No Stage 1
Dyno tuning is definitely a big upsell item, and IMHO a waste of money on a stage 1 [pipes & air cleaner only] setup. But, to strap the bike down and give it a couple dyno pulls to see what it's putting to the ground and what the AFRs are looking like is usually pretty cheap. My local HD dealer charged me $50 for 3 pulls last time I was there (a couple months back).
For example, I used my last dyno pulls (and spark plug readings) to verify that I'd gotten my carb dialed in to where I wanted it. By comparing how smooth the graphs were coupled with the AFR readings on the dyno printout I was able to confirm my settings were right. For $50, I knew exactly what my bike put down to the ground, and how it's running while doing it.
For example, I used my last dyno pulls (and spark plug readings) to verify that I'd gotten my carb dialed in to where I wanted it. By comparing how smooth the graphs were coupled with the AFR readings on the dyno printout I was able to confirm my settings were right. For $50, I knew exactly what my bike put down to the ground, and how it's running while doing it.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 1
From: ca
Sorry guys...thought I had that in my info tag line but I guess not. 2013 FLSTC. I'm really not looking to get hog wild with added tweaked performance. I upgraded the mufflers because I didn't like the stock looks or sound. I upgraded the a/c to get a little more air intake. Prob could have just kept stock a/c tho if I'm being honest about it. I'm kind of feeling like dealer tunes and dynos are big up-sell items with little added value to the consumer. I have looked into XiED's or ViED's and they are on the table, but I haven't made a decision yet.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
sorry to change the subject .. but what seat set up do you have.did u add just the front back rest or is it a whole seat set up. thanks(have the same bike)also have V&H 3" twin slash slip ons se a/c with stock cover.had it tuned(had to buy a tuner $250.)after all that the only thing I notice is a lot of poping from exhaust on deceleration.
btw dad was a Marine. Navy here. Semper Fi.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 4
From: Utah
I personally did the AC and pipes for looks, not HP. Tuner was done to make it run better/cooler. Honestly can't tell a difference in power (haven't dynoed it), but can tell that it runs smoother/cooler. That and looks were worth the $$$ to me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 8
From: Milwaukee, WI
I have the FL-ViED's on my 2013 FLS with Khrome Werk slip-ons and it runs great!
On my 2009 1200C, I had Rush slip-ons with the HD stage 1 air cleaner. For a while I used the X14's, and the I switched to the V&H Fuelpak. To be honest, I felt like the performance with the X14's was better. That is why I am sticking with the FL-ViED's on my Slim. Nightrider, the company who makes them, recommends the FL-ViED's if you remove the cat in the newer bikes.
On my 2009 1200C, I had Rush slip-ons with the HD stage 1 air cleaner. For a while I used the X14's, and the I switched to the V&H Fuelpak. To be honest, I felt like the performance with the X14's was better. That is why I am sticking with the FL-ViED's on my Slim. Nightrider, the company who makes them, recommends the FL-ViED's if you remove the cat in the newer bikes.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 911
From: Omaha
keep an eye open on e-bay for a used fuel tuner like the Fuel moto microtuner or V&H fuel pak.
I found a used fuel pak for around $135 on e-bay.
My low end response is slightly better, my decel pop is gone and my oil temp dropped around 15 degrees.
You'll see some people's opinion that the fuel tuner is a waste of money, but if you only do a stage 1 a fuel tuner is all you'll ever need.
I found a used fuel pak for around $135 on e-bay.
My low end response is slightly better, my decel pop is gone and my oil temp dropped around 15 degrees.
You'll see some people's opinion that the fuel tuner is a waste of money, but if you only do a stage 1 a fuel tuner is all you'll ever need.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 2
From: Gastonia, NC
keep an eye open on e-bay for a used fuel tuner like the Fuel moto microtuner or V&H fuel pak.
I found a used fuel pak for around $135 on e-bay.
My low end response is slightly better, my decel pop is gone and my oil temp dropped around 15 degrees.
You'll see some people's opinion that the fuel tuner is a waste of money, but if you only do a stage 1 a fuel tuner is all you'll ever need.
I found a used fuel pak for around $135 on e-bay.
My low end response is slightly better, my decel pop is gone and my oil temp dropped around 15 degrees.
You'll see some people's opinion that the fuel tuner is a waste of money, but if you only do a stage 1 a fuel tuner is all you'll ever need.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 9
From: 3rd Stone From The Sun
You don't need a fuel management system, but it will likely make your bike run smoother and cooler. I'm in a similar quandry. I have a new Heritage and plan on keeping the stock pipes. I popped in a K&N filter mainly for ease of maintenance and am deciding whether I want to get a Power Vision download for $199. I already have the PV from using it on previous bikes and I believe it works well, so will likely get the download/tune at some point. I'll probably wait until the summer when the bike runs hotter. On previous bikes I noticed a crisper throttle response and the bikes didn't seem to run as hot in the summer.