Having spent considerable time and effort finding out how to make my FXDX go faster, I reckoned I ought to put some thought into making it stop better.

Whilst the front brake does work, it's not exactly impressive - especially for a twin disc, 4-piston set-up.

And because I'm tight, I thought I'd start with the brake pads. As with engine modifications, lack of choice is not really an issue, with brake pads offered by Brembo, SBS and EBC to name a few.

So here's my first question - who made the OEM pads back in 2002 and who makes them now? I don't want to buy a 'different' set of pads only to find out that they're exactly what I've already got - only this time wearing the original manufacturer's brand rather than Harley's.

What I desperately need is real life information about what works best.

I need your help here! What are your experiences?

I thought it would be simple, but it’s not. It’s not that dealers haven’t been helpful and it’s not that there’s a lack of information out there – they have and there’s plenty.

The problem is that it’s all qualitative and I want it to be quantitative. I want to know what I’ll be paying for. One exception is Thames Valley HD. I’m very impressed with them although they are talking about a 96 and not my 88. They have a quantifiable product that I can get my head around – check out their web site.

So, what have I found out? Well, for those on a smaller budget, stick a flatslide carb on, with a high flow filter, ignition module, slip-on exhausts, SE-203 cams and adjustable pushrods for around £1,500. On paper, probably the best bang-for-buck option.

I thought going from 1450 to 1550 – without doing much else - would increase torque. Well it doesn’t much, because it’s still a short-stroke motor. This pushes you towards focussing on power improvements, so add some rather exciting SE heads and hot cams and you’ll get a lot more power for about £2,500 all in. Spend 50% more and increase the stroke by going to 1690cc and you suddenly get a lot more torque as well.

Do I want power (big bore, heads and cams) or do I want torque (stoker) – or both (all the above)? I dunno, I just want to have a bigger grin when I’m riding what is now an 8-year old bike.

And I think that my bike’s already torquey. What effect would a lot more have? Would it change my life? And is it worth paying about £4,000 for? Go for power then. So would 100bhp+ turn my bike into an animal – probably not. Bugger, I think I need everything from the SE catalogue and I can’t afford that.

I need to try some bikes…

Many thanks to: Karl, Ian & Paul, Elliott and Fraser

9th Jan 2010 

We’ll be picking up the concept of engine upgrades for more modern motors in AmV39 - due out in early February - but in the meantime, I’ve decided to give myself a bloody good Christmas present.

So, I’m going to start talking to dealers about what is possible and for how much. I guess what I really need first is some kind of bang-for-buck matrix.

To work…

In 2000, my Triumph Daytona 900 was killed by an idiot turning right in front of it and the search started for a replacement bike. I wanted something that was more easy-going than the Daytona, with excellent build quality, good looks and character.

Looking at the Harley brochure, I loved the looks of the FXDX best of all – I still do in fact – and liked the idea of its sporty aspirations. A decision was made – insanely enough without a test ride! Thinking about it, I was bloody lucky that we subsequently got on so well as I’ve since learnt that bike tests always throw up surprises and you are better off trying your potential purchase alongside a few alternatives to be really sure before parting with your own cash.

I was delighted with the bike and I have yet to find something else I’d be prepared to swap it for. Unbelievably it is still standard, but then I reckon the original package is pretty proficient, but that is about to change for two reasons: the Twin Cam 96 inch engine of the Super Glide Custom tested in AmV37 and the brakes of the XR1200X coming up in AmV39. Both blew me away and I’ve been utterly hooked. Upgrading my bike is now a necessity – and in the pipeline!