Stage 1 Review
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Charleston, SC
Stage 1 Review
Let me preface this post by stating that I do not plan on any other engine mods after the Stage 1.
I've read numerous posts about the Stage 1 download and it's 50/50, some say it's a waste of money, some say it's been great.
I installed American Custom Slipons on my '11 Fatboy Lo and have been running that setup for almost three years. Just recently, I added an Arlen Ness Big Sucker. I know, I know - people will say "get a Tuner, Get it Dyno'd" but I remember reading an American Iron article where they installed slipons and a free flow air cleaner and they found that the ECM and O2 sensors were able to compensate.
So . . . I've been casually riding with the Big Sucker and found that it was running hot (really hot my right thigh paid the price) and backfiring so off to the dealer for the download.
I had minimal expectations and was hesitant as I left the dealer, but once I hit the road and opened up the throttle . . . . WOW . . . completely different bike. NOW I understand when people said that a Stage 1 will "wake it up."
To those of who are are on the fence and don't plan on doing anything else besides the Stage 1 . . go for it! I'm happy and I have rediscovered my bike.
Thanks to all of those members who have posted both positive and negative comments about the Stage 1!
I've read numerous posts about the Stage 1 download and it's 50/50, some say it's a waste of money, some say it's been great.
I installed American Custom Slipons on my '11 Fatboy Lo and have been running that setup for almost three years. Just recently, I added an Arlen Ness Big Sucker. I know, I know - people will say "get a Tuner, Get it Dyno'd" but I remember reading an American Iron article where they installed slipons and a free flow air cleaner and they found that the ECM and O2 sensors were able to compensate.
So . . . I've been casually riding with the Big Sucker and found that it was running hot (really hot my right thigh paid the price) and backfiring so off to the dealer for the download.
I had minimal expectations and was hesitant as I left the dealer, but once I hit the road and opened up the throttle . . . . WOW . . . completely different bike. NOW I understand when people said that a Stage 1 will "wake it up."
To those of who are are on the fence and don't plan on doing anything else besides the Stage 1 . . go for it! I'm happy and I have rediscovered my bike.
Thanks to all of those members who have posted both positive and negative comments about the Stage 1!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
Let me preface this post by stating that I do not plan on any other engine mods after the Stage 1.
I've read numerous posts about the Stage 1 download and it's 50/50, some say it's a waste of money, some say it's been great.
I installed American Custom Slipons on my '11 Fatboy Lo and have been running that setup for almost three years. Just recently, I added an Arlen Ness Big Sucker. I know, I know - people will say "get a Tuner, Get it Dyno'd" but I remember reading an American Iron article where they installed slipons and a free flow air cleaner and they found that the ECM and O2 sensors were able to compensate.
So . . . I've been casually riding with the Big Sucker and found that it was running hot (really hot my right thigh paid the price) and backfiring so off to the dealer for the download.
I had minimal expectations and was hesitant as I left the dealer, but once I hit the road and opened up the throttle . . . . WOW . . . completely different bike. NOW I understand when people said that a Stage 1 will "wake it up."
To those of who are are on the fence and don't plan on doing anything else besides the Stage 1 . . go for it! I'm happy and I have rediscovered my bike.
Thanks to all of those members who have posted both positive and negative comments about the Stage 1!
I've read numerous posts about the Stage 1 download and it's 50/50, some say it's a waste of money, some say it's been great.
I installed American Custom Slipons on my '11 Fatboy Lo and have been running that setup for almost three years. Just recently, I added an Arlen Ness Big Sucker. I know, I know - people will say "get a Tuner, Get it Dyno'd" but I remember reading an American Iron article where they installed slipons and a free flow air cleaner and they found that the ECM and O2 sensors were able to compensate.
So . . . I've been casually riding with the Big Sucker and found that it was running hot (really hot my right thigh paid the price) and backfiring so off to the dealer for the download.
I had minimal expectations and was hesitant as I left the dealer, but once I hit the road and opened up the throttle . . . . WOW . . . completely different bike. NOW I understand when people said that a Stage 1 will "wake it up."
To those of who are are on the fence and don't plan on doing anything else besides the Stage 1 . . go for it! I'm happy and I have rediscovered my bike.
Thanks to all of those members who have posted both positive and negative comments about the Stage 1!
Great review!
Exhaust adds a little benefit.
Air Cleaner adds a little more.
XiED products adds a little more.
A good full tune is the icing on the cake, taking full advantage of the open A/C and open pipes.
Exhaust adds a little benefit.
Air Cleaner adds a little more.
XiED products adds a little more.
A good full tune is the icing on the cake, taking full advantage of the open A/C and open pipes.
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DKCustomProducts.com
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
After my Stage 1 tune it ran noticeably better, but still too hot.
Seems the dealer is still bound by EPA rules and as a result it was still running too lean.
So I added the ViED's - now THAT for me was really the icing on the cake.
Oil temps dropped by at least 20° instantly, and decel popping (which was made worse by the S1) all but vanished...
..and my dealer, whom I trust completely, were the ones who told me to save my money and not worry about a dyno until at least Stage 2... that while I might see a slight performance gain, it might not be worth the $$ at this point.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
one of my buddies had a 2008 Ultra and now he's 2013 Ultra. On both of them he did V&H's ovals, se/AC, SE 255 cams.. all he did was a down load on both. And he's content with the results.
He had 47k on the 09 when he trades and has 23k on his 13.
.
He had 47k on the 09 when he trades and has 23k on his 13.
.
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