XL 1200 CC HIGH COMPRESSION PISTON KITS
J036242009-03-06
GENERAL
Kit Number
22711-04A, 22712-04A, and 22713-04A
Models
For model fitment information, see the P&A Retail Catalog or the Parts and Accessories section of www.harley-davidson.com (English only).
Additional Parts Required
Service Gasket Kit 17049-04A is required for assembly and must be purchased separately.
Piston Pin Retaining Ring Installer HD-34623-C is required for assembly and must be purchased separately.
Carbureted models: Screamin' Eagle Pro Ignition Race Tuner or Screamin' Eagle Pro Ignition Module is required and must be purchased separately.
EFI models: Screamin' Eagle Pro EFI Race Tuner is required and must be purchased separately.
WARNING
Rider and passenger safety depend upon the correct installation of this kit. Use the appropriate service manual procedures. If the procedure is not within your capabilities or you do not have the correct tools, have a Harley-Davidson dealer perform the installation. Improper installation of this kit could result in death or serious injury. (00333b)
NOTE
This instruction sheet references service manual information. A service manual for your model motorcycle is required for this installation and is available from a Harley-Davidson dealer.
Kit Contents
See Figure 4 and Table 1.
NOTE
This engine related performance part is intended for High Performance or Racing applications and is not legal for sale or use on pollution controlled motor vehicles. This kit reduces or voids the limited vehicle warranty. Engine related performance parts are intended for the experienced rider only.
DISASSEMBLY
WARNING
To prevent accidental vehicle start-up, which could cause death or serious injury, disconnect battery cables (negative (-) cable first) before proceeding. (00307a)
WARNING
Disconnect negative (-) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00049a)
  1. Disconnect battery cables, negative (-) cable first.
  2. Refer to appropriate ENGINE sections of service manual to remove cylinder heads, cylinders, and pistons.
INSPECTION
After removing the cylinders:
  • Check the head gasket and base gasket surfaces for flatness.
  • Remove burrs from all gasket surfaces.
Before installing the new pistons:
  • Check the clearance between the new piston pin and the connecting rod bushing.
  • Replace the bushing if pin clearance is 0.002 in. or more.
BORING AND HONING PROCEDURE
1. Check again for burrs on the cylinder gasket surfaces and remove burrs before continuing to Step 2.
2. Install the following components:
a. Original head and base gaskets.
b. Cylinder torque plates HD-33446-B.
c. Evolution bolts and washers HD-33446-4.
3. Tighten the bolts. Refer to CYLINDER HEAD INSTALLATION section in Service Manual.
NOTE
Torque plates, properly tightened and installed with gaskets, simulate engine operating conditions. Measurements vary as much as 0.001 in. without torque plates.
4. Bore the cylinder with gaskets and torque plates attached. Bore the cylinder to 0.003 in. under the desired finished size.
NOTE
Use the piston to determine finished size. Piston fit to the cylinder must be within the range 0.0025 in. to 0.0035 in.
1Piston width
2Measurement area
Figure 1. Piston Measurements
5. See Figure 1. Measure the piston width (1), 90 degrees horizontally from both sides of the pin piston pin hole and at 1/2 in. above (2) the lowest portion of the skirt above the chamfer.
6. Hone the cylinder to its finished size using a 280 grit rigid hone followed by a 240 grit flexible ball hone. Honing must be done with torque plates attached. All honing must be done from the bottom (crankcase) end of the cylinder. Maintain a 60 degree crosshatch pattern in the piston travel area.
7. See Figure 2. After machining and honing, chamfer the bottom inner edge (1) of the cylinder liner. The chamfer provides a beveled surface for easier installation of the cylinder over the piston rings. Break leading edge of liner to a flat surface. The bottom edge of the liner (2) will be somewhat sharp after machining. This sharp edge could easily cause damage during installation of the cylinder.
