Dealer should include as part of your package. There's an SE plate they install, but never hurts to ask. Some guys will mod or cut the plate, but I'm going with the OEM part.

 

Thanks all! I rode just over 100 miles yesterday. No issues so far. Played with the suspension ****, and the handling changes are drastic. Need to figure out which is the one I like most. At work now, parked next to my colleague’s last year’s street bob.

 

Nice!! Looks badass.

 

Just checked yours out. Looks great! And yes, the 114 feels really strong and powerful..I'm taking it easy for the first 500 miles or so. Can't wait to let loose!

 

I’ll ask. 2018’s are new for them. Guys behind the counter said the air cleaner was fine the way it is and didn’t add any SE backplate on the order.

I need to get a service manual and then check it out for myself. Thanks.

 

It's likely physically enough flow with stock config, but for warranty sake I'm going by the book my dealer is using. I think we assume the 114 is high flow automatically because of the exposed filter element. I never thought they'd restrict the back plate, but I guess why put a high flow AC on a bike with stock pipes/map...plus why lose the upgrade $$ as a revenue stream. If they sold them with stage 1 included they could have raised MSRP more I think. Just my .02

Everything I've read about the Stage 2 you're adding is making me itchy to make the move....

But I'm also loving it stock so Stage 1 might cover me for now....

Damn decisions!

 

A stock/typical air filter assembly consists of a back plate and a front plate ...that forms a box ...with a hole in it. The perception is that the hole is not big enough to flow enough air.

One solution used to be to cut holes/chunks out the "backplate" ...hence the reference to modifying the backplate.

Look at the assembly on the M8 107 ...it is a closed box ...with a hole drawing in (hot!) air from between the two cylinders?!?

The M8 114 on the other hand is an open Stage 1 type of design ...maybe anyone that has tested it can tell us if the height of the filter element could do with being taller or if we are wasting our time bothering ...other than for looks and an empty wallet, that is.

...for example; if you do some reading, apparently the 2016/2017 air filters were supposed to show very little if any loss compared to a supposedly Stage 1 air filter.

PS: and Steve's testing didn't show much if any improvement between a stock and "stage 1" anyway

 

OP congrats on the new bike and I like the color! Is that pic taken close to Dugans?

 

Stage 1 has always been about "seat of the pants" improvement, better sound, and cooler motor, not so much looking for real numbers.

 

You know, usually I'm not in to white for a bike. But for the fat Bob, it looks really really good.