116 Indian Thunderstroke Motor Review Big Bore Stage 3 Upgrade

[@jimtomstimpson1477]

she has a very impressive knowledge of engines and combustion basics and specifically this 116. The way she conveys this information makes me want the upgrade.

[@LaVieFlottante]

Vanessa is a great mechanic and very helpful. She certainly earns respect!

[@dennisschell5543]

More savvy than "hemi Cuba" man...

[@67cuda38]

Yup, she seems great ! Someone I'd like working on my bike.

[@Bass.Player]

This lady knows her stuff! I worked for Porsche/Audi back in the 80's and we studied the tire slippage on a four wheel drive car just driving steady down the hwy.. We determined that there is always tire slippage even with four wheel drive and steady cruise speed down the hwy. This is the first time I have heard anyone speak of this since. She is also correct when speaking about volumetric efficiency, she did not use that term but that is what she was speaking about never the less. I'm impressed with her knowledge! I'm a retired Master ASE, Master Registered Tech (European equivalent to ASE) and spent my life in this technology and taught technology at a post-secondary educational institution. I would like to hear more from her!!! For me this is *super impressive*

[@LaVieFlottante]

Yes she does know her stuff!

[@mochlod]

I watched several videos today where La Vie Flottante posted the link to this video. I ignored it a couple times but eventually I gave in and watched it. Glad I did, very informative vid!

[@LaVieFlottante]

Glad that we didn't let you down!

[@abazdarhon]

I would seat in pub with her and just talk about engines talk and talk. Amazing person with no fear of share knowledge. Thank ya

[@LaVieFlottante]

Vanessa is always so helpful!

[@Apockalipse]

I was lucky enough to test ride one and let me tell you it is a must have! The sound is amazing and the power is there right out of the gate! There is no going back once you feel that thunder stroke!

[@LaVieFlottante]

I didn't get to ride it very long but it was clear I wanted to ride it longer.

[@jimtomstimpson1477]

Dear Santa...

[@medicmike4906]

I have the 2017 Chieftain Elite and I rode a 116 Springfield. WOW WOW WOW. I agree I must have that on mine.

[@IveAlreadyWon]

You got one helluva mechanic there. She knows her stuff! Too well I'd say. Now I want to upgrade my bike to the 116!

[@danjohnston9473]

Definitely the one stop video appraisal of the Stage 3 that I'll refer others to. Well done.

[@gilortiz8519]

Finally good info about this upgrade!!

[@LaVieFlottante]

Thanks Gil... Vanessa was really knowledgeable making it easy for me to put this video together.

[@ashten92]

I'm from San Jose now living in the Pacific Northwest.Hellow everyone at the spirit Indian! Female techs rock! More attention to detail.nice job!

[@LaVieFlottante]

Everyone at Spirit Motorcycles San Jose is awesome!

[@gregjacques3159]

Probably the best information video on bikes i've seen so far. Right amount of humour and fact explained in such a way it's easy to understand she's great, Your interview style is realy good too. you asked all the questions I wanted answered and did'nt interupt and try to impress us with your knowledg realy well done. I also liked the montage at the beging keep up the good work

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

Beautiful! Love those Indians and what they're doing with them!

[@ut1004bp]

Hmm, she forgot to mention the higher Octane fuel that is needed for the higher compression system...Nope, she did cover it later into the discussion, Pretty informative video about the 116 stage 3 add-on.

[@LaVieFlottante]

Yes at the end we discuss Octane and why you don't want to burn regular gas.

[@gsabella4]

I ride a Ninja 300, been riding since June this year. I was fortunate enough to get to a Indian demo ride couple weeks back. Had a blast on all the scouts and scout bobbers. Then decided to Take a ride on a chieftain 116 big bore. Let me tell you, the power and sound this machine makes is INSANE. So much fun and comfortable to ride. I respect this woman here and how knowledgeable she is! Good video man.

[@LaVieFlottante]

Thanks! We love our Indian Roadmaster!

[@adamwbc863]

Would love to get her expertise on the new stock 116s and what the upgraded kit entails

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

Excellent explanation of what goes on inside of an engine! Very interesting presentation.

