I just installed a oem tach on my 97XLH. I like having it, a lot of useful info. I always wondered what rpm I was at. I seems that I have been doing 90% of my around town riding in the 25-3500 range. That's good and she really performs well.

Well I had to see how it was up near the red zone (5200). every thing working fine until about 5300 and then it's like the no more go man. Is that the rev limiter on my stock ignition?

R

 

pipe/ air cleaner combinations result in different torque/horsepower at different RPMs, your feeling the lack of power from those drag pipes. i got the same thing when i had to switch from my old set to these 2 inch drags

 

Joe,
Maybe I wasn't clear before. I'm not feeling any lack of power at any point in the RPM range. Actually I have tons of power. It is that at about 5300 rpm, just above the redline to engine just goes flat. I figured it was a rev-limiter.
The drag pipes should shine in that end of the spectrum, don't you think?

 

You are correct, the drags are designed for top end performance. You're just hitting the ~5400 rpm rev limiter. Newer, 04 & up motors rev limit at ~6200 rpm.

 

Ok, thanks Charley. Are the new set up to handle the revs better or just been let loose to rev-out more?

 

Your rev limiter is set to about 5200 RPM on that year bike. The newer bikes have better valve springs that will rev to 7000, but they limit them below that. I believe your bike can safely be run to 6,000 with worry of valve float.

kinda surprising when that rev limiter kicks in, isn't it?

 

New ignition won't be the best solution, just as a bit of advice. Look into at least new lifters and springs before you try to bump the revs (if you're planning on it)...you'll be much happier.

 

Probably won't. She puts out plenty below 5000 to scare the crap out of me. I just wanted to know for sure that it was the limiter.

Funny thing I never hit it before I had the tach. Always shifted before 5200 I guess. Go figure.