Pros and cons of stage 1?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 15, 2005 | 01:49 AM

skyking

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 448

Likes: 0

From:

Pros and cons of stage 1?

I've put a couple of hundred miles on my RK classic. The bike is completely stock. I have been considering doing the stage 1 download, adding screaming eagle slip-ons and a different air filter. But, on the other hand, I haven't noticed the bike to be lacking power. While the stock exhaust is not exactly loud, its not quiet either, especially compared to my previous ride, (2002 BMW R1150RT). So, my question is, will I see drastic improvements by making these modifications? Are there any downsides to doing them, such as backfiring on deceleration?

Thanks,
Rick

Feb 15, 2005 | 02:09 AM

Blue SOG

Road Warrior

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 1,741

Likes: 1

From: South Jersey

RE: Pros and cons of stage 1?

Pros - more horses, better sound
Con - $$$

Feb 15, 2005 | 02:10 AM

Lovetoride

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 3,685

Likes: 10

From:

RE: Pros and cons of stage 1?

I did the stage 1 on my 05 Heritage. I think it was well worth the $ I spent...

Ryan

Feb 15, 2005 | 02:17 AM

Pelonz

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 2,669

Likes: 3

From: SoCal - 661

RE: Pros and cons of stage 1?

You cant set off alarms with a stock exhaust

Feb 15, 2005 | 10:31 AM

pilot1996

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 8,978

Likes: 34

From: Cedar Point, NC

RE: Pros and cons of stage 1?

Definite improvement in the SOP feel. It'll sound better, and you can taylor your sound by picking the pipes you like. Well worth it IMHO.

Mac

Feb 15, 2005 | 11:40 AM

ebaswell

Advanced

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 64

Likes: 0

From: Candler, NC to Navarre, FL

RE: Pros and cons of stage 1?

Love my Stage 1 upgrade. I even like how you lose the back of the air cleaner. I've ridden over 400 miles since my Stage 1 upgrade, and I haven't seen any oil blowback yet, either.

Feb 15, 2005 | 12:19 PM

billnourse

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 7,934

Likes: 43

From: Bloomfield, NM

RE: Pros and cons of stage 1?

Stage 1 will give you a little more power and torque, which is a plus. You will definately get better sound, with more volume.

As far as popping or backfiring, I have not experienced this at all, either on my FI model, or the wife's carb. model.

Regards,

Bill

Trending Topics

The Sportster is coming back, air cooled.

238

9.5k
Handlebar Grip Temperature unbearable on a 2026 Street Glide Limited

38

1.1k
New place for useless information

48

1.6k
1991 Electra Glide Evo smoking at idle

26

503
Oilcap-dipstick is stuck

22

460

Feb 15, 2005 | 12:53 PM

Triple Z

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 162

Likes: 1

From:

RE: Pros and cons of stage 1?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: skyking

..... While the stock exhaust is not exactly loud, its not quiet either, especially compared to my previous ride, (2002 BMW R1150RT).

The BMW's are probably the quietest bikes made!
And that's not a bad thing. The loud pipes thing has just about taken it's course. Motorcycles are getting banned from many urban areas because of excessive noise complaints.
Don't feel you have to go the loud route on your ride, just 'cause everyone else says so.

If you keep your pipes stock, but do a S-E air cleaner kit and a download, you'll probably add 3-4 hp and a bit more throttle response.