Best Cams for M8 107 and 114

The Milwaukee-Eight Engine

In 2017, Harley-Davidson introduced the ninth generation of their Big Twin engines called the Milwaukee-Eight (M8). The Milwaukee-Eight featured two engines: the 107ci engine and the 114ci engine. Both engines have many similarities and general improvements from previous models.

For one, the engines have a 10% increase in torque compared to prior Big Twin models. The engines include four lightweight valves per cylinder, a single camshaft, a better cover design, and enhanced driveline components.

All of which contribute to less mechanical noise. Harley also claims that the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines accelerate faster than their Twin Cam 103 and 110 engines. The Milwaukee-Eight engines also feature improved cooling, improved engine air cleaner, reduced vibration, and better fuel economy. All these features and many more set the Milwaukee-Eight apart from previous models.

M8 107 vs. M8 114

The primary difference between the Milwaukee 107 and the 114 is the size of the engine. The Milwaukee 114 features a larger displacement, which means it has more horsepower than the 107. The 114 also has a larger piston and a longer stroke than the 107.

The standard 107 engine features precision oil-cooled cylinder heads, while the 114 engine has liquid-cooled radiators and cylinder heads. Below are some of the most important specifications and performance components of the Milwaukee 107 and 114:

Specifications & Performance of the Milwaukee 107:

Specifications & Performance of the Milwaukee 114:

Overall, the Milwaukee 107 and 114 are both superb engines in quality and performance. Most of the differences that exist between the engines are minor. The biggest difference exists in the displacement of the engines.

The Milwaukee 107 has a displacement of 1750 cubic centimeters, while the Milwaukee 114 has a displacement of 1870 cubic centimeters. This constitutes the larger size and greater potential for power the 114 has over the 107. The models that include the 107 engine are Street Glide, Street Glide Special, Road Glide, Road Glide Special, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Road King, and Freewheeler models.

On the other hand, the models with the 114 engine are the CVO Limited and CVO Street Glide models.

Choosing the Right Camshaft

The function of a camshaft is to open and close the intake and exhaust valves at specific times. The specific point at which the intake opens affects the throttle response, emissions, and gas mileage. A late intake opening is ideal for low RPM because it provides smooth engine operation. However, as the RPM increases the intake opening needs to open sooner to supply more air and fuel.

On the other hand, intake closing affects engine operating characteristics. A high RPM requires a late intake closing time. A semi-late closing intake is best for mid-range RPM, while an early intake closing time is ideal for heavy bikes because it provides excellent low-range RPM performance.

When it comes to the exhaust valve, a late exhaust opening is ideal for low RPM performance. On the contrary, an early exhaust opening will provide poor low RPM performance and mediocre mid-range RPM.

An early exhaust closing leads to less overlap, while a late exhaust closing leads to a larger overlap. Usually, an early exhaust closing is the most ideal for smooth engine operation. Now that we understand how a camshaft affects the intake and exhaust valves, how do we choose the correct camshaft?

There are two main factors that determine what camshaft is best suited for you: your engine and riding style. You need to make sure the camshaft you are buying is compatible with your engine. To figure this out, look at the specifications of the camshaft and make sure they are aligned with the specifications of your engine.

It is recommended to pay extra attention to the lift, duration, and intake closing time of the camshaft. For example, camshafts with a long duration and late intake closing time are best suited for engines with high compression ratios.

Moreover, the lift measurement of the camshaft must not exceed the maximum lift potential of your springs. Paying close attention to the specifications of the camshaft in relation to the engine ensures that the camshaft will benefit your engine instead of harm it.

The way you ride your bike is also an important factor to consider. High lift cams are best suited if you spend most of your time in the high-range RPM. This is typical if you engage in drag or track racing. If you are like most people and mainly stay in the mid-range RPM, then a high lift cam is not the best option. For mid-range RPM, a mild cam is usually your safest bet.

