I have a 2010 FLHTK. I've thought about upgrading my Cams but trying to understand why I would want to.

I'm not dissatisfied with my current performance but it may be more of I don't know what I don't know. I don't take off from a stop sign and wish I could do it quicker, I'm satisfied with my speeds and power while highway riding.

What would be a compelling reason to upgrade Cams. Does it require a tune or an aftermarket tuner (PC fuel pac,etc) or are they pretty much swap and ride?

Thanks for the answers in advanced.

Robert

 

You will probably have to get a tuner. Depending on what cams, a different a/c and exhaust too. Your fuel mileage will probably drop a little too.
If your happy with it now, leave it.
I just did V/H exhaust and took off the stock air cleaner backplate to breathe better and didn't need a tuner.

 

Stage 1 only here and content.

 

If I were going to do a cam it would be to increase mid range torque. If you havent done a stage one I would start there first. My 6th gear was more usable at lower speeds just from changing the stock 2:2 exhaust to a 2:1. A stage 1 with a proper tune will make your bike run stronger and cooler. Adding a cam to a stage 1 will require retuning.

 

Stage 1 and SE255 cams with a download from Harley will do the trick. You wont need a tuner.

 

Any change is simple giving up one thing for another. If you want a dependable all around bike, leave it alone.. If you want to go faster, turn the throttle or drop a gear.

 

I agree with if you're happy leave it alone. I swapped cams, but when I changed the cam plate to have hydraulic tensioners, I had to change the cams too. So I upgraded just cause. If you don't know what you don't know, it really doesn't matter.

 

The cam profiles on stock cams are a compromised profile, to help the bike meet EPA noise and exhaust regulations, so inevitably the bike isn't giving the level of performance it is capable of. A mild aftermarket cam with optimum fuelling will give a worthwhile improvement in performance. IMHO it should be a part of a 'stage 1', which replaces the quiet mufflers and inlet muffler (yes, the airbox is a muffler!), but that is half the job.

Yes, to do the job properly the bike will need a tuner and tune. Hope that helps!

 

In my own little pea brain I would think that the cams are used to control the valve timing in a Harley Davidson Twin Cam engine.
Now that opens a whole caveat of scenarios. I can control easy start, I can control compression and I can control performance etc...by the grind of the cam lobe and how it affects the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valve.
What am I wanting? What are my future plans?
If you get a chance to talk to some of the old M48 and M60 tankers ask them about the balistic computers we had. It was all cams and gears and it will give you a lot of insight.

 

SE 255's, a good HD map, true duels and stage one and you will be very satisfied. It is also cheaper than a new bike. It will make your old ride feel like a new one. Not a racer but a real dependable cool running cruiser.