[@LaVieFlottante]

Thanks!

[@wooddawg4868]

You don’t need a stage upgrade in my opinion with a 111ci engine. The 111ci rips up pavement out the gate. The Indian is as state of the art as you can get with its gear drive primary system, large oil capacity, large oil cooler, one hole oil filling and simple drain plug removal.

[@gsabella4]

I bet. I rode both the 111 chieftain and the 116 big bore, at a demo day. Both rip, but the 116 on sport mode absolutely shreds man.

[@Imachowderhead]

Polaris needs to stop ignoring the engine clacking issue.

[@hammered0184]

Basically agree, but my 2016 Springfield responded surprisingly well with Jack Pot header, Freedom Performance mufflers (they do NOT "slip"on), Indian round stage 1 air cleaner and a Tier 1 Tuner. Biggest single gain was the Jack Pot header from Fuel Moto. 111 to 116 is almost a 5% increase in engine displacement which ain't exactly mind-boggling. You guys seem very impressed with the lady service rep. Grow up dudes, the touchiest part of her extensive rhetoric is, "With a proper tune". She tells us HP and torque figures, but how does it run? Throttle response, flat spots, idling, etc. Dyno techs are on every corner, yet few can even properly read spark plugs. MONEY!!! Think about this.

[@waynebrooks9342]

That lady knows her stuff and presents it well. She needs her own Vtwin show. There are a lot of imposters out here, saying they can do big bore kits, and screwing up your bike.

[@littlemoo52]

i run a 117 in^3 right now on a bike that weighs just under 700 pounds. at short bursts its cool and i never had a problem riding a few hundred miles with friends. i think this is more bravado than anything. i totally get the the the thrill of it but being the first guy at the next stop light gets old. that said, if i buy this bike, i'll probably go the route of buying it used then go with the 121" big bore kit. LOL

[@gregwang168]

Master Tech Vanessa River at Spirit Motorcycle San Jose Rocks!!!

[@LaVieFlottante]

She is a pro! Thanks for the info. We did her interview in one take!

[@gregwang168]

Yeah I spoke to her earlier today, and she is a book of technical knowledge on motorcycles. When I am ready for the 116 stage 3 big bore kit upgrade she will be the one who will install and tune it for me. Cheers!!!

[@quixrick]

The kit costs $2,000, but out the door, it's like $6,000 after labor and exhaust & air flow modifications. :| ($500 - Air cleaner, $700 - Exhaust, $300 - Exhaust Tips, 15 Hours of labor)

[@hammered0184]

You got that right Rick! Add dyno tuning to all that. Cost effective? I think not.

[@kylestewart8049]

Honda Kawasaki and suzuki vtwins have been giving you 100+hp and 125tq. For well over 10 years. And they give it to you the first time you buy the bike. No need to “upgrade”.

[@cwheremonster8870]

Yeah.. those are all water cooled bikes you just mentioned. Indian also has a watercooled v twin (challenger).. over 120 hp and over 120 tq. Apples and oranges

[@patrickallen5781]

Wow! that lady has mastered her craft.

[@hammered0184]

Her craft being........ bullshitting.

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

Love those Indians! They just get better and better!

[@raylocke282]

Cost you about 5000 plus exhast change and dyno tune 700 plus 400 tuner.All in about 8000.About the same as a Harley.Then they tell some squid to put it together.Next thing you know your waiting in the service are for half the summer arguing with the service manager.

[@scottmorse1798]

great video !

[@LaVieFlottante]

Thanks Scott!

[@williamminer540]

Why are pre 2017 TS 111 s not compatible with this upgrade???

[@raider6atv]

Love jugs will fix the hot running problem... use it in my road glide made a huge difference!

[@jimdian]

I’m in Ohio and ride (at least once) every month of the year! This kit would stay cool in January and February!

[@LaVieFlottante]

No doubt... LOL

[@ktl2001]

Do you need to upgrade the intake and exhaust as well and labor cost. What is the total cost of this upgrade?

[@LaVieFlottante]

Yes the intake and exhaust Stage One are required. I believe the total cost is $3K

[@richardblackwell4082]

So this “upgrade” gives just a bit more HP and torque than my stock Triumph Thunderbird 1700....for 2k+. Things that make you go...hmmm🤔. Wonder what I would get for spending 2k?

