2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Basic Lowrider ST questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 20, 2023 | 09:38 AM
  #1  
Redlegvzv's Avatar
Redlegvzv
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Default Basic Lowrider ST questions

I have heard conflicting information about the Lowrider ST (2023). I was hoping to get some questions answered.
1. According to some, the LRST already effectively has a Stage 1 insofar that the stock pipes are as good as slip-ons, you already have the heavy air breather. Comments? I personally really like the look of the stock pipes and if I change them it will not be for looks.
2. Some commentators have said that the LRST already has the Torque Cam. Surely not? If so, what would a Stage 2 do?

I have ordered an engine guard for the bike. It was not in stock, so I'm having to wait, which makes me nervous; don't ever want to drop a bike without a protective engine guard. Denting that fairing would ruin my whole day. Granted, I've only dropped a couple of times in over 50,000 miles of riding, but still ... So my question is, how good a job do the guards do for protecting the bike in the event of a drop? Noob question, I know.
 
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2023 | 09:48 AM
  #2  
M Oclaf's Avatar
M Oclaf
Grand HDF Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Default

It’s a well known fact all M8’s come what was stage 1 for twinkies.

changing out muffs or air cleaner is purely aesthetic or individual preference for aftermarket.

a tuner will help in regards to where you are geographically. But it’s not necessary.

but there will be claims of what I have typed as bull, but I am posting what I have learned.

Plenty of data if folks want to learn too.
 
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2023 | 10:39 PM
  #3  
SFC Old Grey's Avatar
SFC Old Grey
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 73
Likes: 27
From: Washington
Default

The air cleaner is a "stage 1". The exhaust isn't unless this is an ST thing. Until the exhaust is replaced, the air filter isn't really doing anything because airflow isn't actually increased through the engine.

As far as a torque cam (SE447), I don't know. Wouldn't that be nice.
 
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2023 | 08:26 AM
  #4  
snake_eyes's Avatar
snake_eyes
Stellar HDF Member
5 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 1,932
From: Unreconstructed
Default

Originally Posted by SFC Old Grey
The air cleaner is a "stage 1". The exhaust isn't unless this is an ST thing. Until the exhaust is replaced, the air filter isn't really doing anything because airflow isn't actually increased through the engine.

As far as a torque cam (SE447), I don't know. Wouldn't that be nice.
Yup, exactly right. The exhaust is your run of the mill EPA compliant; catalyst stuffed bull **** and it makes the bike sound like a Singer sewing machine since the valve noise from all those valves is louder than the exhaust. I've heard it gets Tesla owners hot and bothered though.
 

Last edited by snake_eyes; Jun 21, 2023 at 08:37 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2023 | 08:49 AM
  #5  
Gimlet's Avatar
Gimlet
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 2,753
From: England
Default

Stock air cleaner is restrictive, but as above, there's no point changing it without switching the exhaust. I intend to go with a Jackpot Riot 2:1 and a SE Ventilator Extreme intake.
Stock cam is hotter than other M8 factory fits, but it's still pretty luke warm. Much better alternatives out there. I'm planning on a Cyclerama CR480.
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2023 | 05:28 AM
  #6  
stormin08's Avatar
stormin08
Road Master
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 802
Likes: 396
From: Missouri
Default

correct, the cam is not the stage 2 TQ cam. just general nature the cu in adds torque. the CVO bikes with a 177 have a slightly larger cam (all as stated by a master tech who has measured, wont state the numbers...also builds and rides high end drag bikes, so i trust his word) if time allows, i will measure lift when i pull my cam. i plan to install my stock 117 cam into a 107 glide standard.
the intake is healthy enough to support the vast DROP IN CAMS available. going bigger inch warrants more air in flow, but your is more than adequate.

remember, most dyno session are only marginally close to 90% of what street riding air flow will really be, at speed the 90* horn becomes some what of a ram intake and should help the cause. the EX ventilator surpasses on dynos as it draws straight into the throttle body.

 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2023 | 07:50 AM
  #7  
stratplexi's Avatar
stratplexi
Grand HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,208
From: Ohio
Default

M8s do not come with a complete Stage 1 and are not equivalent to what was a Stage 1 Twin Cam. A real Stage 1 is not compliant to EPA standards. By definition that is what it is…pipes, air cleaner and tune. I know Harley was sued by the EPA and has changed the definition to Stage 1 as compliant to EPA standards but I don’t buy the marketing BS. EPA standards are more strict than ever so getting a good set of non EPA slipons and a real tuner (not the joke Harley sells called Street Tuner) will complete the Stage 1 and let the bike breathe while picking up more power. The bike will be more responsive and run cooler too.
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2023 | 07:54 AM
  #8  
stratplexi's Avatar
stratplexi
Grand HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,208
From: Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by M Oclaf
It’s a well known fact all M8’s come what was stage 1 for twinkies.

changing out muffs or air cleaner is purely aesthetic or individual preference for aftermarket.

a tuner will help in regards to where you are geographically. But it’s not necessary.

but there will be claims of what I have typed as bull, but I am posting what I have learned.

Plenty of data if folks want to learn too.
just not true…your listening to Harley corporate marketing. A real Stage 1 is non EPA compliant. Harley was sued by the EPA and had to change the definition to sell an EPA compliant Stage 1 with an EPA compliant street tuner for the M8. This is not what a Twin Cam Stage 1 was and is not equivalent. I know because I have owned several Race Tuners and know what they will do and the Stage 1 tunes Harley provided with the Race Tuner were not EPA compliant. Otherwise, they wouldnt have been sued and wouldn’t have paid millions in fines.

A real non-EPA Stage 1 will add power to an M8 just like it did with the Twin Cam. Everyone knows they are choked down…
 

Last edited by stratplexi; Jun 22, 2023 at 07:58 AM.
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 22, 2023 | 08:14 AM
  #9  
GOV5's Avatar
GOV5
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Default

Originally Posted by Redlegvzv
I have heard conflicting information about the Lowrider ST (2023). I was hoping to get some questions answered.
1. According to some, the LRST already effectively has a Stage 1 insofar that the stock pipes are as good as slip-ons, you already have the heavy air breather. Comments? I personally really like the look of the stock pipes and if I change them it will not be for looks.
2. Some commentators have said that the LRST already has the Torque Cam. Surely not? If so, what would a Stage 2 do?

I have ordered an engine guard for the bike. It was not in stock, so I'm having to wait, which makes me nervous; don't ever want to drop a bike without a protective engine guard. Denting that fairing would ruin my whole day. Granted, I've only dropped a couple of times in over 50,000 miles of riding, but still ... So my question is, how good a job do the guards do for protecting the bike in the event of a drop? Noob question, I know.
Well I can see from the posts made here(per usual) that you have gotten completely opposite answers to your questions. Therefore, you are back at SQUARE 1, not STAGE 1. (sorry couldn't help it).

I would go to one of the Harley shops around your area and ask to speak with the Service Manager. Surely him or one of his "seasoned" techs would be able to answer your questions.
Now the question is, do you have any dealers there that you trust? There are some real good dealers in the Harley Network.
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2023 | 11:56 AM
  #10  
Midknight77's Avatar
Midknight77
Advanced
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 58
Likes: 21
From: New Jersey
Default

If you like the look of the stock pipes, I run TAB performance slip-ons on my LRS. I have the zombie baffles which are significantly louder than stock. The mufflers use the stock heat shields but have a nice black tip. You can also get different baffles to suit your need.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:57 PM.

story-0
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-8
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE