Top Performance Parts for Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles: Boost Power and Efficiency
Upgrading your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle with performance parts is one of the best ways to enhance its power, efficiency, and overall riding experience. Whether you're looking for more speed, better handling, or improved fuel economy, the right performance parts can make a world of difference. Here’s a look at some of the top performance parts that can take your Harley to the next level.
1. High-Flow Air Intake Systems
A high-flow air intake system is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve engine performance. By allowing more air into the engine, these systems increase combustion efficiency, which can lead to significant gains in horsepower and torque.
How it Helps: More air equals better fuel combustion, which means more power. High-flow intakes also improve throttle response and engine breathing, making your Harley feel faster and more responsive.
Popular Options: K&N and S&S Cycle are known for their high-quality air intake systems that offer excellent performance improvements.
2. Performance Exhaust Systems
As discussed in a previous blog, upgrading your exhaust system can drastically improve your Harley’s power and sound. A performance exhaust system reduces backpressure, allowing exhaust gases to exit more efficiently, which helps the engine perform better.
How it Helps: A performance exhaust not only improves horsepower but also gives your Harley that iconic, deep rumble that Harley-Davidson® enthusiasts crave. Additionally, it can improve fuel efficiency by optimizing the flow of gases.
Popular Options: Vance & Hines and Rinehart Racing offer exhaust systems designed to maximize performance while enhancing the overall look and sound of your bike.
3. Performance Tuning Modules
If you've upgraded your intake and exhaust systems, the next step is optimizing the bike’s fuel management with a performance tuning module. These devices adjust the air-fuel ratio and other parameters to ensure your engine is running at peak performance.
How it Helps: Performance tuners can help maximize the benefits of other modifications, such as air intakes and exhaust systems. They fine-tune your bike’s performance for better throttle response, increased horsepower, and smoother rideability.
Popular Options: The Dynojet Power Commander and the Screamin’ Eagle Super Tuner are great choices for optimizing your Harley’s performance.
4. Big Bore Kits
For those looking for a serious power boost, a Big Bore Kit can significantly increase engine displacement. By increasing the size of your engine's cylinders, these kits allow for more fuel and air to be burned, which translates into more power and torque.
How it Helps: A Big Bore Kit is perfect for riders who want to make their Harley even faster. With more power comes improved acceleration, top speed, and overall performance on both the street and the track.
Popular Options: Harley-Davidson® offers its own Big Bore Kits, as well as aftermarket kits from S&S Cycle and Andrews Products.
5. High-Performance Cams
Upgrading the camshaft is one of the best ways to increase the performance of your Harley-Davidson® engine. High-performance cams alter the timing and duration of the valve openings, improving airflow into the engine for more power at higher RPMs.
How it Helps: By optimizing the timing of the intake and exhaust valves, high-performance cams increase horsepower and torque, especially at higher speeds. This modification is ideal for riders looking to enhance top-end performance.
Popular Options: Andrews Cams and S&S Cycle offer some of the best high-performance cam options available.
6. Upgraded Fuel Systems
An upgraded fuel system, including fuel injectors and fuel pumps, can help ensure that your engine gets the right amount of fuel for maximum performance. These upgrades are especially important if you’ve increased the size of your engine or made significant modifications.
How it Helps: Upgraded fuel systems provide better fuel delivery, ensuring your engine runs smoothly and efficiently, even with the increased demands of a performance build.
Popular Options: The Fuel Moto Fueling Kit and Harley’s own Screamin’ Eagle Fueling Kit are popular choices among Harley owners.
7. Better Suspension Components
Performance isn’t just about power—it’s also about how your bike handles the road. Upgrading your suspension with performance shocks and forks can significantly improve your Harley’s ride quality and handling, especially in demanding conditions.
How it Helps: Performance suspension components help maintain stability and control, particularly during high-speed maneuvers and on rough roads. These upgrades ensure you get the most out of your power mods, delivering a smoother, more controlled ride.
Popular Options: Brands like Progressive Suspension and Ohlins provide top-quality suspension upgrades for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.
8. Upgraded Braking Systems
Performance brakes are a must for riders who plan to push their Harley to its limits. Upgraded brake pads, rotors, and calipers can significantly improve stopping power, making it easier to handle the increased speed and power that come with performance modifications.
How it Helps: Enhanced braking systems reduce stopping distance and improve overall safety, especially when riding aggressively or on twisty roads.
Popular Options: EBC Brakes and Performance Machine offer high-performance brake kits designed to deliver superior stopping power.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Harley-Davidson® with top-performance parts is a great way to boost power, efficiency, and overall enjoyment of your ride. From high-flow intakes to upgraded suspension, there’s a range of performance parts that can turn your Harley into a more powerful and responsive machine.
At American Iron Speed-n-Cycle, we offer a variety of performance parts and expert advice to help you take your Harley to the next level. Stop by today to explore the best options for your bike and get the performance boost you've been looking for!