Harley-Davidson's association with sportbike manufacturer Buell Motorcycle Company began in 1987 when they supplied Buell with fifty surplus XR1000 engines. Buell continued to buy engines from Harley-Davidson until 1993, when Harley-Davidson bought 49 percent of the Buell Motorcycle Company. Harley-Davidson increased its share in Buell to ninety-eight percent in 1998, and to complete ownership in 2003.
Whether it is a mechanical, hydraulic, flat tappet or roller style, the lifter is one of the most important components in the engine. The lifter technology determines how the camshaft will react to the rest of the engine combination. And the technology that goes into it is simply amazing.
A lifter glides (or rolls for a roller lifter) on the cam of the camshaft. As the cam lobe rises, the lifter follows this motion and transfers this to the pushrod. This then moves a rocker which in turn pushes the valve open. Camshafts for a 2 valve engine would have one intake and one exhaust cam for each cylinder. The lifters follow each cam, opening and closing all the valves appropriately. Usually, the rocker is set up so that the valve will open further than the cam does.