Performance mods - newby questions
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Colorado
Performance mods - newby questions
Hi all,
I'm new here and and about to pull the trigger on a Super Glide. I've been riding for 12 years, but this will be the first HD. I've tried searching the forums for info, but I'm still a bit confused about the options I have for performance mods. A few specific questions:
Does "Stage 1 upgrade" refer to intake, exhaust and remap - all as one thing?
If I get new pipes, do I need to (or should I) get a new intake and/or a remap?
Does a stage 1 upgrade and a PCIII go together? Or is one fine without the other?
Is it better to "roll your own" upgrade and get pipes, intake and remap/chip/device separately (as in non-HD)?
I'd love to get a 2 into 1 pipe, and HD doesn't seem to offer one, so maybe that influences the answer to the above question?
And, slightly different topic... handlebars. I'm not sure I'm so crazy about the stock Super Glide bars having such a bend to them (which turns the palms more inward, as opposed to downward). Do the low-rider bars fit the SG clamps? If I wanted to get some sort of drag-style bars, are there upgrades I can do as far as the speedo?
Thanks!!
Greg
I'm new here and and about to pull the trigger on a Super Glide. I've been riding for 12 years, but this will be the first HD. I've tried searching the forums for info, but I'm still a bit confused about the options I have for performance mods. A few specific questions:
Does "Stage 1 upgrade" refer to intake, exhaust and remap - all as one thing?
If I get new pipes, do I need to (or should I) get a new intake and/or a remap?
Does a stage 1 upgrade and a PCIII go together? Or is one fine without the other?
Is it better to "roll your own" upgrade and get pipes, intake and remap/chip/device separately (as in non-HD)?
I'd love to get a 2 into 1 pipe, and HD doesn't seem to offer one, so maybe that influences the answer to the above question?
And, slightly different topic... handlebars. I'm not sure I'm so crazy about the stock Super Glide bars having such a bend to them (which turns the palms more inward, as opposed to downward). Do the low-rider bars fit the SG clamps? If I wanted to get some sort of drag-style bars, are there upgrades I can do as far as the speedo?
Thanks!!
Greg
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
RE: Performance mods - newby questions
GregX999, congrats on the new scoot - see responses below:
Hi all,
I'm new here and and about to pull the trigger on a Super Glide. I've been riding for 12 years, but this will be the first HD. I've tried searching the forums for info, but I'm still a bit confused about the options I have for performance mods. A few specific questions:
Does "Stage 1 upgrade" refer to intake, exhaust and remap - all as one thing?
It's a term typically used to describe a higher flow air cleaner (not filter, cleaner), higher flowing pipes or mufflers, and some sort of EFI calibration to compensate for the higher flowing components (I won't get into or start another argument about what to use for that)
If I get new pipes, do I need to (or should I) get a new intake and/or a remap?
If you get new mufflers, most of the time, no you do not need anything else. Only the most open of slipon mufflers potentially cause a leaner condition that may contribute to popping, etc.
Does a stage 1 upgrade and a PCIII go together? Or is one fine without the other?
If you choose a PCIII, it would be part of your stage 1 and only needed for at least a stage 1 (see EFI calibration above).
Is it better to "roll your own" upgrade and get pipes, intake and remap/chip/device separately (as in non-HD)?
In my opinion, yes, for many reasons. For one, you may get better quality in the aftermarket and very possibly get it at a lesser price. You can still buy those aftermarket brands and even get them installed by your dealership if you choose. Many of us have just learned to look elsewhere and even do our own work. Saves a lot of money and creates a lot more pride in the bike when you do it yourself. For pipes, specifically, you aren't going to get the potential performance and/or sound you'll find elsewhere because of EPA regulations and the pressure HD is under to stay within them. Even your dealer will most likely fess up to that fact. Best thing to do is spend some time on this forum reading about stage 1 components and pipes and tuners, etc. and form your own opinion and go from there.
I'd love to get a 2 into 1 pipe, and HD doesn't seem to offer one, so maybe that influences the answer to the above question?
