I'm getting close to buying my RKC (looking at August).

I've been reading a lot of threads on here about various mods and think I know what I want to do, however I'm not sure WHEN to do it. Should I have the dealer install the stuff before I even pick up the bike (I think that makes it all under warranty?) or do a 1000 miles break-in and then start modding?

I think the mods I will go with are:

1) V&H dresser duals
2) some kind of slip-ons with adjustable baffles
3) better intake (is that Hypercharger BS? Looks kind of cool with the moving butterfiles)
4) self-tuning ECM (TMax or PCV....leaning towards TMax)
5) eventually cams, I'm thinking 204's or 254e...probably the 204

I'm coming from a Buell XB12. The goal is to have a "fun" bike that doesn't leave me missing the 105+ HP. I don't NEED the 105 HP, but I want it to move when I twist the throttle. I also don't want a tempramental pain in the *** bike that spends a lot of time in the shop, though I do like a slightly uneven idle. I'd rather be on it than under it.

So what's the best way to approach these mods? Right away or after break-in? Also, am I leaning the right way on the items that I haven't quite decided on?

 

With a new bike it's a good idea to have your dealer install everything to keep the warranty. They might say wait until after 1,000 mile break-in or do it right away.
Work a deal on the install, I did a no charge install for chrome front end and Chrome rims and 30% off the parts. Also if your financing it's nice to break the cost of all that your going to do into your payments.

With the right cam, tuner, exhaust, intake,,, you could get that 105+ HP.

 

Do your mods up front if you can, thats what I did.

 

+1

 

I rode 1,000 miles for the initial breakin. No good reason other than I wanted the bike NOW when I wrote the check. Plus, I wanted to make sure I really wanted/needed the mod so I wanted some experience on the 103 engine. Just got the mods done and wow! I am glad I waited cause now I don't have buyer's remorse since I experienced the before/after effect of the Stage I.

 

If you don't mind me asking what Stage 1 set up did you go with? I was thinking FuelMoto.

 

My vote is to do a Stage 2 and be done with....headers, slipons, a/c, PCV, and SE-254 cams). I'm going to add the 254 cams myself next winter, since the stock cams are 96 cams.

 

That's all fine and dandy after your warranty expires. I think most of us are wanting to do the work ourselves and keep our warranty intact for as long as possible. I do agree on the cams though and will do it after the warranty.

 

Yeah, the cams will likely wait a while. No sense it taking a perfectly good motor apart. I guess it just comes down to what kind of deal I can work out with the dealer.

So...between the PCV and TMax - the TMax looks like it requires less time and expertise to get running and appears to be more "hands off" - any reason not to get it?

Also, I see that it uses 18mm O2 sensors and the new bikes come with 13mm bungs - Can I just get V&H Dresser Duals made for an '09 and call it a day? Will they fit? I'm pretty sure that aside from the cams, I should be able to install everything else myself and not have any warranty issues.