Since I'm new to the Harley world, I thought I'd post this here. I recently bought a 2014 Dyna Switchback with about 2500 miles on it that I want to install a Screaming Eagle air intake on. I mentioned this to a friend of mine who is mostly a sportsbike guy but has also owned cruisers on and off. I told him I was waiting because I didnt want to have to pay $400 to get the tuner right now. He said that since the bike already has an onboard computer than a tuner wasnt necessary. He said that the onboard computer would adjust for the new air intake after a couple of miles. Is this true?

 

Seems most guys here say that with pipes and an intake, you should get a tuner, but not an absolute necessity. With just an air cleaner, you should be fine.

If you add some free flowing pipes, you'll likely have some decel popping going on, and a tuner will fix that, as well as make it run better.

 

I have decel popping some now and the bike has stock pipes and AC. Is this normal?

 

some is fine/normal

 

I don't know if it is absolutely necessary, but it is absolutely worth every penny. I am not a performance guy so I didn't buy a tuner to increase HP or torque. I like it because it makes the motorcycle run smoother, no decal pop, takes the lean out and is supposed to run cooler ( I have no proof one way or the other on this). I would suggest getting some tuner, yes they can be a little pricey, but you will enjoy the outcome.

 

For me it is necessary.

 

Soon enough You will end up buying a tune.. And most probly a tuner.
Try hard to find a race shop that specializes in tuning.
They will have a dyno tuner..
Ask about power commander 3.
The dyno tuner syncs up with PC3

 

Me too. I knew I wanted the pipes and AC and a turner wasn't that much more, so I did.

 

You don't need a tuner for simple mods. American Iron has proved that. The Delphi system can accommodate for minor changes in input and output.

 

Todays FI bikes do not need a tuner for basic stage 1 upgrades.