1Inside chamfer
2Cylinder liner bottom edge
3Cylinder liner outside wall
4Cylinder liner inside wall
Figure 2. Inside Chamfer and Bottom Edge of Cylinder Liner
PISTON INSTALLATION
NOTE
The 1200 cc pistons in this kit are coated with electrolysis nickel coating. The pistons are directional and the arrow must point forward. These pistons are not specific to front or back cylinders and can be installed in either of the two cylinders.
  1. Check the piston rings for proper side clearance and end gap. Refer to appropriate ENGINE sections in service manual. The end gaps of adjacent rings must be installed 90 degrees apart.
  2. Install the piston rings with dots and bevels facing up. Piston rings with no markings can be installed either side up
PISTON PIN CIRCLIP INSTALLATION
  1. See Figure 3. Insert the circlip (4) onto the Piston Pin Retaining Ring Installer.
  2. Squeeze handles of tool together and insert circlip into slot of the piston. Release the handles and remove tool.
  3. Repeat steps for remaining circlips.
1Piston pin lock ring
2Piston pin retaining ring installer (HD-34623-C)
Figure 3. Seating Circlip
CHECK VALVE-TO-PISTON CLEARANCE
NOTE
It is important to check valve-to-piston clearance as described in the following steps. We recommend that this inspection be performed by a Harley-Davidson dealer.
  1. Apply a 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) thick layer of clay to the crowns of both pistons (in the areas where the valves meet the pistons).
  2. Install the cylinder heads per the service manual procedures, using the new gaskets from the Gasket Kit (purchased separately). Assemble the heads and valve train, and tighten the internal-threaded cylinder screws to the torque specifications listed in the service manual.
  3. Turn the engine (by hand) through two complete revolutions.
  4. Remove the heads and measure the clay at its thinnest point.
NOTE
Clay must measure 0.080 in. (2.03 mm) at the thinnest point. If this measurement does not meet the minimum thickness, the depth of the valve notches must be increased; however, the depth of the notches must not exceed 0.135 in. (3.43 mm).
Valve radial clearance should also be checked. Radial clearance of 0.050 in. (1.27 mm) is recommended.
ASSEMBLY
1. Refer to appropriate ENGINE sections of service manual to assemble the engine.
NOTE
Engine re-jetting or re-timing may be required to achieve full potential of this performance product.
WARNING
Connect positive (+) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00068a)
WARNING
When servicing the fuel system, do not smoke or allow open flame or sparks in the vicinity. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00330a)
2. Connect battery cables, positive (+) cable first.
NOTICE
You must recalibrate the ECM when installing this kit. Failure to properly recalibrate the ECM can result in severe engine damage. (00399b)
3. Carbureted models: Use Screamin' Eagle Pro Ignition Race Turner or Screamin' Eagle Pro Ignition Module to verify proper installation of kit. EFI models: Use Screamin' Eagle Pro EFI Race Turner to verify proper installation of kit.
NOTE
This diagnostic equipment must be purchased separately and are available at a Harley-Davidson dealer.
BREAK-IN RIDING RULES
Refer to BREAK-IN RIDING RULES in the owner's manual for instructions to break-in the motorcycle.
SERVICE PARTS
Figure 4. Service Parts: XL 1200 cc High Compression Piston Kits
Table 1. Service Parts: XL 1200 cc High Compression Piston Kits
Kit
Item
Description (Quantity)
Part Number
Kit 22711-04A
Standard
1
Piston, front and rear
22714-04A
2
Piston Ring Set (2)
21925-04
3
Pin, piston (2)
22481-04
4
Circlip, piston pin (4)
22482-04
Kit 22712-04A
+0.005 Inch
1
Piston, front and rear
22715-04A
2
Piston Ring Set (2)
21926-04
3
Pin, piston (2)
22481-04
4
Circlip, piston pin (4)
22482-04
Kit 22713-04A
+0.010 Inch
1
Piston, front and rear
22716-04A
2
Piston Ring Set (2)
21927-04
3
Pin, piston (2)
22481-04
4
Circlip, piston pin (4)
22482-04