I’ve read through a bunch of threads and looked at some videos, but wanted to ask here as well.

I have a ‘18 Heritage 114 that I really like. I’m formerly mainly a bmw and sport bike guy.

I am trying to figure out which Stage to go with. The dollars increase pretty dramatically!

I am going to stay Harley parts for two reasons. One, I don’t want to mess with my warranty and two, I prefer an exhaust that isn’t really loud, since I live in a very quiet 55+ neighborhood and I ride to work at 630 am.

My riding style is not stop light to stoplight. Back roads here in central Florida or interstates. Roll-ons are where it’s at, but I won’t be cruising at 90, either.

Stage IV is what I’ve been toying with with a power cam and the kit is $2595 plus tuner, exhaust and labor. A stage III drops a grand in parts and a Stage II is comparatively almost free.

Anyway, I’ve gone on long enough. I can swing the bucks, if it’s worth it.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Just my opinion. But by far the best bang for the buck is StageII. I would not even consider a StageIII or IV until there is a resolution to the sumping issue some people are experiencing. The issue is far more common in the StageIII and Stage IV kitted bikes. I have yet to read of anyone disappointed in a StageII. You could start there and see if it suits you.

 

I went Stage II on mine, for a number of reasons.

1) there just wasn't any gain shown on the Harley charts for a 114 bike with Stage III, as compared to the Stage II Power cam. Too close to call.
2) The sumping issue. It appears to affect Stage III and Stage IV more than the others.
3) It was a lot of bang for the buck. I got the S&S Grand National slip-ons, the torque cam, the Pro Street Tuner, and got it all installed, for right about $1500. 100hp/120tq feels really strong in a bike that's this light. (well, light for a Harley; it's still 675 pounds).

Now, as to options:
If you think you may go Stage III or IV, then Stage II is a waste. Both III and IV replace the cam anyway, and the cost to buy and install the cam was about $1000. So if you know you're going to III or IV, then don't bother with Stage II.

For the rest of this post, I'm relying on the horsepower and torque curves as printed in the Harley Davidson 2018 Parts & Accessories catalog.

Stage II comes in a Power cam and a Torque cam. The difference is really where in the RPM range you drive. If you generally stay below 4000 RPMs, the torque cam is great -- it offers the most torque of any of the Harley Stage kits (including III and IV), and better horsepower up high than stock; it results in 60-80 roll-on times about 14% faster than a stock 114 bike. On the other hand, if you want to drive high in the rev range and want the most horsepower up there, the Power cam is the better deal. The Power cam gives you a little more torque than a stock bike below 3000 rpms; at any RPM range below 3800 RPMs the torque cam gives more torque than the HP cam but after 3800 rpms the power cam wins - more torque and more HP. In terms of net peak HP, the power cam gives you about 10hp more than the torque cam.

Stage III on a 114 bike gives you 50cc more displacement and a torque and power curve that's nearly identical to the Stage II Power cam. The Stage II Power cam actually shows a couple more HP and a couple more ft/lbs than the Stage III, when installed on a 114 engine. When installed on a 107 engine, the Stage III is much better than either Stage II kit.

Stage IV is all about the HP. It loses torque compared to a stock bike below 3500 RPMs, and doesn't catch up to a Stage II or III until about 4400 rpms. But after that, Stage IV is the boss, it's way stronger and way more HP from about 5000 RPMs up to the redline.

So my summation would be:

Any Stage II or III kit will blow away the stock bike starting as low as 2500 RPM.
For Stage IV, it's weaker than a stock 114 bike until the revs climb above 3500, and weaker than the Stage II or III until revs climb above about 4300 RPM.
For roll-on power in the 2000-3500 RPM range (where I spend probably 95% of my driving time), the Torque cam in Stage II is all you need or want. Above 3500 RPM it's still a big improvement over stock (and I mean big; it's 25% more peak horsepower than stock @ 5500 rpm) but it's not nearly as big an improvement at 3500+ as the other kits.

For a general overall power boost and great top-end power, the Stage II Power cam looks like a great deal. It's not as strong as the torque cam up to 3800 RPMs, but it's still notably stronger than the stock bike. And after 3800 RPMs it's notably stronger than the Torque cam. If you occasionally drive it like a sport bike, but still want some improved roll-on power, the Stage II power cam might be the ticket for you. Or the Stage III if you want those extra 50cc. The Stage III uses a different cam than the Stage II, but the overall power and torque curves are very very similar in the Harley charts for a 114. Note: Stage III kicks Stage II Power's *** if you're talking about a 107 engine. It's just on the 114 that it doesn't show any substantial difference over Stage II Power on the charts.

Finally, if you want to ride it like a sportbike and have the best 0-60 and 1/4-mile times, Stage IV provides a big power boost. It doesn't catch up to a stock 114 until 3500 RPM, and it doesn't surpass the other Stage kits until about 4500, but after 4500 it's the hottest of the hot rod kits Harley offers.

Stage II torque cam: 100 HP @ 5500 RPM, 120 ft/lbs @ 3500 RPM
Stage II hp cam: 109 hp @ 5500 rpm, 118 ft/lbs @ 3500 rpm
Stage III: 109 HP @ 6000 rpm, 117 ft/lbs @ 3500 rpm
Stage IV: 122 hp @ 6100 rpm, 115 ft/lbs @ 5000 rpm

 

I did Stage II. Very happy with it. Noticeable from stock but, stock is a very strong platform to begin with. I did the torque cam and "other" than stock exhaust with the street pro tuner. I ended up with 105hp and 120 torque.

Just my opinion but, I don't see any need for more. It is a "Torque Monster".

Wish I could post my finale Dyno run but, it is a PDF file and I can't figure out how to post it. LOL

 

Great detailed info above. I'm just another 114 Heritage Stage 2 torque cam satisfied owner. Stage 4 is the wrong profile for how I enjoy my Heritage...we have a 1200 Monster and BMW R9T in the garage also. Stage 3 was tempting, but honestly the stage 2 Torque cam puts a perfect smile on my face.

 

'18 Heritage 114 here also. The Torque cam is perfect for this bike. The stock exhausts work perfectly with this combo. That is exactly the way mine is.


BTW, I have been a BMW rider for years, far too many to count, R90S, R100S, R1200ST, R1200S, K1600GT, still have a R1200GS and soon adding a 310GS to the collection. The '18 Heritage Classic Softail is Harleys Sport Touring motorcycle. This new Heritage is rapidly turning into one of my most favorite motorcycles.

 

So would a Stage 2 on an otherwise stock 107 be the stage 1 mods plus a cam?

 

Yes. That covers it.

 

I really appreciate these thoughtful responses. Great information and real life experiences.

I think I will be revising my plan!

 

Good decision. You will retain the full warranty.