Best Cams for M8 107 & 114

Since the M8 107 and 114 are so alike, the same camshafts are usually compatible with both. However, there are some camshafts that may be better suited for one more than the other. Below are some of the best camshafts for the M8 107 and 114:

1. Andrews M460

• Intake Opening Time: 0 degrees
• Intake Closing Time: 20 degrees
• Intake Valve Duration: 200 degrees
• Valve Lift: .080
• Exhaust Opening Time: 38 degrees
• Exhaust Closing Time: 2 degrees
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 220 degrees
• Valve Lift: .460

Price: $180-400

The Andrews M460 cam offers great low to mid-range RPM power (1000-5600 rpm). It also pulls well towards the higher RPM range. The M460 is perfect if you are looking to provide more torque to your bike. It also provides a broad range of steady power.

It is an excellent choice for the 107 and 114 engines, and even the 117 engine. The price of the M460 can greatly range depending what seller you buy it from. Most sellers offer it for about $250, but you can get it cheaper on other websites like Amazon.

2. S&S Cycle 475C

• Intake Opening Time: 6.2 degrees (front), 2.2 degrees (gear)
• Intake Closing Time: 27.2 degrees (front), 31.2 degrees (gear)
• Intake Valve Duration: 213.5 degrees
• Valve Lift: .475
• Exhaust Opening Time: 55.5 degrees (front), 52.5 degrees (gear)
• Exhaust Closing Time: 28.5 degrees (front), 20.2 degrees (gear)
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 263.9 degrees (front), 252.5 degrees (gear)
• Valve Lift: .475

Price: $220 (single piece), $1,560 (entire kit)

S&S is known for its quality cams and the 475C is no exception.The S&S 475C camshaft is a bolt-in cam that provides an aggressive loping idle. It is the cam to buy if you want both an increase in horsepower and torque.

The 475C cam accelerates quickly and offers great mid-range RPM power. It also reduces the valve train noise making your engine very quiet. The link provided below is of the whole S&S 475C kit, but you can also buy the camshaft separately on the S&S website.

The kit comes with an oil pump, cam plate, passage plugs, and many other materials necessary to make a complete camshaft upgrade on your bike. 

3. S&S Cycle Gear Drive 550G

• Intake Opening Time: 9.4 degrees (front), 3.1 degrees (gear)
• Intake Closing Time: 29.4 degrees (front), 31.1 degrees (gear)
• Intake Valve Duration: 218.9 degrees (front), 214.2 degrees (gear)
• Valve Lift: .550
• Exhaust Opening Time: 62.5 degrees (front), 59.4 degrees (gear)
• Exhaust Closing Time: 30.5 degrees (front), 38.4 degrees (gear)
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 273.1 degrees (front), 277.8 degrees (gear)
• Valve Lift: .550

Price: $432

The 550G is designed for the M8 114 and larger engines. It is a perfect choice if you are looking to increase the horsepower of your 114. The cam is gear-driven which means it improves the accuracy of the valve time.

The 550G kit comes with all bearings, o-rings, and hardware. Since the 550G is an aggressive cam, it requires heavy duty springs to be installed. 

4. Mega 8 246/252 Hydraulic Roller Camshaft

• Intake Opening Time: 18 degrees
• Intake Closing Time: 61 degrees
• Intake Valve Duration: 246 degrees
• Valve Lift: 163 degrees
• Exhaust Opening Time: 49 degrees
• Exhaust Closing Time: 12 degrees
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 252 degrees
• Valve Lift: 139 degrees

Price: $240

The Mega 8 improves torque, high-end range performance, ported heads, exhaust performance, and intake system. It is constructed from billet steel and works with both the 107 and 114 engine. The Mega 8 reduces the valve train noise and increases stability.

However, the Mega 8 is intended for racing/competition and may not be suited for public or street riding.

5. Wood Performance WM8-222

• Intake Opening Time: 4 degrees
• Intake Closing Time: 40 degrees
• Intake Valve Duration: 224 degrees
• Valve Lift: .480
• Exhaust Opening Time: 40 degrees
• Exhaust Closing Time: 4 degrees
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 224 degrees
• Valve Lift: .480

Price: $300

The WM8-222 yields both high torque and horsepower. The cam offers its greatest amount of pull and power above the 2500 RPM range. It is an aggressive cam and ideal for those who ride in the mid to high range RPM.

