S&S super E, HSR42 and stock CV40 are all good carbs. For me it's "how do I ride?". If you like to race/ride aggressively you will probably like the S&S or HSR42. I've had them both (still have HSR42 on the shelf) and decided I like the CV40 on my 80" evo cuz it's nice and smooth. I don't ride as aggressively as I used to.

Just my 2 cents

 

The CV is nice because of it's design it compensates for altitude better than the S&S or Mikuni.

 

Even if my Altitude is extremely Unlikely to Change...I run more than a couple CV's!!! Most of my Riding is best, on a Bike with Manners!!!
Edit: If we are Racing....Bring it On...Different Bike!!!!!

 

I've read a lot of people saying the S&S is for wide open throttle. Drag strip.
a lot of Shovelhead bikes are sporting CV carbs. There's lots of parts available for the CV and lots of internet help.
so my suggestion is to get a CV

 

....There are some tricks besides installing bigger jets in the stock keihin. These tricks get rid of the "keihin cough" and allow the stock carb to perform well. Like lightly polishing the slide piston with 000 grit steel wool. So it slides faster. Drilling carb piston breather hole slightly bigger. A yost kit will wake it up too. I also replace the plastic inlet with brass. I've built at least 8 keihin carbs this way. My present set up is performing well on a 1996 flhtc 80 evo stage 3 with andrews ev 27 cam, stock/ built heads with springs to match cam , .020 over stock bore cylinders. It is slightly over 75 h.p.

 

Generally the CV Carb is Not referred to as a Keihin...that is reserved for the Original Butterfly...used til??? maybe 91?
I get my (limited) Knowledge of Both from a Guy who knows Much More about Harley Carbs than anyone on the Planet..
Named, Cameron. I pitch Carbs that have had the Slide Boogered, Thanks
Edit; Nope, Name was Minton...sorry bout that... I consider Joe Minton the Real Harley Carb guru

 

I am about to throw in the towel on the CV.
I find them to be the most delicate, sensitive, and tricky to remain dialed in that I have ever had to work with.
When all is well its damn good, then suddenly it wants attention again.
Plan now is to go with the Super E. Over the years they have been good to me.

94 Heritage.
Andrews Cam
Exhaust and ignition upgrade, few other things.
I guess we would call it a stage 1 upgrade.

 

Find an OEM CV carb, nothing will be cheaper (except a Chinese knock off which you should avoid).

 

Gets My Vote for Most Honest Reply!!!...Nothing is Easier in General either ...If simply Stock and Properly Tuned...

 

Those that say the S&S E or even G don't have street manners obviously have not had them tuned properly.. I've been running nothing but for over 20 years and the street manners are very nice...
So is everything else....