ultima 120 recomendations

[grouch1957]

i picked up a ultima 120 pretty reasonable. think it was built in 06 or 07. never been fired. looking for recomandations on what i need to upgrade for best performance and reliablity. what are these motors weak points? i would just as soon address known problems and limitations now rather than wait for something to give out or disappoint me after build complete. thanks

[Hillside]

What we have seen is loose roller rockers.
Heard about the lifters, but have not experienced adverse with them.
Have witnessed them north of 140 ft/lbs SAE, with a Wood 9B, and cylinder head modifications, modified S&S G.
They are a good platform to do a performance upgrade.
Scott

[grouch1957]

appreciate the input. any reccomendations on who, to rework heads and carb?

[Hillside]

I'd reccomend a place that has worked with that combination before, to avoid experimenting on your bike, and that way, dedicated results will occur.
Scott

[wfolarry]

Originally Posted by Hillside

I'd reccomend a place that has worked with that combination before, to avoid experimenting on your bike, and that way, dedicated results will occur.
Scott

X2.
Experience counts. Wishful thinking is just an ongoing project.

[TheNowhereman]

Originally Posted by grouch1957

appreciate the input. any reccomendations on who, to rework heads and carb?

Get hold of Branch Heads.
They know their stuff real well.
I wouldn't waist my time re-working that carb.
Depending on how much work is done to the motor, grab a 45 mikuni and due just a little jetting.
It should work out real nice.

[FXRS]

The only ones I've seen close up were in bits on the shop floor. Crank problems and piston problems, but these engines were not babied. I think there are better sources, buy American.

[lowriderglen]

I also picked up a new (05') 127 about a year ago. I disassembled the engine to check everything out. The biggest problem that I found was that it had way too much piston to wall clearance (Ross pistons). I talked directly to Larry Miller (VP) and between he and Matt in tech service they supplied me with a new set of jugs and Mahle pistons/rings even though it is an '05 model. I also upgraded the oil pump to the new hvhp oil pump. The piston that is mfg'd by Mahle is the intelectual property of Ultima and can only be purchased through Ultima. I reassembled this motor with increased CR(11.5-1), more cam (S&S 640), ported heads, DTT 1005t ign, bored G w/t-jet etc...it has given me 2500 trouble free miles so far this year. I ran it on the dyno three weeks ago and it made 130/134 with a badly slipping BDL lockup clutch. I just reworked the clutch and hope to try it on the dyno again this week. Make sure that the rest of your drivetrain is up to the stress......Good luck.