[@yoshit9819]

there is a stop sale on the 116 upgrade.

[@LaVieFlottante]

Yep. I hear rumors that a 119 is coming out this year. The CI wars continue!

[@cajunndnrider3041]

Very informative, thank you. Silly question: Can we assume the 116 badging is included with the kit?

[@LaVieFlottante]

Yes the dealer said the 116 badge comes with the upgrade.

[@jimwortham8634]

Cajun NDN Rider another V-Twin you have to put stage gets on to get a hundred horsepower LOL

[@TheIndianscout]

Why don't they just have them installed out the factory with the big bore kit??

[@channell11]

Probably the same reason that cars don't come with bored out engines and cam upgrades. Cost, emissions certification, reliability, customer demand, etc. Plus, the profit margins are probably higher as an add-on. 2 grand for the kit plus 15 hours labor means you're pushing 4 grand for this upgrade.

[@raylocke282]

To make more money for upgrades.The same thing Harley does.

[@indianjoe2075]

I’m in Alabama so not worried about epa bs

[@wooddawg4868]

You don't need a 116 upgrade kit when you can buy a bike with that motor already. Secondly, there are plenty of folks flying around on 111 thunder strokes and 96ci, 103, and 107ci Harley Davidsons all day every day of the week and loving every minute of it. Truth be told you don't need no big ass motor to roll around and have fun, so if you want to have your bike on a lift all summer instead of riding & tossing money away go right ahead. These shops & dealers want to keep trying to make people think you have to have the stuff.

[@LaVieFlottante]

When I put this video out the 116 was not available as a stock engine. Now it is. No doubt you don't NEED a 116 but... I have the stage 2 kit and love the higher compression and power.

[@danielmccormick6584]

What happens to fuel mileage?

[@LaVieFlottante]

At a little before minute 9 there is a discussion. Twist the grip!

[@Bostonterrier97]

Pretty cool....but....my Triumph Rocket weighs about the same and produces more Horsepower and more Torque than the 116 Indian...

[@oneslave3318]

Bostonterrier97 Never seen anyone part with an Indian for a Triumph. What else do you like about it?

[@thomasnelson2463]

I'm stopping the video at 29 seconds. I want a pick up truck like that!

[@LaVieFlottante]

That is sweet art!

[@eddycurrent413]

do you get to keep the stock parts

[@LaVieFlottante]

I don't see why not.

[@steveg56]

Other dealers are doing the 116 without removing the motor. Is there a reason you guys do it that way?

[@LaVieFlottante]

I will have to ask the dealer. Maybe their process requires it.

[@jimtomstimpson1477]

It's not possible to do this 116 upgrade without engine removal.

[@LaVieFlottante]

Curious as to why?

[@oneslave3318]

La Vie Flottante Maybe they can't figure out how to jack the rear wheel up, beats me!

[@simplespeed84]

-Will it run hot? -We dont know yet. If you go aftermarket parts you just need a power commander or similar tuner and an outside dyno tuner. The honestly is refreshing. I am a Harley guy but am excited to see the future of Indian.

[@LaVieFlottante]

I have a power commander on my Victory Vegas. Nice air-gas mix computer! You can see the video we did on this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH6ZcoJ5hctsn8k

[@ArmageddonAfterparty]

Mechanics are happy people when you let them do their stuff.

[@aarsenalfan]

This upgrades cost more than half a bike 😅

[@LaVieFlottante]

I know! But worth it!

[@fader2701]

always have these bikes tuned on a dyno after. the stock indian map is horrible.

[@myrolnicy-wspolnapasja]

It's good 👍

[@LaVieFlottante]

Thank you!

[@hammered0184]

C'mon starry-eyed guys. Bill Werner she ain't.

[@bertcote2254]

if they can do it after the bike is built to make more money why can't they do that before so the person buying the bike could save money when buying that bike they should think about the person buying the bike and keeping them in business ?

[@rva7408]

Or you could buy a bike that already preforms at a high level.

[@moroccocerrito7359]

$1'999.99 for the stage 3 kit.

