Let's say I bought a brand new 2016 Ultra and left it stock 100%, and my brother bought one at the same time and had a stage one (done by Harley) to his brand new 2016 Ultra, which one of us would get better gas milage?
For the bonus round, which engine has a better chance of outliving the other one? Outliving meaning before it would need major engine work...overhaul, top end, whatever.
I'm a conservative driver and I'm really curious about the possibility of the engine lasting over 100,000 miles before major work is needed. If I end up with a Harley like I plan to do, I'd like to do what I could to increase the life of it. (No oil discussions please)

 

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Engine longevity is directly related to care and use. Folks with a stage 1 or more,, are more likely to be on the throttle a little heavier and enjoying the power more right(?)
Both engines can/could easily last 100K or more.
If you are the conservative driver and your brother enjoys leaving you behind at the stop light a lot,, His gas tank will empty sooner and your engine will probably be in better condition at 100K then his.
But his heart felt joy and smile will be much bigger.

 

I guess to better sum it up, will a stage one have any effect on milage and the longevity of the engine?

 

I already answered;

That means how the bike is used, aka: ridin.
Stage 1 has nothing to do with it,
It's about how a bike is ridin and used.
Anyone can beat the crap out of any bike at any time,
or someone can be as you say a "conservative" rider.
The riding style, maintenance and care are the factors that dictate engine condition.
It's not any more complicated then that and can't be defined by any other factors

 

If you get a Stage 1 flash at a Harley dealership, your bike will probably still be running too lean, so your gas mileage won't suffer much.
With a good Stage 1 setup, your bike will run cooler.
FuelMoto is a site sponsor and they can help you out.

 

Your right hand determines 90% of your fuel mileage.


Bwana

 

I've heard that aftermarket Stage 1 kits result in a cooler running engine, which sounds to me like one that lasts longer. Just my 2 cents.

 

The only way to find out for sure about the gas mileage is for you and your brother to get those bikes like you said, then get back to us with the fuel economy results.
Sounds like a win-win situation. You get nice new bikes, and after that happens who gives a crap about a couple of miles per gallon?

 

With Stage 1, your bike will run better, cooler, & be more responsive. But, when you dump more fuel in the engine to achieve this, the mileage results will be obvious. A couple MPG less. But, like John Mn said...you will be on the throttle a little more 'cause it will feel SOOOooo good, so that will further degrade your mileage. But, a couple MPG less when you're already doing better than any car out there doesn't make doodly difference.