Arlen Ness Big Sucker or SE Air Cleaner : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

MikeyT · 11-12-2006, 02:29 PM

Ordering the V&H Big Shot Staggered exhaust and Fuel Pak for my 07 Deuce and was wondering if anyone had any preference for air cleaner. I can get the Big Sucker for about $50 less than the Screamin Eagle. Any quality and/or performance differences? Thanks for your time.

Mike

Deuce Bigelow · 11-12-2006, 02:46 PM

if you can save $50.00 then go for it, I don't believe there's that much difference.

SEAREEF228 · 11-12-2006, 02:48 PM

YOU will have oil drops with the SE ,,the big sucker is a better design ,,do a search this has been debated before

HD-LUX · 11-12-2006, 03:19 PM

I tell ya, it's been talked about around here (and a few searches will turn up some nuggets) and I have tried just about every combination of air cleaners on my bike. I have tried the Screamin Eagle, the Big Sucker, the Zippers Upgrade, and the K&N HD-0800 replacement. I have run them open, covered and covered with vents. I have run them with the SE backing plate and the trick Zippers backing plate. I have used them with integrted breathers and with the old cross-over breathers. I have had the SE, the K&N replacement and the Zippers on the dyno. I just can't see any real big difference on a mild motor. Oh sure, I put one on and my seat-o-pants thinks it's great but after a 100 miles or 50 pulls on the dyno it all seems the same again. I guess on a 107" or bigger motor, a big A/C like the Zippers, Doherty or the Ness might make a bit more power but I dunno. I'm no tuner--I'm just a shade tree tinkerer. Even the little SE or K&N HD-0800 flow 300+ CFM and my motor can't use all that air on a good day. And some are bigger so they may give the air more space to feed into the intake or might smooth out the flow at the venturi but I feel that the little 42mm manifold is going to be far more of a restriction than the air cleaner. And I really just want great port velocity over plain old mega-CFM numbers. H*ll, one of my best dyno runs was with a dirty SE A/C! So I give up. I'm running a puny little K&N HD-0800 on my 1550 with SE203s and BigBoyz heads. Whatever.

Trainrobber · 11-12-2006, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEAREEF228

YOU will have oil drops with the SE ,,the big sucker is a better design ,,do a search this has been debated before

WOW, better go check mine with a white glove. I havent seen a drop on my 07 in over 3,000 miles. (or my 05 Sporty for that matter)

Deuce Bigelow · 11-12-2006, 04:51 PM

no oil drops here either.

MikeyT · 11-12-2006, 06:32 PM

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Always forget about the search feature on here to look up older threads. Good input from all though.

Mike

gtonk · 11-12-2006, 06:41 PM

Just put the BSS on my 06 low rider and put the ness big sucker stage one on also. As stated I got some good info on the forum and feel I'll be very happy with this air cleaner.

petrock · 11-13-2006, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEAREEF228

YOU will have oil drops with the SE ,,the big sucker is a better design ,,do a search this has been debated before

No drops here either after 11,000 miles.

JamieWG · 11-13-2006, 07:45 AM

I'm running the SE backplate with a KN-0800 filter. I've got a few drips of oil out of it. It only happens when I am running real hard on a hot day. Two up, 85mph+ on the freeway with hills, temps above 90 and I get a little oil flying back on my battery cover. No big deal, but it happens.

gtonk · 11-13-2006, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyT

Ordering the V&H Big Shot Staggered exhaust and Fuel Pak for my 07 Deuce and was wondering if anyone had any preference for air cleaner. I can get the Big Sucker for about $50 less than the Screamin Eagle. Any quality and/or performance differences? Thanks for your time.

Mike

By the way, go with the PC lll instead of the fuel pak if you can - heard better things about the power commander -have it on my ride.

MikeyT · 11-13-2006, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtonk

By the way, go with the PC lll instead of the fuel pak if you can - heard better things about the power commander -have it on my ride.

Thanks for the advice, gtonk. it was a toss up between the Power Commander and Fuel Pak and I went with the latter cause I thought you needed Windows to program the Power Commander. I'm a Mac guy and don't have access to a pc at all. Plus i was able to get the FP a bit cheaper. From what I understand, the PC offers more flexibility with more internal engine work you do? I don't have an immediate need at the moment and can get one down the road I guess.

I ordered everything from Eastern Performance Cycles last night, including a set of Arlen Ness extended forward control brackets to stretch the legs out. Something that's been bugging me since I got the scoot. Should have everything this week so I can get working this weekend. I can't wait!

Mike

Deuce Bigelow · 11-13-2006, 10:07 AM

I've ordered from eastern performance, they're great.

very fast shipping!

gtonk · 11-13-2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyT

Thanks for the advice, gtonk. it was a toss up between the Power Commander and Fuel Pak and I went with the latter cause I thought you needed Windows to program the Power Commander. I'm a Mac guy and don't have access to a pc at all. Plus i was able to get the FP a bit cheaper. From what I understand, the PC offers more flexibility with more internal engine work you do? I don't have an immediate need at the moment and can get one down the road I guess.

I ordered everything from Eastern Performance Cycles last night, including a set of Arlen Ness extended forward control brackets to stretch the legs out. Something that's been bugging me since I got the scoot. Should have everything this week so I can get working this weekend. I can't wait!

Mike

Good luck with everything Mike. I just put the forward controls on mine too - much more comforatble. Doing a number of things that I haven't already mentioned - chrome front end kit - mustang daytripper seat - chrome billet headlight - flame grips and pegs - relocation of the front turn signals - chrome controls and levers - diamondback lines - 8 1/2" chubby 1 1/2" baby ape chrome bars with 1 1/2" risers from Wild 1. Will be a whole new look.

petrock · 11-14-2006, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyT

Thanks for the advice, gtonk. it was a toss up between the Power Commander and Fuel Pak and I went with the latter cause I thought you needed Windows to program the Power Commander. I'm a Mac guy and don't have access to a pc at all. Plus i was able to get the FP a bit cheaper.

I'm a Mac guy too, and you can use a PCIII or a SERT with your Mac. If you have a PPC Mac, install Virtual PC and your all set... If you have a new Intel Mac, install Boot Camp and your all set... Pretty simple and easy to use. You'll need a Serial to USB adapter if you buy a SERT (Belkin makes a good one). IMO, a SERT is your best bang for your buck. PCIII's are also very good. I'd drop the Fuel Pak as soon as you get a chance... Good luck...