[@moroccocerrito7359]

thats fun doing burns out

[@earlbundy7783]

It seems like a snl skit,..lol

[@earlbundy7783]

Roberto Acosta lol,..did I hurt your little feelers?

[@MrJimmy1437]

My heart is with Indian, but think of what those engineers could have done building a modern four cylinder bike if they could have found any intelligent riders to buy them. The buyers of today are such a bunch of assholes, Indian , like Harley is stuck building those old outdated v-twins!

[@LaVieFlottante]

I see both sides MrJimmy... I love the sound of the V Twin and a 4C isn't going to sound the same. On the other side of the coin, I love the Goldwing engine for highway and low end torque. It also stays cooler. V Twins riders may be a dying breed. The statistics would show that with all the sport bike popularity. Time will tell...

[@MrJimmy1437]

I have a sport bike a ZX14R, but my favorite bikes are the sport touring bikes, like my FJR. it handles, and has great performance , but also has the protection of an electric windshield, a full fairing, and a nice set of quick release saddle bags. However I am not optimistic about the future, because 80-90percent of the riders I meet locally, have very little interest in riding. All of them seem to be interested in putting on a show. They ride five miles to the nearest watering hole, fight to get a parking place in front of a picture window, rev the piss out of the hog with straight pipes 6-12 times before they shut it off, stroll in with their do- rag clown outfit on and then repeat the same process down the road another five miles! Those fools are more interested in , is the chrome bright than if the engine is running right

[@LaVieFlottante]

I like all bikes. I have heard the FJR is a great highway bike and king of the iron butt competition. I almost bought a Goldwing because of the engine but there was so much plastic on the thing. I don't need to impress others but I do love the chrome.

[@MrJimmy1437]

I have been riding for 52 years and had bunch of bikes mostly new! Triumphs , Honda Kawasaki and Yamaha. But my all time favorite is my 2005 Yamaha FJR. It's fast , handle great, smooth, great weather protection with the fairing, and electric windshield and it has wonderful reliability ,

[@jeffcoleman5557]

15 hours your kidding right ?

[@thesage1621]

Liquid cool your fucking engines and watch how much more power you'll make and how much less displacement you'll need. 1800cc+ liquid cooled high compression motor should yield 180-240 hp...

[@mikezastera2523]

Too expensive

[@LaVieFlottante]

Ya but you might get better gas mileage if you don't get into the throttle. :)

[@hammered0184]

That's kinda like buying a Ferrari and driving as slow as possible. Apparently high-grade marijuana is legal in San Jose.

[@dougm2681]

Why not just turbo the stock ? Seems more logical.

[@craigh8810]

The guy was too annoying... had to drop out mid vid

[@charleswilliams4006]

He's not really a girl is he?

[@leoburgess6678]

I don't care either way but I'm glad it wasn't just me wondering the same.

[@k9m42]

Seams the whole performance kits are a copy of Harley.

[@LaVieFlottante]

Maybe they are... Maybe they are better? It is for the buyer to judge. It certainly give more options for owners.

[@JulianJohnstone]

wonder how many of them 15 hours labour one could do themselves?

[@LaVieFlottante]

I wouldn't attempt it but I am not a mechanic.

[@shelbyself4886]

All of it but ecu tuning unless you know how to it tune it right not like jets anymore

[@oneslave3318]

Julian Johnstone Probably way more than half. Lots of tear down. Fender, side covers, belt, tank, seats, frame rails, electrical, head, jug... My dealer has done 10 and is down to about 10 hours without removing the engine. You can do the clutch too, it's easy. The cams require the tool, some could change the jugs and pistons probably valve springs if you have a tool. Most dealers are still pulling the engine but OKC has it worked out. They probably have the best dyno shop around as well but they should run good with the free update in the box on the 18's. The earlier ones still have a 15 pound compensator on the crank that either takes a different download or dyno that will update your software for each bike across the fuel curve like they have in OKC. No tuner needed that way. Think OKC INDIAN charges $300 for the dyno tune, they have pro racers that have been around 30 years and more that drive a long way to get their fuel set up from Joe Currier.

[@littlemoo52]

same break in period?