downshift, stage 1 tune then Andrews 48, Woods 222 or SE-255

 

bmaier,
Do you run one of these cams in your Ultra?
Where's the improvement - low end torque?
Thanks -

 

In my otherwise stock 2009 FLHTCU 96", I went with the Andrews 48H cams, original rods, upgraded oil breathers and can't say enough good... It is considered a quality mild/bolt-on cam with 'plenty' (max without additional/required mod$) of HP/TQ improvements in the range from ~2000-4500 rpm... Make sure that your Stage 1 is 'breathing' well and that you have a good tuner (I used TTS MasterTune) and I strongly recommend dyno tuning... Between Stage 1 and the Andrews 48H cams I gained 25% HP/TQ...

Answering the OP question/concern; I never experienced such a power-loss...

 

My old bike was a 2011 Limited and on the steepest grade around here, I noticed the engine struggling when I had it on cruise in 6th gear. It maintained speed, but the exhaust got a lot louder.

On my 13, I can take those same hills and can't hear the difference in exhaust. I tried it loaded down and riding double at about 75MPH a few weeks ago. Half way up I rolled the throttle a litt and it jumped up to 80.

Both bikes had stage 1's, but there is quite a bit of difference in the power of the two. The OL says I always speed up going up hills now. Just makes me smile to do it.

 

I'm having a hard time believing those who claim that their "STOCK 09" can climb a hill going 75mph INTO the wind on a hot Texas day. Really? I have the same bike in Oklahoma and typically ride 75 miles mph. When its hot (95 to 105) and I'm riding up hill into the wind (typically 20mph, I have to down shift 5th to maintain speed 75mph. My SG can do it, but it struggles.

Tom your bike is OK, you are just reaching it's limits. That's why they bumped it up to a 103 two years later. That headwind on a hot day is a killer. It will run all day up any mountain in 5th gear and the higher RPMs don't hurt it a bit. Do a stage 1 and you will be good to go in 6th. In fact, I've been told several times that a 96 engine with a Stage 1 runs better than a stock 103. You have a good bike with that 09.

Beary

 

What do you think is the difference between the bikes?

Beary

 

The 11 was a rental for the first 5K of it's life. Hard to say what happened there.

Otherwise, it had the stock exhaust (decatted) and the 13 is a Rush true dual.

It was the same PV tuner, but different map.

 

Thanks for the input. I was thinking as much, but I'm still thinking about going stage 1.

 

No one discussed the load the bikes are carrying.

Me and my OL are well north of 500 lbs and I feel it in sixth going up the Grapevine hill into a headwind. Downshift to fifth and all is good again for 75 mph.

To the OP and others, are you carrying a 250 lb load or a 550 lb load. It makes a difference and makes it hard to compare apples to apples.

 

Sorry OP -
That's an unintended thread hijack........
Good Luck!