Stage 1 question
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 918
Likes: 3
From: England
Stage 1 question
I'm getting my new Fat Bob in January and I'm thinking of asking the dealer to fit a SE stage 1 kit. I don't know how much it will cost yet. I've looked at the graphs in the HD catalog and it looks like it flattens out the torque curve quite a lot.
These questions have probably been asked about a million times on this forum so I'm sorry if I'm boring people but I'd like some opinions before I part with the hard earned cash.
Is it worth doing? Will it make a difference?
These questions have probably been asked about a million times on this forum so I'm sorry if I'm boring people but I'd like some opinions before I part with the hard earned cash.
Is it worth doing? Will it make a difference?
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 883
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Stage 1 question
stage one kit usually means a higher inflow air cleaner, new pipes or mufflers for better exhast flow, and some type of download or program. when the bike cones from the factory it runs very lean due to pollution standards in some states. the stage one will improve performance.how much depends on the equipment you go with. ask the dealer what your options are. usually means s.e. air intake and s.e. slip ons or an exhast of your choice. there is a lot of info on this forum so you can do a search and really get ideas. good luck and congrats on your new bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 1
From: Backwoods of NH
RE: Stage 1 question
You won't really notice much of a difference if you don't do new exhaust (slip-ons or full) as well, but then you need to have a remap of your fuel injection computer so it won't run even leaner than stock. Or get a new fuel management system (SERT, PCIII, etc) and after 1000 miles get it dyno tuned for absolute best performance with whatever set-up you go with. Or you can just go in stages as money allows. At the very least, if you do the Stage 1 intake, I recommend you get the K&N rechargeable air filter at the same time - better than the paper SE filter IMO. Your dealer can make recommendations and lots of info here. If it was me, I think I'd leave it stock for now until you put some miles on it and see how you like it stock, plus it'll give you time to research a bit on pipes, fuel management, etc.
RE: Stage 1 question
I will have to agree with "Chipstah" - Leave is stock for at least to your 500 break-in &checkup. Also, it will give you time to look at all the different types of Exhausts systems out their.
Good luck....spach
Good luck....spach
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Stage 1 question
I'd leave it alone until after the 1000 mile service...Like Chip said, Good Advice.. You can live with the sound.. First 1000 miles goes quick if you ride, And you will 
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 734
Likes: 2
RE: Stage 1 question
Steve... another thing to consider.... if youadd the stage 1up front, most dealers willinclude the parts in your 2 yearfactory warranty. Do it later, and you only get thestandard warranty on the parts (I believe 90 days).
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
RE: Stage 1 question
Steve: The other guys are right - Don't mess with your airflow or fuel until after you have the first 1K on it, and the first service done by you, an indy shop, or (recommended) HD. If you have a dealer that has any kind of even a fair reputation, you'll have everything and anything taken care of, and the opportunity to switch to synthetic oil (also recommended to keep your motor running cooler than organic, AND will be better for running a Stage I later). They will dial in your bike's adjustments - clutch, brakes, throttle/idle, etc.
Once that's done, then do yourself a Stage I that will best suit what you want now and in the future. Do research here and magazines, and even Google. There are variables with different coninations of intakes and exhausts, fuel management systems alone will make your head spin, UNLESS you read up on them first. Some simply change the pulse width of the signal to fire the injectors longer, by tricking the ECU. Some replace the ECU altogether, some allow the adjustment of more operating parameters than others. If all you want is a bit more HP and torque, better sound, smooth throttle...a simple set up will work well - slip-ons, hi-flo a/c, simple fuel management device. If you may want to upgrade your engine later, then get a bit more control of operating parameters with a PCIII or SERT.
When in doubt, shout out....right on this forum. Lots of knowledge AND experience here
Once that's done, then do yourself a Stage I that will best suit what you want now and in the future. Do research here and magazines, and even Google. There are variables with different coninations of intakes and exhausts, fuel management systems alone will make your head spin, UNLESS you read up on them first. Some simply change the pulse width of the signal to fire the injectors longer, by tricking the ECU. Some replace the ECU altogether, some allow the adjustment of more operating parameters than others. If all you want is a bit more HP and torque, better sound, smooth throttle...a simple set up will work well - slip-ons, hi-flo a/c, simple fuel management device. If you may want to upgrade your engine later, then get a bit more control of operating parameters with a PCIII or SERT.
When in doubt, shout out....right on this forum. Lots of knowledge AND experience here
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island
RE: Stage 1 question
I've been going round and round with this 'do stage 1 right away or do it after xx miles" question and I think I've finally reached a conclusion:
Stage 1 (a/c, exhaust and a tuner) allows the engine to breath better, provides a better fuel/air mixture so it runs cooler and generally lets the engine perform the way it was meant to. So, with that in mind, why would I not want this done as soon as possible? Why run a hot, strangled engine for any miles at all?
I've decided to have the dealer install the SE a/c, SE slipons and SERT before I pick up my new RG.
Stage 1 (a/c, exhaust and a tuner) allows the engine to breath better, provides a better fuel/air mixture so it runs cooler and generally lets the engine perform the way it was meant to. So, with that in mind, why would I not want this done as soon as possible? Why run a hot, strangled engine for any miles at all?
I've decided to have the dealer install the SE a/c, SE slipons and SERT before I pick up my new RG.