Has anyone here with a 48 kept it totally stock?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: Marysville WA
Let me chime in on one VERY essential mod you should do - the exhaust.
You need to be heard by others in traffic. This helps SO much in ensuring your safety. When i first got my 48, i thought I would not change the exhaust at all. But then after 2 weeks of almost being clipped twice, going 30mph, by cars who just didn't even know I was there, I decided it was worth the upgrade.
It's really amazing what a difference it made. I'm heard, then seen by most motorists now...well, most...
You need to be heard by others in traffic. This helps SO much in ensuring your safety. When i first got my 48, i thought I would not change the exhaust at all. But then after 2 weeks of almost being clipped twice, going 30mph, by cars who just didn't even know I was there, I decided it was worth the upgrade.
It's really amazing what a difference it made. I'm heard, then seen by most motorists now...well, most...
I forgot the exact statistics but know that the vast majority of motorcycle fatalities are caused by cars turning left in front of the rider and the drivers of those cars can't hear the motorcycle approaching even if it's completely uncorked.
Far better to be a safe rider that is aware of traffic and potential threats than to think that loud pipes are going to prevent you from being run over.
Last edited by smokindownthehwy; Dec 24, 2014 at 09:54 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: Marysville WA
By totally stock he means the bike has what was on it when purchased new, with the most basic components and no performance parts added.
What you say makes sense as well, since new bikes are being sold with performance parts already installed, and not all of them are Harley parts. They sell new bikes with V&H pipes already on.
But since most of the bikes are sold new with basic (cheapest) parts I think That's what he means by stock.
What you say makes sense as well, since new bikes are being sold with performance parts already installed, and not all of them are Harley parts. They sell new bikes with V&H pipes already on.
But since most of the bikes are sold new with basic (cheapest) parts I think That's what he means by stock.
I can buy the "no performace parts" added criteria but there are a lot of changes that don't improve performance. For example adding V&H's exhaust doesn't change performance unless something is done on the intake side as well plus a revision to the electronics. The air-flow restriction at the intake side prevents any real performance enhancement that a less restrictive exhaust might provide. Most change exhaust systems for sound and not performance reasons. Even when the exhaust, intake, and electronic programming is changed the performance gain is really insignificant. To obtain significant gains would require a new cam and valves to allow better flow through the engine as well.
Last edited by smokindownthehwy; Dec 24, 2014 at 10:08 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 193
From: South
I can buy the "no performace parts" added criteria but there are a lot of changes that don't improve performance. For example adding V&H's exhaust doesn't change performance unless something is done on the intake side as well plus a revision to the electronics. The air-flow restriction at the intake side prevents any real performance enhancement that a less restrictive exhaust might provide. Most change exhaust systems for sound and not performance reasons. Even when the exhaust, intake, and electronic programming is changed the performance gain is really insignificant. To obtain significant gains would require a new cam and valves to allow better flow through the engine as well.
Totally stock( Motorcycle): A bike that has the most basic components, which usually are the cheapest parts and has not been altered for looks or sound or performance. (This should be added to wikipedia for future refrence) :^)
By that definition, OP's bike is not totally stock already. He has shown some weakness by changing the derby cover and dipstick. So, it's kinda like Taliban under torture. If you start talking you gonna keep talking, even if they are lies.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 105
From: Houston, Texas
I hate to rain on the "Loud Pipes Save Lives" myth but it really is a myth. My car is so well sound insulated and I play the stereo loud enough to enjoy it that I don't hear "loud" motorcycles at all. Add to that fact that many seniors have hearing loss and can't hear much at all and it really is a myth. The only time someone really hears a motorcycle is if they're driving with the windows down.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 193
From: South
However, as a rider, I do not consider the sound a safety feature. I will always ride assuming they don't hear me.
Last edited by OddJack; Dec 24, 2014 at 07:09 PM.
If you are fine with the power and exhaust note, and cosmetically you like it, then keep it stock and save your dough. Everyone does a stage 1 because it serves a dual purpose: increased HP and Torque by a HUGE margin and it no longer sounds like a sewing machine. It's called the Harley Tax for a reason because it should come stock but due to regulations and insane aftermarket profits they are delivered anemic.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: Marysville WA
Of course my solution is to not ride on someone's quarter panel. If they do move into my lane then I'm behind them and don't risk being hit by their lane change. I just back off and let them in giving myself room behind them. I also avoid riding in the middle lanes were there is a potential threat from both sides.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: Marysville WA
If you are fine with the power and exhaust note, and cosmetically you like it, then keep it stock and save your dough. Everyone does a stage 1 because it serves a dual purpose: increased HP and Torque by a HUGE margin and it no longer sounds like a sewing machine. It's called the Harley Tax for a reason because it should come stock but due to regulations and insane aftermarket profits they are delivered anemic.
At 70 mph I'm only turning about 3300 rpm on my Sportster (XL-50 1200cc) and I never have any problem accellerating to 70 mph rapidly without reving the engine much above about 4,000 rpm. It is doubtful that I'd ever really feel the difference between a stock engine and one with a Stage 1 upgrade. I tend to believe that's true for the vast majority of riders including those that pay for a Stage 1 upgrade.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 105
From: Houston, Texas
And I too try not to ride in a blind spot but sometimes you have to, especially when riding in America's 4th biggest city.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
B/S, if someone is in a car with the AC on and the radio cranked up, they will not hear a bike - even with open pipes.