Nothing seems to be simple. Guess looking for a definitive yes or no depends where you look (too many variables; bike, feel, temp. altitude, etc.).
A tech on another forum states that even with only a pipe change you can create a significant problem with a lean running engine!
They had dynoed a bike and found after just installing pipes and nothing else it was running leaner than stock (which he says is already too lean for the engine, it is simply to satisfy the EPA).
Further in the thread a less expensive solution was offered, and XIED.
For the Sportster (I have an XL1200C 09) I believe it is an X14ied, around $100.
Any here have any thoughts or experience with an XIED?
Just looking to do the upgrades (pipes, a/c, etc.) myself and at my own pace.

 

try checking out "nightrider.com"

 

Yes, I put Vieds on (wanted tweakability) - works well. Pretty much fixed the hunting/surging I was experiencing. I set them to the recommended setting, and they are fine. Plug color changed from bone white to orange.
I recommend them as a less expensive alternative to fuel-mapping things (though I would love to afford a full-feedback system!)

 

I saw SE pipes, did you do an air cleaner as well?
How hard was the install of the Vied?

 

Xieds only change the AFR in closed loop mode, which is low RPM. When the ECU kicks over to open loop, it goes fat...too fat.
By installing the Xieds, you're only richening up the low end a few 10th's of a point. 14.2 or so, to 13.8 +/-. If you're running a modified exhaust and/or A/C, you're prolly wasting your money. A complete re-map is more in order.

 

Regardless of me doing the pipes or not, the Dealer is going to get me!
if I like the stock air cover (and I do) then it just makes sense to go with a SE A/C and let the dealer do the remap. Even If I put the pipes I choose on (to save a few dollars on the pipes and their installation) I would let the dealer do the A/C install (because they do so many of those on my model there is little chance of a problem if they do it and get the remap done at the same time. A second less "Direct" benefit might be in case there is a warrenty issue later the Dealer might be more inclined to take my side if they were the ones that modified the bike?

 

Most definitely.

 

I disagree. About 95% of my riding is closed loop so the IEDs help tremendously in that regard. Proof is in the color of my plugs. Bottom line is if you're looking to get the best performance out of your bike, then you'd want something that can be tuned. If you want to just fix the factory lean condition forced by the EPA, then the IEDs are the best bang for your buck. Another option would be a dealer map download, but that seems like a complete waste of money to me.
BTW I'm using the X14ieds

 

The dealer remap DOES NOT richen the fuel mixture. They are not allowed to change fuel curve because of EPA. It only changes timing and rev limit. A huge waste of money IMHO. I been running XIED's for 42000 miles now with not 1 problem. I highly recommend them, check out nightrider.com.

 

I have been using them for over a year. Excellent performance. They are the best bang for the buck out there.