I've put a couple of hundred miles on my RK classic. The bike is completely stock. I have been considering doing the stage 1 download, adding screaming eagle slip-ons and a different air filter. But, on the other hand, I haven't noticed the bike to be lacking power. While the stock exhaust is not exactly loud, its not quiet either, especially compared to my previous ride, (2002 BMW R1150RT). So, my question is, will I see drastic improvements by making these modifications? Are there any downsides to doing them, such as backfiring on deceleration?

Thanks,
Rick

 

Pros - more horses, better sound
Con - $$$

 

I did the stage 1 on my 05 Heritage. I think it was well worth the $ I spent...

Ryan

 

You cant set off alarms with a stock exhaust

 

Definite improvement in the SOP feel. It'll sound better, and you can taylor your sound by picking the pipes you like. Well worth it IMHO.

Mac

 

Love my Stage 1 upgrade. I even like how you lose the back of the air cleaner. I've ridden over 400 miles since my Stage 1 upgrade, and I haven't seen any oil blowback yet, either.

 

Stage 1 will give you a little more power and torque, which is a plus. You will definately get better sound, with more volume.

As far as popping or backfiring, I have not experienced this at all, either on my FI model, or the wife's carb. model.

Regards,

Bill

 

The BMW's are probably the quietest bikes made!
And that's not a bad thing. The loud pipes thing has just about taken it's course. Motorcycles are getting banned from many urban areas because of excessive noise complaints.
Don't feel you have to go the loud route on your ride, just 'cause everyone else says so.

If you keep your pipes stock, but do a S-E air cleaner kit and a download, you'll probably add 3-4 hp and a bit more throttle response.

 

There's a con to stage 1 upgrade?

 

I think Homer's comment says it all. I know that's my favorite part of Stage 1..