Is Stage 1 Really Necessary???
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, Iowa
Is Stage 1 Really Necessary???
Hey Everyone,
I just go a new 2013 Switchback a few weeks ago, but haven't been able to put up a lot of miles yet since winter refused to leave the Midwest until about a week ago, so I'm still getting accustomed to my new ride. I traded in my 2005 Sportster, on which I had the Stage 1 done and when I picked up my Switchback I had them put on D&D slipons before I picked up.
My question is do I really need to do the Stage 1 upgrade? I'm not after performance, just a nice ride and a well running bike. I've read about the lean issue and heat issues, and wonder if they harm the bike or are more of a nuisance?
I'm not very mechanical so I don't want to spend an arm and a leg of $1000 for a Stage 1, and I wouldn't want to screw anything up with the EFI. Any opinions on the cheapest way to get Stage 1 done by the dealer, I would go with the cheapest Screaming Eagle Air Cleaner, but I know nothing about tuners and what that would involve, so any advice would be great.
Like I said I'm not concerned with showing up any crotch rockets, I just want a ride sounding well running bike that will last me a long time, the Switchback is my wife's 50th birthday present to me and so I want us to be able to enjoy it for many years. Thanks for any help.
I just go a new 2013 Switchback a few weeks ago, but haven't been able to put up a lot of miles yet since winter refused to leave the Midwest until about a week ago, so I'm still getting accustomed to my new ride. I traded in my 2005 Sportster, on which I had the Stage 1 done and when I picked up my Switchback I had them put on D&D slipons before I picked up.
My question is do I really need to do the Stage 1 upgrade? I'm not after performance, just a nice ride and a well running bike. I've read about the lean issue and heat issues, and wonder if they harm the bike or are more of a nuisance?
I'm not very mechanical so I don't want to spend an arm and a leg of $1000 for a Stage 1, and I wouldn't want to screw anything up with the EFI. Any opinions on the cheapest way to get Stage 1 done by the dealer, I would go with the cheapest Screaming Eagle Air Cleaner, but I know nothing about tuners and what that would involve, so any advice would be great.
Like I said I'm not concerned with showing up any crotch rockets, I just want a ride sounding well running bike that will last me a long time, the Switchback is my wife's 50th birthday present to me and so I want us to be able to enjoy it for many years. Thanks for any help.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 56
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From: cornwall UK
Well I would say yes do it, my slim with remus slipons would pop and bang when you shut off from new ( still only just run it in) now with a HD bobber air filter and a do it yourself flash tune with the new power vision 2 she feels smoother and no popping and banging when you shut off , shame I did like the fireworks, you would have the cost of the tunner but I think well worth it not having to pay the dealer everytime you want to try a new flash tune or check for fault codes regards Phil
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,203
From: Oxford, Nc
Look at it this way: Stage I simply puts the motor closer to where the engineers designed it to run if the EPA hadn't gotten involved. It simply means a cooler more efficient running motor after it's done.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 46
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
Any ideas on how much it would run me for a good tuner and SE air cleaner installed? I would ask the dealer but I know once I go in there I'll get the hard sell. Any ideas on a reasonable good performing tuner to put on? Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 4
From: From Illinois; Currently Belgium
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, Iowa
I've read about the Xied's and they sound like they help, but I don't understand exactly what they do, like I said I'm not a very mechanical person, much more 20th century than 21st, lol, said I'd never own a computer or cell phone, guess I was wrong about that.
I don't understand how you just "plug in" these Xied's or tuners, do you hook them up to a computer? if so how? and if you hook them to a computer how much tinkering do you have to do? I would just be concerned about really screwing things up. I have people tell me something was easy before and had to go back and pay someone else to fix it, just my run of luck.
I don't understand how you just "plug in" these Xied's or tuners, do you hook them up to a computer? if so how? and if you hook them to a computer how much tinkering do you have to do? I would just be concerned about really screwing things up. I have people tell me something was easy before and had to go back and pay someone else to fix it, just my run of luck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 127
From: Chandler, Arizona
I ran a set of XIEDs with a V&H slip on and it ran good. Then I upgraded to a PowerVision with a fuel moto ac and it runs great.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
You already have the sound with the slip-ons.
You stated you're not mechanically inclined so you will have to pay someone to do it. Why bother if you're not after performance?
Your bike will give you many years of enjoyment the way it is.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 56
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From: cornwall UK
I was a bit worried about the new efi ecu gubbins, but its really easy , i can only refer to the power vision 2 as thats all i have used, all you do is plug it in to the correct socket (refer to your manual so you get the the right plug as some machines use the same ecu plug for ancilleries ect) it locks to your bike , it downloads the stock tune so you always have that to fall back on, you then choose from the menu the closest tune to your set up (or go to the web site for lots more options) then just flash the new tune across and off you go, you just follow the promps from the tunner it really is that simple
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Is a stage 1 necessary? No. Does it help the bike run better? Yes. I did a Screamin' Eagle stage 1 air cleaner (about $140) and the download from the dealer ($150 + $50 labor) and the bike has more torque and horsepower. My stock pipes are "burned in" after 18,000 miles so I left them and they sound good with more air blowing through them.
Forget about XIEDs. They don't do anything but cost you more in gas money. Read a part of this thread. The thread is about gutting cats, but has a discussion of XIED's that gives you both sides of the discussion about what they do and don't do. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/tourin...l-facts-3.html I suggest you read from post #26 on page 3 through the end of page 6 (post #60). I think you'll conclude, as I did, that they are a waste of money.
Forget about XIEDs. They don't do anything but cost you more in gas money. Read a part of this thread. The thread is about gutting cats, but has a discussion of XIED's that gives you both sides of the discussion about what they do and don't do. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/tourin...l-facts-3.html I suggest you read from post #26 on page 3 through the end of page 6 (post #60). I think you'll conclude, as I did, that they are a waste of money.