Considering Stage 1
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 251
Likes: 45
From: Tennessee
Considering Stage 1
First off I love everything about my RK and it runs great. However, if I can get noticeable improvements in either HP/torque/throttle response or all I dont mind spending the money.
From what Ive read, improved throttle response seems to be a common benefit but with a small hit to MPG. Since Ive never ridden a Stage 1 Rushmore Im not sure what better throttle response actually is. Mine accelerates smooth and strong with a little popping on decel which I dont mind. Its all stock except for SE Street Cannons so I would only need to pick an air cleaner and tuner. Aftermarket (FP3/FM) tuners appear to give the best results. Id also use an air filter that fits in the stock 103 cover. Heres my questions/observations:
Thanks!
From what Ive read, improved throttle response seems to be a common benefit but with a small hit to MPG. Since Ive never ridden a Stage 1 Rushmore Im not sure what better throttle response actually is. Mine accelerates smooth and strong with a little popping on decel which I dont mind. Its all stock except for SE Street Cannons so I would only need to pick an air cleaner and tuner. Aftermarket (FP3/FM) tuners appear to give the best results. Id also use an air filter that fits in the stock 103 cover. Heres my questions/observations:
- Will the exhaust run any cooler? I was hoping the optimized fuel/air mixture might help in that area. I know my wife would appreciate it!
- MPG seems to drop but not too much? Im currently at 43-46 in mixed driving but have never done a full highway test.
- It doesnt look like an aftermarket tuner affects the warranty?
- Any recommendations for the air filter and tuner they all look good? If I cant access a laptop I assume the dealer would do the install, whether its HD or not?
- The Stage 1 graph in the HD catalog shows a small increase in HP/Torque - will I notice it?
- Other benefits?
Thanks!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I don't think that it's that big of a deal in terms of improvement other than the bike not popping and runsing lean. In order to get it to run cooler you will need to acquire a new header without a cat in it or decat yours. MPG probably wont change much.
You don't need a laptop for the tuner installation if it's a Power Vision or FP3. The flash tuners just plugin. The SE tuner needs a laptop. I prefer the power vision.
You don't need a laptop for the tuner installation if it's a Power Vision or FP3. The flash tuners just plugin. The SE tuner needs a laptop. I prefer the power vision.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 114
Likes: 24
From: St. Augustine, FL
My "Stage 1" mods are in my signature. I noticed a significant (I know it's subjective) difference in my bike. It feels like I lost a touch at RPMs below 2000 (probably due to lack of back-pressure) but over 2000 and it shines. I don't have a dyno sheet to back it up, just seat of the pants.
My right foot is much more comfortable.
I don't know if my mileage changed much, I get about the same per tankful.
Depending on the "tuner" and changes you can make adjustments from a cellphone or laptop. I'm sure you can find someone with a laptop to get the initial setup taken care of... depends on how you manage the software.
With the intake I got I did have to modify my air cleaner cover to use it.
My right foot is much more comfortable.
I don't know if my mileage changed much, I get about the same per tankful.
Depending on the "tuner" and changes you can make adjustments from a cellphone or laptop. I'm sure you can find someone with a laptop to get the initial setup taken care of... depends on how you manage the software.
With the intake I got I did have to modify my air cleaner cover to use it.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 897
Likes: 98
From: Post Falls,Idaho
I have Kuryakyn crusher mellow pipes and a V&H v02 naked air cleaner.I went with the FP3 tuner.I did notice a little more power and better running bike.I still have the stock headpipe. I may change out the headpipe later with V&H power duals down the road but don't want it to loud.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
Will the exhaust run any cooler? I was hoping the optimized fuel/air mixture might help in that area. I know my wife would appreciate it!
With the tuner, yes it will. But for maximum effect, you really need to replace the header. Fuel Moto is the way to go, if you do this.
MPG seems to drop but not too much? Im currently at 43-46 in mixed driving but have never done a full highway test.
With a full stage 1, including header, I never get worse than 40 mpg. I get around 44 mpg on the highway, riding in excess of the posted speed limit.
It doesnt look like an aftermarket tuner affects the warranty?
It has not affected mine.
Any recommendations for the air filter and tuner they all look good?
I went with the Harley one, but in retrospect, I would have probably left the stock air box alone; it flows more than adequate air for a stage 1 bike, and it is quieter for the rider.
If I cant access a laptop I assume the dealer would do the install, whether its HD or not?
My dealership will install anything they sell, even if you don't buy it there.
The Stage 1 graph in the HD catalog shows a small increase in HP/Torque - will I notice it?
Yes! It won't be monster gains, but I can definitely tell the difference on mine.
My advice - get the header and Power Vision from Fuel Moto. They'll pre-program a map for you based on your setup. You'll notice a difference in both heat and "giddyup". Your local dealer or indy will install it, if you prefer not to.
With the tuner, yes it will. But for maximum effect, you really need to replace the header. Fuel Moto is the way to go, if you do this.
MPG seems to drop but not too much? Im currently at 43-46 in mixed driving but have never done a full highway test.
With a full stage 1, including header, I never get worse than 40 mpg. I get around 44 mpg on the highway, riding in excess of the posted speed limit.
It doesnt look like an aftermarket tuner affects the warranty?
It has not affected mine.
Any recommendations for the air filter and tuner they all look good?
I went with the Harley one, but in retrospect, I would have probably left the stock air box alone; it flows more than adequate air for a stage 1 bike, and it is quieter for the rider.
If I cant access a laptop I assume the dealer would do the install, whether its HD or not?
My dealership will install anything they sell, even if you don't buy it there.
The Stage 1 graph in the HD catalog shows a small increase in HP/Torque - will I notice it?
Yes! It won't be monster gains, but I can definitely tell the difference on mine.
My advice - get the header and Power Vision from Fuel Moto. They'll pre-program a map for you based on your setup. You'll notice a difference in both heat and "giddyup". Your local dealer or indy will install it, if you prefer not to.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 251
Likes: 45
From: Tennessee
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Joined: Aug 2012
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 117
Likes: 17
From: PNW
15' UL. Stock AC, cvo slip on w/fullsac 1.75 baffles/mats and fp3.
*mileage is up from 35-37 to 40-42
* throttle response is improved all over buy most noticable down low
*Feels much cooler running according to my right lrigh
*mileage is up from 35-37 to 40-42
* throttle response is improved all over buy most noticable down low
*Feels much cooler running according to my right lrigh
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 647
From: Saint Charles, Missouri
You didn't say what year your bike is, but the 2017 and later bikes have restrictions on what you can do and maintain your warranty, so you might want to be careful of what you are doing.