I have a '08 Deluxe and still have the Factory Pipes. I am looking at making a change and have been told by the dealer "Yes you need the Commanders" and told by the local shops "No that's crap, they just want your money" Whats the Truth?

 

If you plan on changing out the A/C and exhaust, it's a good idea to get a Power Commander or Fuel Pak. Adjusting fuel management with one of these devices will fix a too lean bike, which is how they are shipped from the factory. Will also help keep the engine a tad cooler.

 

yes get some kind of fuel management it will even help a stock motor

 

I can only tell you that if you stick with 1.75 slipons you'll be good to go. Wife runs them on her 08 Deluxe. If you're looking at getting anything larger or a full system you're probably going to need one.

 

I recommend the Power Commander V. This is the results I got on my 2008 XL1200L Sportster with D&D slip ons, SE Air Intake, and the PCV with custom map from Fuel Moto.

73 HP
73 Ft/Lbs Torque

 

Wait a minute, what exactly is your question? You stated that you're relatively stock now, if you stay that way you don't need a fuel management system, and if you change pipes only you still don't need one, but if you change pipes and add a high-volume intake, then yes you do need a fuel management system. But what exactly is your question?

 

If you are going to change the pipes ans A/C you should get some kind of fule management system. If not your bike will run to lean and could cause damage to motor after a while. It will run to hot.I have sert on mine.

 

I have ran a power commander in the past and the issue I ran into was it compensated for some little engine issues until they became big ones! Also i had a wire inside of it short out and it left me stranded. Most of your factory style fuel management systems run in conjunction with your fuel systems. PC may have fix some of these issues but it just an experience I had. And I agree with the others that if you change both A/C and pipes you should do some type of FM system. Some slip-ons you can get away with not doing the A/C and mapping. But it will get you the best performance/ throttle response/ and fuel economy if you have one installed. There's my 2 cents.