95 or 98

[hdbagger23]

Is there any real advantage or disadvantages for going 98'' verses 95''. are you going to see(on the dyno) or feel any difference.

[claydbal]

i have been beat up for this before, but the 98 allows the cylinder walls to be further away from your larger valves, the ratio of power to cu. inches applies also and is a benefit. you move closer to a square motor, another benefit for making HP.

that being said, on a long haul bagger that you want as reliable as possible, stay with lighter (10:1) compression, stock valve size, gentle cam lift etc:

[BVBOB]

You will see an increase on the dyno, whether or not you could feel it seat of the pants is doubtful, I believe the biggest reason most guys go to the 98 is to tell their buddies that have 95's that they have a 98.

[claydbal]

good point bvbob. we have all seen 95 builds that whoop 98. ultimately, i think i clarified the reasons you might. my woods 6 95 had better first half response than my 615 98. BUT my 98 pulls harder on yonder end. all things considerd.

man, i miss the early rpm wheelies from that woods cam.

[oh1deuce]

Where's the guys that used to say they could run down their buddies and leave them with the added 3" ???

[YankeeBob]

Originally Posted by claydbal

good point bvbob. we have all seen 95 builds that whoop 98. ultimately, i think i clarified the reasons you might. my woods 6 95 had better first half response than my 615 98. BUT my 98 pulls harder on yonder end. all things considerd.

man, i miss the early rpm wheelies from that woods cam.

Funny you mention that. My 615 98 is a little lax down the bottom. I am wondering how a Woods 8 would benefit.

To answer the original post...the 98 gives you 3 more inches and a few more points of tq/hp. Not that you would feel it. But it is there.

[claydbal]

Originally Posted by oh1deuce

Where's the guys that used to say they could run down their buddies and leave them with the added 3" ???

heres one!! i just keep trying to find utopia with the used parts bike.

[Peacekeeper]

My stock 04 TC 88 with intake, DL and duals walks away from my buddies 08 TC96, then he catches me around 100 or so with the 6th gear he has. Both Electra Glides. Dont think youl feel the extra 3 inches, my wife may disagree with that statement though! I'd go 95 just for reliability...

[oh1deuce]

Originally Posted by claydbal

heres one!! i just keep trying to find utopia with the used parts bike.

Utopia is always a starter switch away!

[Hillside]

Boring your cylinders to 98" presents absolutely no problems whatsoever.
We are constantly boring them for in house builds as well as our mailed kits.
If in fact you would opt for a Wood 6H, our Stage II heads, you would not wonder if it was wrong.

[Michrider]

Do the 98" forged pistons work good in a Softail B motor? Just wondering if the increased weight causes more vibrations.

[Hillside]

Sure,they work fine. No vibes from what we've seen.

[skyhook]

if ya want all that ya can get without splitting cases, 98 is king...3 more inches, unshroud valves, more compression, i see no downside