Stage 1Upgrade
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 9
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From: Butte, MT
Stage 1Upgrade
Is it worth the money to do a Stage 1 on a 2003 883? My local HD dealership is running a 1/2 off on labor and was wondering if it would be worth the money to do a Stage 1?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 614
Likes: 231
From: Hendeson, NV
Stage 1 Upgrade
I just did the Stage 1 upgrade to my 2017 Superlow 1200T. Yes, it is worth the money. The increase in sound makes me more visible in traffic and thus safe in traffic, and the reduction in engine temperature should make the engine last longer.
I did the labor myself and bought most of the components at other than the HD dealer. Saved a bundle and had a lot of fun working on my bike. (I am not a skilled mechanic.) Since your bike is uses a carb, having the dealer perform the conversion (particularly at 1/2 off) may be a good idea.
You may want to look at my recent post on my experience doing a Stage 1 upgrade. But, here is the short version. Choose your components carefully. Even the service and parts departments at the dealer didn't recommend using HD parts, except for the high flow air cleaner. The Vance & Hines FP3 tuner puts the HD tuner to shame. It was easy to install and use, and the V&H customer support is user friendly and effective. Also, I recommend you choose your high flow, slip-on mufflers carefully. The HD one SE is way too expensive and doesn't provide the advantages you look for in a Stage 1 upgrade. But, different after market slip-on mufflers have very different sounds and prices. See if you can attend a Saturday event at your local dealer or HOG club; listen to different mufflers and talk with owners. You will be in a much better informed position to make a decision about which slip-on muffler meets your needs and tastes.
GO FOR IT! You will be glad you did.
I did the labor myself and bought most of the components at other than the HD dealer. Saved a bundle and had a lot of fun working on my bike. (I am not a skilled mechanic.) Since your bike is uses a carb, having the dealer perform the conversion (particularly at 1/2 off) may be a good idea.
You may want to look at my recent post on my experience doing a Stage 1 upgrade. But, here is the short version. Choose your components carefully. Even the service and parts departments at the dealer didn't recommend using HD parts, except for the high flow air cleaner. The Vance & Hines FP3 tuner puts the HD tuner to shame. It was easy to install and use, and the V&H customer support is user friendly and effective. Also, I recommend you choose your high flow, slip-on mufflers carefully. The HD one SE is way too expensive and doesn't provide the advantages you look for in a Stage 1 upgrade. But, different after market slip-on mufflers have very different sounds and prices. See if you can attend a Saturday event at your local dealer or HOG club; listen to different mufflers and talk with owners. You will be in a much better informed position to make a decision about which slip-on muffler meets your needs and tastes.
GO FOR IT! You will be glad you did.
Last edited by Las Vegas Jim; Feb 10, 2019 at 12:03 PM. Reason: tying error
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 654
Likes: 734
While I agree with this statement, I'd also add that the Powervision puts the FP3 to shame, in my opinion at least. But the virtues of EFI tuners are kinda irrelevant to the original poster anyway, since he has a carbureted bike.
To the OP: swapping exhaust and air cleaner and carb jets is pretty darn simple to do. Ditto swapping the ignition, if you want to do that as well. And I totally agree with Jim, the aftermarket offers much better options than the HD stuff. Although I don't think HD offers much in the way of stage 1 stuff for carb'ed Sportsters anymore anyway.
To the OP: swapping exhaust and air cleaner and carb jets is pretty darn simple to do. Ditto swapping the ignition, if you want to do that as well. And I totally agree with Jim, the aftermarket offers much better options than the HD stuff. Although I don't think HD offers much in the way of stage 1 stuff for carb'ed Sportsters anymore anyway.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
A lot of aftermarket stuff out there. Stage 1 AC and exhaust is easy to do. Besides improved performance, stage on also allow you to get the look and sound you want....so yes worth the money.
Research how to change out your jets and tune your carb. Here is a vid on tuning...which will generally give you a good idea what happens when main and intermediate jetting is too large or too small.
I agree with awsracing.....the Powervision with autotune or target tune IMO is one of the best if not the best on the market today for EFI
Research how to change out your jets and tune your carb. Here is a vid on tuning...which will generally give you a good idea what happens when main and intermediate jetting is too large or too small.
I agree with awsracing.....the Powervision with autotune or target tune IMO is one of the best if not the best on the market today for EFI
Last edited by hscic; Feb 10, 2019 at 01:43 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
Regarding Stage 1 upgrade that you asked in your other thread, you can start with DK Customs stage 1 kits to give you an idea of some of your options.
http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/comp...-carbed-45.htm
You will receive many "opinions" on the best stage 1....do the research and make the bike your own with respect to performance, look. sound, and budget.
Have fun with it. Good luck.
http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/comp...-carbed-45.htm
You will receive many "opinions" on the best stage 1....do the research and make the bike your own with respect to performance, look. sound, and budget.
Have fun with it. Good luck.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 614
Likes: 231
From: Hendeson, NV
Great advice. There isn't one "right answer". I took about two months driving myself nuts before I selected the components I wanted to use; I am glad I took the time because I am very happy with the outcome. Your most important decision will be the exhaust change. For a Stage 1, I recommend sticking with a slip-on--much easier to do and a lot cheaper.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,254
Likes: 4,946
From: England
Your most important decision will be the exhaust change.
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