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After researching the components I wanted to use in a Stage 1 Upgrade to my 2019 Low Rider, all of the components were in and installed this week. In the process of doing my research, I read several articles/posts that stated a Stage 1 isn't worth the money a M-8 engine. NOT SO.
Background: I fit the classic definition of a "cruiser"; most of my riding is in-town or on short road trips. My priorities are mostly related to handling that improves safety in low speed maneuvers and traffic. I also wanted to improve engine life over a factory set up and tune. No chance I will do a State 2.
Components: S&S Grand National Slip-on Mufflers, HD Stage 1 Ventilator High Flow Air cleaner, HD SE Pro Street Tuner, and a new "Stage 1" timer cover, and a dyno tune.
Assessments
1. S&S Grand National Slip-on Mufflers provide the ideal sound upgrade--for me. Nice deep rumble and enough increase in sound that I can be heard better in traffic but without irritating my neighbors--at least most of them. It definitly sounds more like a Harley.
2, HD State 1 High Flow Air Cleaner is well balance match with the S&S Grand National Slip-on Muffler. Looks good on bike and reduce reach to ground and rear brake peddle that OE air cleaner.
3. I bought the HD SE Street Tuner because I wanted to preserve my warranty.
4. Dealer had a special on a dyno tune that save me about 200. Well worth it versus just installing the base map.
Performance Changes
1. Biggest change is throttle response. The bike wants to get-up-and-go and practice is needed to adjust your "feel" for clutch-throttle fine-muscle control in low speed maneuvers and standing starts.
2. The bike feels more comfortable and responsive with shift points about 500 rpms higher than stock bike. I really like this feel because it provides a better sense of more torque at your disposal in in-town driving.
3. Sound is definitely different. I am having to "adjust my ears" or I find I am going faster than I think I am going.
4. On the highway, it definitely wants to run! To improve gas mileage, I shift into 6th gear at 70 mph before I set the cruise control.
5. Overall, it feels like a completely different bike.
6. I plan to keep this bike for a long time; so, the Stage 1 was worth the effort and money.
Advice
1. I waited until I had 2k miles on the bike. Dealer told me I was smart to wait. Minimum miles on bike for break-in is about 1k miles.
2. Installed my slip-on mufflers and new high-flow air cleaner. Dealer agreed to pick-up and deliver-back the bike free after I installed these components. Save about $200 dollars by doing these simple installs myself.
3. The dyno print-out showed that a dyno-tune provides better stats than a base map flash. I also like the peace of mind knowing that my bike is properly tuned. Between the dealer special on the dyno-tune, component discounts, self-installation of slip-on mufflers & A/C, I got the dyno-tune for less than a $100 more than a base map flash tune. Why go to the trouble of doing the Stage 1and not getting the max benefit for your money.
4. Be sure and balance your component.
Yes, but will have to wait. The dealer's printer was/is down, but they downloaded the graphs in a file and promised to print them as soon as the printer is fixed. If they don't get it running soon, I plan to ask them for an electronic file for me to download.
Yes, but will have to wait. The dealer's printer was/is down, but they downloaded the graphs in a file and promised to print them as soon as the printer is fixed. If they don't get it running soon, I plan to ask them for an electronic file for me to download.
Everyone knows a stage one allows it to breath better.
Full exhaust, tuner, back plate, and a dyno.
Those telling you it doesnt matter, well, look at their join date.
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; Nov 11, 2019 at 04:35 PM.
Stage 1 is much more relevant on a 107, than it is on a 114. Mainly due to the AC, as the 114 already includes the Ventilator.
Look at Harley's Dyno charts for the various options, they show a chart for the 107 Stage 1, but they don't even bother to show one for the 114.
So when folks say Stage 1 isn't relevant on an M8, they're likely referring to the 114.
Agreed. This is an important point I think. That said, regardless of power numbers unlike the lower grumble I got so I’d have done it anyway on my 114.
Stage 1 Upgrade Report
Stay Tuned.
