Is factory Stage 1 worthy?
 

I like my XL1200T and would like to add a bit more performance. It is only 1 year old, so 1 more year it stays on H-D warranty. Passed 2nd service recently.

I can see in Harley factory parts catalogue the Stage 1 chart. Curves show a little gain on low RPMs, and more on higher RPMs.
Many aftermarket stuff I have seen give more power and torque on higher RPM, but even drops down below stock values on lows.
I used to ride on low RPMs around 2400-3200, therefore factory Stage can be good for me.

On other side: Limited choice of parts from H-D for Stage-1, especially pipes: only Street Cannons. Also, I like look of stock pipes.
For air filters things look good, many different options starting from high-flow filter in standard airbox, and up to big breathers.
Only one concern, are high-flow filters good enough to filter out fine sand dust of the desert? I have seen opinions that stock disposable filter is the best.

Another option for me is to wait one more year till warranty expires, and to find parts for better torque-focused build out of aftermarket. In general, I don't worry about top speed, I like acceleration more.

I asked two dealership for quote (Street Cannons + SE air filter + installation + tune) and waiting for their response now.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...d4d9c1edbe.png

For me the answer is Yes. :icon_twocents:

Oh, I should have posted this in Sportster branch.

Did stage one on my Ultra Limited, got to say I love the difference.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...053a77af9.jpeg

Get a Power Commander from FuelMoto and maybe some mufflers. In a desert environment, I'd stick with a paper air filter. If you do install a gauze filter, remove it after a couple of thousand miles and rub your finger tip in the intake horn of the throttle body. If it comes out dirty or gritty, the air filter isn't doing its job.

Ditto on fuel moto!

I Bought and A few years later sold an ultra that other than replacing the slip ons and adding some chrome was pretty stock. I then bought a SGS that the previous owner had done a stage 1 to, de-catted, put v&h power duals on and a bunch of cosmetics too. I can’t provide any specs or technical info to back it up but the bike feels much more aggressive and sounds AMAZING. I’ll admit it could all be in my head and I never got to try them side by side but there’s no comparison in my mind. Hopefully I don’t get trashed by the experts on the subject lol. Either way I’d go for it!

Got quotation from local dealership. Converted prices to USD for convenience and rounded to integers.

Installation job — $198
VH66005 — 9B FUEL PACK FP3 — $516
29782-07 — Air cleaner Screaming Eagle kit. — $278
64900208A — muffler kit Street Cannons — $746
65900012 — muffler clamps 2x — $32
65100049 — Tapered End Cap kit — $216
heat shields not quoted
Sum: ~ $1986

Well, as expected, that looks like ripoff compared to US Harley prices. Only work price looks fair.

Holy shit, where are you? Muffler clamps are something like $6.00 USD at my dealership.

Aside from the end cap kit (which I have no idea about), everything else is like $100 or more than it is here. For the FP3, buy it from Revzilla: it’s $399.99 USD on there.

While I generally believe that nothing from the factory is "worth it" but a Stage 1 will help.

I agree with the thinking that a free flowing air filter of the same size as stock will allow more contaminants. A filter witht he same porosity but larger in size would get more air and still help you in the desert environment. Unfortunately it's not easy or practical to go much bigger on a motorcycle.

+1 on Fuel Moto.

Either wait a year or, if nothing serious had gone wrong with the engine thus far then go for it and do an aftermarket Stage 1 if you are in a hurry. A Factorry Stage 1 will be recognizable but the aftermarket offers more ... probably for le$$.