switchback tune
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
No you don't. All the Harleys since 2007 when the Delphi fuel injection system was introduced can cope with stage-1 hardware without a retune.
The air fuel ratios won't be the very best for power but they will be the same as stock, which the engine is designed to run with. You will get most of the performance benefits of a tuned stage-1 but it will run hotter than a bike done 'properly'.
Most of the advice you will get contrary to this is based on pre-2007 (pre-O2 sensor) experience when the bikes couldn't cope with new pipes and air cleaner and would run lean enough to damage the engine.
The air fuel ratios won't be the very best for power but they will be the same as stock, which the engine is designed to run with. You will get most of the performance benefits of a tuned stage-1 but it will run hotter than a bike done 'properly'.
Most of the advice you will get contrary to this is based on pre-2007 (pre-O2 sensor) experience when the bikes couldn't cope with new pipes and air cleaner and would run lean enough to damage the engine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
No you don't need a tune. Its just a good idea.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
No you don't. All the Harleys since 2007 when the Delphi fuel injection system was introduced can cope with stage-1 hardware without a retune.
The air fuel ratios won't be the very best for power but they will be the same as stock, which the engine is designed to run with. You will get most of the performance benefits of a tuned stage-1 but it will run hotter than a bike done 'properly'.
Most of the advice you will get contrary to this is based on pre-2007 (pre-O2 sensor) experience when the bikes couldn't cope with new pipes and air cleaner and would run lean enough to damage the engine.
The air fuel ratios won't be the very best for power but they will be the same as stock, which the engine is designed to run with. You will get most of the performance benefits of a tuned stage-1 but it will run hotter than a bike done 'properly'.
Most of the advice you will get contrary to this is based on pre-2007 (pre-O2 sensor) experience when the bikes couldn't cope with new pipes and air cleaner and would run lean enough to damage the engine.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
There has been this discussion several times here. It comes down to those relying on seat-of-their-pants or out-of-date wisdom as opposed to those who have tested it, like American Iron mag (and me). I can't be arsed to go over it all again.
Do what makes you happy.
Do what makes you happy.
Last edited by Foxster; Mar 23, 2013 at 06:58 AM.