Another Stage 1 question
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 368
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From: Prior Lake, MN
Another Stage 1 question
I have not made the purchase yet but I’m looking at a Road King Classic.
What are the thoughts of having the dealer do the stage 1 download to the ECM before I pick up the bike, but leave the bike stock? As I understand it the bikes come from the factory set up pretty lean to make the EPA happy. Well then wouldn’t the bike run cooler and probably last longer if I just had the stage 1 download done right away, or would this make the bike run to rich in stock form? I totally understand that the gas mileage would go down and that does not concern me. This would also allow me to change out the exhaust and air filter at a later date if so desired without having to go back to the dealer.
What are the thoughts of having the dealer do the stage 1 download to the ECM before I pick up the bike, but leave the bike stock? As I understand it the bikes come from the factory set up pretty lean to make the EPA happy. Well then wouldn’t the bike run cooler and probably last longer if I just had the stage 1 download done right away, or would this make the bike run to rich in stock form? I totally understand that the gas mileage would go down and that does not concern me. This would also allow me to change out the exhaust and air filter at a later date if so desired without having to go back to the dealer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 2
From: Central, NY
RE: Another Stage 1 question
The ECM download is to compensate for the very much increased air flow into the engine from the Stage 1 air cleaner assembly. I don't think it would be a very prudent idea to "roll the dice" and hope it also will make the bike either run better or last longer than the stock setup.
Here's my suggestion: Do the download, get the air cleaner and put SE2's on it.
Here's my suggestion: Do the download, get the air cleaner and put SE2's on it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,548
Likes: 4
From: Southern California
RE: Another Stage 1 question
I agree with JB. The download is exhaust system specific so if you were to do stage 1 with stock pipes you would have to pay again for remap once you switch to aftermarket pipes or slip-ons. If you will stay stock, exhaust-wise, then I guess you can go ahead although with the restrictiveness of the stock pipes any gains may be neglible.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
RE: Another Stage 1 question
Having gone thru some of the due diligence involved in the inital purchasing decisions, I tend to agree with my colleagues who have responded so far. Bottom line, is keep it stock and don't do the download until you do the pipes since the type of pipes you choose effect the ECM download. I am sure that you will make it sound like a Harley eventually and then the correct download can be done. Good luck with the new ride. RKC's are awesome bikes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
RE: Another Stage 1 question
I'm new to the Stage 1 thing myself, but what I have found out, I would leave it stock or do the whole stage 1 process before it left the dealer. I had the stage 1 with se2's and remap on my Springer and I didn't notice anything wrong with my mpg. In fact, I get around 50 mpg. If having the updates on a Harley cause the mpg to go down, I guess that I got lucky because it didn't hurt my bike a bit, it actually helped it in the performance end. Good luck on your choice.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
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From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: Another Stage 1 question
ORIGINAL: SPRINGER
I'm new to the Stage 1 thing myself, but what I have found out, I would leave it stock or do the whole stage 1 process before it left the dealer. I had the stage 1 with se2's and remap on my Springer and I didn't notice anything wrong with my mpg. In fact, I get around 50 mpg. If having the updates on a Harley cause the mpg to go down, I guess that I got lucky because it didn't hurt my bike a bit, it actually helped it in the performance end. Good luck on your choice.
I'm new to the Stage 1 thing myself, but what I have found out, I would leave it stock or do the whole stage 1 process before it left the dealer. I had the stage 1 with se2's and remap on my Springer and I didn't notice anything wrong with my mpg. In fact, I get around 50 mpg. If having the updates on a Harley cause the mpg to go down, I guess that I got lucky because it didn't hurt my bike a bit, it actually helped it in the performance end. Good luck on your choice.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
RE: Another Stage 1 question
I forgot one more thing, when the dealer talked to me about the Stage 1, he said that if I did it before it left the shop, that it would be covered under the warranty. I don't know why it might or might not later, but that's just what he said.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Prior Lake, MN
RE: Another Stage 1 question
Thanks for all the feed back guys. I’ll probably get the download, air cleaner and a set of SE2’s before it leaves the dealer. My GF made a deal with me several months ago that if I finished off the basement of our house I could have a Harley. I’ve got a ways to go yet but I’ll get there. Just trying to get my head around some of the things I’ll need and want when that day comes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
RE: Another Stage 1 question
ORIGINAL: Loch
Thanks for all the feed back guys. I’ll probably get the download, air cleaner and a set of SE2’s before it leaves the dealer. My GF made a deal with me several months ago that if I finished off the basement of our house I could have a Harley. I’ve got a ways to go yet but I’ll get there. Just trying to get my head around some of the things I’ll need and want when that day comes.
Thanks for all the feed back guys. I’ll probably get the download, air cleaner and a set of SE2’s before it leaves the dealer. My GF made a deal with me several months ago that if I finished off the basement of our house I could have a Harley. I’ve got a ways to go yet but I’ll get there. Just trying to get my head around some of the things I’ll need and want when that day comes.
I understand about "getting there" good luck on your journey, I had to wait awhile, but the wait was worth it. Yours will be too.