2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Stage one help

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Old Apr 8, 2020 | 04:02 PM
  #11  
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And BTW, I'm not trying to talk you out of doing the Stage 1. I have done it on every bike I've owned. I just wanted to set your expectations that it wasn't going to be a game changer...
 
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Old Apr 8, 2020 | 04:23 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by Mchad
And BTW, I'm not trying to talk you out of doing the Stage 1. I have done it on every bike I've owned. I just wanted to set your expectations that it wasn't going to be a game changer...
It’s not about the horse power for me on any level. That thing has enough horsepower. I can’t imagine with the tourque cam stage two I just can’t. I want it to run not twitchy and just smooth I know a lot of that has to do with throttle control but these things are powerful. I just can’t even imagine a stage two on this thing. I do want a little snotty sounding bike. But I want the motor to be running well. And I wanna be able to lope along and have it tuned perfectly.
 

Last edited by Super2k; Apr 8, 2020 at 04:54 PM. Reason: Typo
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Old Apr 8, 2020 | 04:53 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Mchad
And BTW, I'm not trying to talk you out of doing the Stage 1. I have done it on every bike I've owned. I just wanted to set your expectations that it wasn't going to be a game changer...
Do you find that the heavy breathers make a difference?
 
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Old Apr 8, 2020 | 07:05 PM
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I did stage 1 on my Fat Boy last year with the heavy breather and street cannons.

If anything it felt like it lost a little low end power and gained a little in the upper reaches of the powerband.

It is EPA compliant and isn't going to change how hot or cool your engine runs. It will just make sure it runs properly with the very mild flow increase offered by Harley's stage 1 parts.

If you want the bike to run better and have a dealer that won't mess with you regarding warranty, get power vision and a dyno tune. Your bike will run better(smoother, cooler, more power) and make a significant jump in HP.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2020 | 08:07 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by Chillis
I did stage 1 on my Fat Boy last year with the heavy breather and street cannons.

If anything it felt like it lost a little low end power and gained a little in the upper reaches of the powerband.

It is EPA compliant and isn't going to change how hot or cool your engine runs. It will just make sure it runs properly with the very mild flow increase offered by Harley's stage 1 parts.

If you want the bike to run better and have a dealer that won't mess with you regarding warranty, get power vision and a dyno tune. Your bike will run better(smoother, cooler, more power) and make a significant jump in HP.
Thats interesting and sort of seems odd. Seems like not even quite worth the time or money.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2020 | 02:34 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Super2k
Thats interesting and sort of seems odd. Seems like not even quite worth the time or money.
I found it to be a waste of money.

Although with the SE tuner you can adjust throttle progressivity. Not worth the investment.

Also, air filter tests have been done on this forum and the air filters don't add much power either. Kind of a let down.

You want power, switch the cam and Dyno tune with Power Vision.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2020 | 06:53 AM
  #17  
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Smile Your Thinking & Expectations Are Spot On

Your reasons for considering a Stage 1 Upgrade are the same as mine were. I had my Stage 1 Upgrade done at 1.5k miles and now have 3.6k miles on my 2019 Low Rider. I do not plan on performing a Stage 2 or higher upgrade; Stage 1 is all I need for my solo recreational mostly cruising needs.

RESULTS
1. Too early to tell and difficult to measure if any heat reduction has been achieved. But, common sense suggests that improved air flow and slightly more rich air-fuel mixture will help with heat.
2. Definitely notice an improvement in finer throttle response and torque, particularly during low speed maneuvers and starting from a stop.

SUGGESTIONS
1. I had the HD dealer do a Dyno tune instead of using the stock Pro Tuner map. Dyno chart showed about a 7% improvement in performance up through 4k rpm. Most dealers will give you a discount on the Dyno tune if performed in connection with a Stage 1 Upgrade. No decel popping. Well worth the investment to achieve maximum benefit from the Stage 1 Upgrade.
2. Installed the SE Phat spark plug wires and SE spark plugs, Good results.
3. I used the HD SE Stage 1 high flow air cleaner and SE Street Tuner. But, the HD SE slip on mufflers sound is disappointing. Several after market slip on mufflers are CA compliant and will not void your warranty. I used the S&S slip on mufflers (see photo) and like the functionality (easier access to check rear tire pressure and brake pads) of the shorter length and sound, but this is not your only after market option to retain warranty and CA compliance. Suggest you check with other owners who used various slip ons and listen to their bikes before making a final decision.

Good luck. Stage 1 Upgrade is worth the money and effort.


S&S Slip On CA compliant high flow slip on muffler.


Right side look after Stage 1 Upgrade.
 

Last edited by Las Vegas Jim; Apr 9, 2020 at 07:00 AM.
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Old Apr 9, 2020 | 07:21 AM
  #18  
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Thank you very much for that informative reply.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2020 | 09:50 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Las Vegas Jim
Your reasons for considering a Stage 1 Upgrade are the same as mine were. I had my Stage 1 Upgrade done at 1.5k miles and now have 3.6k miles on my 2019 Low Rider. I do not plan on performing a Stage 2 or higher upgrade; Stage 1 is all I need for my solo recreational mostly cruising needs.

RESULTS
1. Too early to tell and difficult to measure if any heat reduction has been achieved. But, common sense suggests that improved air flow and slightly more rich air-fuel mixture will help with heat.
2. Definitely notice an improvement in finer throttle response and torque, particularly during low speed maneuvers and starting from a stop.

SUGGESTIONS
1. I had the HD dealer do a Dyno tune instead of using the stock Pro Tuner map. Dyno chart showed about a 7% improvement in performance up through 4k rpm. Most dealers will give you a discount on the Dyno tune if performed in connection with a Stage 1 Upgrade. No decel popping. Well worth the investment to achieve maximum benefit from the Stage 1 Upgrade.
2. Installed the SE Phat spark plug wires and SE spark plugs, Good results.
3. I used the HD SE Stage 1 high flow air cleaner and SE Street Tuner. But, the HD SE slip on mufflers sound is disappointing. Several after market slip on mufflers are CA compliant and will not void your warranty. I used the S&S slip on mufflers (see photo) and like the functionality (easier access to check rear tire pressure and brake pads) of the shorter length and sound, but this is not your only after market option to retain warranty and CA compliance. Suggest you check with other owners who used various slip ons and listen to their bikes before making a final decision.

Good luck. Stage 1 Upgrade is worth the money and effort.

S&S Slip On CA compliant high flow slip on muffler.

Right side look after Stage 1 Upgrade.
Can you point us to these dyno charts showing 7% gains from a EPA compliant stage 1? I’ve never heard of that much.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2020 | 12:36 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Mchad
Can you point us to these dyno charts showing 7% gains from a EPA compliant stage 1? I’ve never heard of that much.
Sounds like the Harley quoted figures.

Also, the Screamin' Eagle tuner allows throttle response adjustment. You could take a stock bike and adjust the response to have more power down low per throttle turn.

You can make it feel like it has more power down low.

The Stage one on a dyno only shows small gains at the upper reaches of the powerband where most folks are not revving the bike to begin with.
 
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