Motorcycle Repair: SE forged pistons, stock pistons, octane gas

Question
Mike,
I have a 97 fatboy running with 42 Mikuni, SE aircleaner, SE-4 cam, SE ignition and coil and slip fit aftermarket mufflers. The bike runs really well especially above 3500 rpm but I need to get a cylinder base gasket changed so I was wondering about installing some SE forged pistons to get the 10.2-1 compression while they have the engine apart. My question is whether I will see much improvement in performance or am I wasting the money?
Tom.

Answer
When you raise compression you will raise horsepower, due to the fact that the gas is getting compressed tighted and fires hotter.
On the down side, you will need to run higher octane gas or you will get a knocking problem when getting hard on the throttle.
I would leave it with stock pistons if it were me. The horsepower you will gain is not enough to make it worthwhile.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike