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Looking for a little info in helping make a decision. Purchased a new RGS last fall on the 2nd last day of riding in Manitoba and have been slowly adding my customizations over the winter. Now that we're 6 weeks-ish out from bringing the bikes out of the garage (I hope) the last piece I want to do this year I haven't done is add a better flowing air cleaner. The two I'm looking at are the HD Stage 1 that retains the stock cover or a Heavy Breather Elite. Question is, is there a performance advantage to dolling out the extra money for the Heavy Breather vs the Stage 1 AC? Aesthetically I like the look of both pretty much equally and don't ever intend on adding hard lowers necessitating getting rid of the HB. Already running a V&H ProPipe with the FP3 tuner. Input welcomed.
The stock AC flows very well but if you like the stock cover, go with the stage 1 AC and add a K&N filter. I did that and it works well but you will get intake noise. I really don't think the 103 can flow any more air than the stage 1 will give you so it's really just a choice of aesthetics.
Besides increased noise, another thing to consider is - do you care how much it sticks out? I didn't realize how much of a difference it would make for me. I started out with Arlen Ness Big Sucker with stock cover, and it was good 1-1.5" further out. My right leg was not comfortable. My final solution was Fuel Moto Pro Billet with stock cover. Just close enough to work for me, as quiet as stock, and still allow for much bigger filter element.
Yes FM makes and excellent backplate with washable filter,stock cover, think around $150. Nothing to be gained with stock motor, stock flows all it can handle.
It's really down to aesthetics between the two choices you list. I like the look of the Heavy Breather Elite, and went with that. It was worth the extra coin to me.
I'm running the Pro Pipe and FP3 with the stock breather. Of course, I have nothing to compare how the bike runs with the stock breather versus with another breather, but the bike runs just fine with the stock breather.
I disagree if you dyno a bike with the stock breather and say an open breather like a Rolland sands design or a performance machine you WILL have a difference. Major difference no but could be a couple HP and or TQ numbers after tuned. Only downfall is price and when it rains.
I'm running the Pro Pipe and FP3 with the stock breather. Of course, I have nothing to compare how the bike runs with the stock breather versus with another breather, but the bike runs just fine with the stock breather.
Me too.
I think you only gain dirt in the engine by using a K&N with the stock motor.
More important to me was rerouting the breather.
I stuck with the S&S Stealth. You can use your OEM cover, one of theirs, or many others. I chose the S&S Airstream cover as a throw back style with modern flair and provides some protection in rain. It also doesn't really stick out any further than OEM.
I kind of like mine after I powdered it black. I especially like the fact that there is no oil drippage, (is that a word), & it is quiet too. Now even though I think those 90 degree heavy breathers look nice, (and look expensive), after looking at mine I like it even more because it covers up the throttle electrical connection jumble. I'm keeping mine.
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Different A/Cs
