARTS WERKS

When I am on the highway I very rarely go over 75 mph. Just don't feel like it. I had no problem maintaining this speed while going up the hills of Pa. or western NY. About the only thing I am disappointed in is the lack of fuel mileage on the trike. I guess pushing this barn door down the road at 70/75 and getting 30-32 mpg is not that bad. If there's a plus side to it, it causes me to take more hydration and monkey-butt breaks.

Chappy and I have done Rolling Thunder numerous times together. Over years the game plan that we follow is: get to town on Friday and pay our respects on Friday and Saturday, hit Thunder Alley, and get out of town Sunday morning. Spending the entire day in a crowded parking lot waiting to beat your bike up is OK to do at least once. To me, when I get to DC I find it difficult to be in a partying festive mood or to be in a parade profiling and rapping up the pipes. I have too many friends and high school classmates that are memoralized on The Wall. The crowds that line the streets love it, and like I said, you should do it at least once. Sorry for going overboard.

Semper Fi

[msocko3]

I haven't done anything to my wife's 2012 Triglide except Stage 1 A/C, Slipon's and FL-XIED'S for AFR enrichment because she rides solo. I've done ton's of research and will give you my opinion as to what I would buy if we ever start riding twoup and need more power.

I would buy Fulsac's kit. go to Fulsac.com and check it out. You could use your stock muffler's.
I like the package they put together with the TTS Mastertune Tuner.

Plus Triketalk has one of the best when it comes to TTS. Read his sticky on Harley's are Hot, To use a tuner or not. JMO

Good advise, I have the TTS on both my Triglide and my 2006 Ultra Classic which has a 120" engine. The more I use the TTS the more impressed I am with it, kind of like the swiss army knife of tuners. Last week I had my 7" touch screen monitor hooked to the lap top running some V-Tunes on the Tiglide, when Wizard calls it a video game he hit the nail on the head, I enjoyed myself immensely.

[patriot]

This may show my lack of knowledge about tuners, but what do turners actually do? If I'm convinced they it is "necessary" which one should I get and what is the cost. I'm really getting tired of the nickel-and-dollar spending.

[10rhrk]

I have a 2012 T/G.. I plan on replacing the exhaust system with Vance & Hines headers (true dual) and CFR slip-ons. Arlin Ness Big Sucker, and tuner. Got to get rid of the CAT. Want the CFR slip-ons so that I can be heard by inattentive cage drivers.

Don't be surprised if you lose some torque with the true dual's and CFR's. They give your exhaust a sweeter note, but a header like Fulsac's Xpipe will add torque. JMO

[10rhrk]

This may show my lack of knowledge about tuners, but what do turners actually do? If I'm convinced they it is "necessary" which one should I get and what is the cost. I'm really getting tired of the nickel-and-dollar spending.

Don't feel bad, theres a ton of tuner's out there that don't know them either I would suggest talking to Dave (Mr Wizard) Man knows Tuner's.

[msocko3]

This may show my lack of knowledge about tuners, but what do turners actually do? If I'm convinced they it is "necessary" which one should I get and what is the cost. I'm really getting tired of the nickel-and-dollar spending.

Some of the basics are they will allow a person to do is adjust the the AFR and timing to obtain a cooler running engine that makes more torque and gets good fuel mileage. Some tuners have more options, such as adjusting the speed at which the throttle will open at a given RPM, adjust for primary and final drive ratio changes. I could go on and on about what the different brands of tuners can and can not do. I see your from GA, Mr Wizard is located in the same state and is top notch.

[GARYD]

Just got back from Rolling Thunder(again) - this time 3000 miles total. I got stuck on Consitution Ave Saturday 90* move 10 feet stop for 5 minutes - move 10feet stop for 5 minutes - move 10 feet stop for 5 minutes etc. Took me almost an hour to go 2 blocks. Then in parking lot with 500 thousand friends in 90* temps. BIKE NEVER DID GET HOT. I don't know where everyone is complaining about the heat - maybe stock.
Here's all I did to my 2012.
Screaming Eagle A/C, H-D Fatshotz slip ons, H-D Race Tuner. Custom made leather thigh protector(Crotch cooler), floorboard extenders, and that's it and I didn't even remove my lowers(can't because my speakers are in them).
I assume everyone has a different threshhold of pain when it comes to the heat - I'm glad mine is where it's at because I sure as hell don't want to replace the headers and cat(way too expensive to me).
So if Rolling Thunder can't make me uncomfortable - nothing will.
If our guys and gals can put up with the heat overseas, so can I sitting in a parking lot for 5 hours. And I will each and every year.

The fire trucks were a godsend.

I suggest you start with a "crotch cooler" and the floorboard extenders before getting into trhe really big money. That may be all you need. Hold off on the header and cat for last. If you do that keep the original pipes just in case.

Did the Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway/ Cherahola Skyway on the way home- UNBELEAVABLE. Had a great time and trip. Who says you can't ride the twisties hard with a trike?? I kept up with everyone but the rice rockets. Even an Ultra with trailer had a hard time keeping up with me. I don't know if it was because of the trailer or the wife that I ran away from him on the turns. He gave up after about 2 miles. Ran into heavy rain the last 2 hours on the BRP - didn't stop me - I have 3 wheels now. LOL

Overall 1.5 weeks and 3k miles - couldn't have been happier.

[mastergunz]

I go every year but since I am only 30 miles from DC it is easy for me. There are a lot of good roads to ride in Virginia and W. Virginia

[M.A.T.]

Hey mw1151,
First, is that your first Rolling Thunder? It's a tear jerker no? Thanks to all of you that have served, are serving, or will serve, and that includes my late Father, who was a Marine lifer.

Ok, you need to check out these two threads:

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/harle...heat-b-c-4559/

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/harle...uner-not-8139/

Not that what the guys here haven't already told you isn't great info because it is. But if you want more, these two threads have enough to keep you busy for days, maybe weeks. And if someone has already suggested them or you have already been there, I apologize for being redundant.

Thanks,
Rob

[M.A.T.]

Just got back from Rolling Thunder(again) ..............I suggest you start with a "crotch cooler" and the floorboard extenders before getting into trhe really big money. That may be all you need. Hold off on the header and cat for last. If you do that keep the original pipes just in case.

I second this completely. I recently paid 50 bucks for the floor board extenders but others (10rhrk) have made their own. I am not as skilled or confident. I too have made all the other mods. And the engine will obviously reap more of the benefit than I will. The extenders are what kicked it up to the next level for me. I am hot at anything over 50 degrees, and can sweat taking a shower. But like I said, I tell myself because experts agree, that reducing that internal engine temperature will only make for a longer lasting and better running engine.

Rob

[scarface]

We rode with Run to the Wall to attend Memorial Day in D.C. Our 2011 TG did well on the central route and turned 4600 miles from the northern mtns of Colorado and back. I did 3 tours in Vietnam and this trip was an honor to ride on with great Americans! This ride with 700 other bikes is brutal on man and trike alike! Running @ 3600 rpm to keep a tight formation as well assist braking was tough on the trike. The trip finally convinced me it was time for a tuner and a stage 1 breather. The 103 simply does not have the power for the weight especially when you need torque the most. The heat issue also needed correction. When I returned we had the pro tuner and air installed. The results are astonishing! Our 2 up trips since the install have been outstanding. All the above mentioned issues have been corrected. The added treat was an increase in fuel mpg. My only regret was i didn't do this a year ago! Fyi the mufflers are VH big ovals.

Scarface
Col USMC [ret]