When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The best way to go is the full Stage 1, but I am sue there are a lot of 2007 owner's that have just changed the exhaust. The 2007 air/fuel ratio is set fairly lean from the factory, to meet EPA requirements. When you open the exhaust flow up more, it will get even leaner.
Out of curiosity, I will start a poll in the "General Section" to see how many members have just changed their exhausts on the 2007/2008 bikes.
The members of this forum are a lot more knowledgeable and are more apt to do the Stage 1, then owner's that don't communicate on these type of forums. The percentage that do the Stage 1 will be a lot higher, because of that.
Tom
I put some Rush slip on 1.75s on my 07 FXSTC without making any other modifications. The bike ran OK, but I could tell it was just a little off. I put the stock mufflers back on and it ran fine again. I am sure a better exhaust and intake with Stage 1 is superior.
My experience is that you can "get by" with making a small change in the exhaust without doing other modifications, but doing it the right way will be far superior.
Actually the Rush product you installed is a good product and helps the engine breathe. However if, as you suggest, you change the intake you then will notice a real difference. Lots of air in and gases out with the right amount of pressure. Yes, you should change the fuel mgmt system to get her running great and capture the benefits of your changes.....and keep her from running too hot/lean. It is expensive to have the dealer do all of that for you but it is nothing you can't accomplish on your own with a svc. manual. I spread the cost over a few months and have had no regrets.Eventually got all the parts and then had an enjoyable weekend installing it all. I have even put the stock mufflers back on a couple of times and then I could really hear the intake working under acceleration....drawing air like an old 4 barrel..loved that sound as a kid...hell still do....
Like they all said, you can put on new exhust without anything else, but you should go all the way. I put the duals on my Deluxe, a K&N high flow and a V&H Fuel Pak and I love it. Shop around to find the best prices with the Air Cleaner and Fuel Pak.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.