The low-end performance of this cam can be a little weak, but it sure does offer amazing mid to high range performance. The cam can usually be bought from around $250 to $300. It is specifically designed for street and touring bikes.

6. Zipper’s Red Shift 468

• Intake Opening Time: 8.5 degrees
• Intake Closing Time: 16.5 degrees
• Intake Valve Duration: 205 degrees
• Valve Lift: .470
• Exhaust Opening Time: 35.5 degrees
• Exhaust Closing Time: 19.5 degrees
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 235 degrees
• Valve Lift: .470

Price: $400

The Red Shift 468 cam is an excellent choice if you desire improvement in power and throttle response. It also provides equal improvement in both horsepower and torque. The low-end and mid-range performance are great, and the cam performs best in the 2,000-4,000 RPM range. Not to mention the amazing sound this cam brings out of your engine. 

7. M8-216

• Intake Opening Time: 9 degrees
• Intake Closing Time: 27 degrees
• Intake Valve Duration: 216 degrees
• Valve Lift: .475
• Exhaust Opening Time: 47 degrees
• Exhaust Closing Time: 9 degrees
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 236 degrees
•  Valve Lift: .475

Price: $250-$330

The M8-216 is a bolt-in cam that works well with both the 107 and 114 engine. This means the cam can run with stock springs and stock compression.

The M8-216 maintains good low-end and mid-range torque while still pulling through the upper ranges. It is ideal for more extreme riders who want to get the most out of their engines.

8. Cycle-Rama CR460

• Intake Opening Time: 6 degrees
• Intake Closing Time: 20 degrees
• Intake Valve Duration: 206 degrees
• Valve Lift: .460
• Exhaust Opening Time: 46 degrees
• Exhaust Closing Time: 0 degrees
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 226 degrees
• Valve Lift: .440

Price: $290-750

The Cycle-Rama 460 cam is responsive, has an aggressive loping idle, and accelerates hard. It provides a broad range of power with especially good low-end and high-end RPM performance. It increases both horsepower and torque. The price of the Cycle-Rama 460 can vary dramatically depending where you find it.

9. Feuling 465

• Intake Opening Time: 4 degrees
• Intake Closing Time: 23 degrees
• Intake Valve Duration: 207 degrees
• Valve Lift: .445
• Exhaust Opening Time: 50 degrees
• Exhaust Closing Time: 6 degrees
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 236 degrees
• Valve Lift: .465

Price: $270

The Feuling 465 is a bolt-in cam that can be installed with stock valve springs, pushrods, lifters and exhaust. It produces excellent low-end performance and has an RPM range of 1,850-5,950. The 465 is a dynamic cam that responds well with multiple adjustments, such as increased bore and compression.

10. 550 Big Bore Horsepower Cam

• Intake Opening Time: 9.4 degrees (front), 3.1 degrees (gear)
• Intake Closing Time: 29.4 degrees (front), 31.1 degrees (gear)
• Intake Valve Duration: 218.9 degrees (front), 214.2 degrees (gear)
• Valve Lift: .550
• Exhaust Opening Time: 62.5 degrees (front), 59.4 degrees (gear)
• Exhaust Closing Time: 30.5 degrees (front), 38.4 degrees (gear)
• Exhaust Valve Duration: 273.1 degrees (front), 277.8 degrees (gear)
• Valve Lift: .550

Price: $218

The 550 cam is the perfect cam if you want to increase horsepower on your 114 engine. The 550 cam works in the 114 engine and large displacement engines. It also improves valve time accuracy and throttle response. Additionally, the cam requires high lift springs to be installed.

Final Words

Any of the camshafts discussed above is sure to be a great choice for your Milwaukee-Eight engine. Make sure to take into account the way you primarily ride your bike as this will make the choice easier, and potentially save you money.

After you have completed your stage II upgrade (camshaft installation), consider implementing additional upgrades to your bike. For instance, you can install high capacity lifters, gaskets, clutch components, and a cam bearing. All of which will ensure you get the most out of your engine.