Yep, see above answer. There are several manufacturers that mainly do pipes and mufflers and do them well. Several make very good 2 into 1 pipes. Again, you can look around here and get some suggestions and make your own decision.
And, slightly different topic... handlebars. I'm not sure I'm so crazy about the stock Super Glide bars having such a bend to them (which turns the palms more inward, as opposed to downward). Do the low-rider bars fit the SG clamps? If I wanted to get some sort of drag-style bars, are there upgrades I can do as far as the speedo?
Can't help as much with this one other than to say yes there are options available for your bike to change out the bars.
Good luck
Thanks!!
Greg
Hi all,
I'm new here and and about to pull the trigger on a Super Glide. I've been riding for 12 years, but this will be the first HD. I've tried searching the forums for info, but I'm still a bit confused about the options I have for performance mods. A few specific questions:
Does "Stage 1 upgrade" refer to intake, exhaust and remap - all as one thing?
It's a term typically used to describe a higher flow air cleaner (not filter, cleaner), higher flowing pipes or mufflers, and some sort of EFI calibration to compensate for the higher flowing components (I won't get into or start another argument about what to use for that)
If I get new pipes, do I need to (or should I) get a new intake and/or a remap?
If you get new mufflers, most of the time, no you do not need anything else. Only the most open of slipon mufflers potentially cause a leaner condition that may contribute to popping, etc.
Does a stage 1 upgrade and a PCIII go together? Or is one fine without the other?
If you choose a PCIII, it would be part of your stage 1 and only needed for at least a stage 1 (see EFI calibration above).
Is it better to "roll your own" upgrade and get pipes, intake and remap/chip/device separately (as in non-HD)?
In my opinion, yes, for many reasons. For one, you may get better quality in the aftermarket and very possibly get it at a lesser price. You can still buy those aftermarket brands and even get them installed by your dealership if you choose. Many of us have just learned to look elsewhere and even do our own work. Saves a lot of money and creates a lot more pride in the bike when you do it yourself. For pipes, specifically, you aren't going to get the potential performance and/or sound you'll find elsewhere because of EPA regulations and the pressure HD is under to stay within them. Even your dealer will most likely fess up to that fact. Best thing to do is spend some time on this forum reading about stage 1 components and pipes and tuners, etc. and form your own opinion and go from there.
I'd love to get a 2 into 1 pipe, and HD doesn't seem to offer one, so maybe that influences the answer to the above question?
Yep, see above answer. There are several manufacturers that mainly do pipes and mufflers and do them well. Several make very good 2 into 1 pipes. Again, you can look around here and get some suggestions and make your own decision.
And, slightly different topic... handlebars. I'm not sure I'm so crazy about the stock Super Glide bars having such a bend to them (which turns the palms more inward, as opposed to downward). Do the low-rider bars fit the SG clamps? If I wanted to get some sort of drag-style bars, are there upgrades I can do as far as the speedo?
Can't help as much with this one other than to say yes there are options available for your bike to change out the bars.
Good luck
Thanks!!
Greg
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 3
From: Southwest Florida
RE: Performance mods - newby questions
Here is my wife's superglide. Drag bars with pullback risers , Vance and Hines Short Shot Staggered, Kuryakin Widow Collection , HD Sundowner Seat with fender bib.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Colorado
RE: Performance mods - newby questions
Thanks for the info!
I like your wife's bike SW. The bars are much nicer than stock!
One thing I forgot to ask. If I get IEDs, would I install them before or after I got the other mods or downloads or whatever? Are they something a dealer frowns upon or should they be there if a dealer needs to download a new map or do some sort of adjustment?
As you can tell, this is all very new to me!
Greg
I like your wife's bike SW. The bars are much nicer than stock!
One thing I forgot to ask. If I get IEDs, would I install them before or after I got the other mods or downloads or whatever? Are they something a dealer frowns upon or should they be there if a dealer needs to download a new map or do some sort of adjustment?
As you can tell, this is all very new to me!
Greg
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