Got my 2011 Harley 48 - few basic questions
Got my 2011 Harley 48 - few basic questions
First I apologize if I am asking something that is already asked too many times. I searched around, but I never really found any satisfying and complete answers.
Got my 48 few months ago. Love it. My first bike, and I guess, like everybody else, I started thinking about doing some modifications:
1) Is there anything that I should be aware if I install HD Screaming Eagle slip-ons, V&H slip-ons or V&H Full Exhaust. I would like to make some more noise.
2) What about installing Heavy Breather Air Cleaner. At what point I need to install this? Is it if I want to gain some performance, or is it required if you install V&H Full Exhaust? Anything to be aware of here?
3) I heard somewhere that if you install different exhaust, or air cleaner you have to re-tune your engine. Is that true? Is that something that can be done only at HD service?
4) And last, I am 205lbs, sort of on heavy side. I noticed when I go over some bumps or holes on the road I feel hard kick from rear suspension. Like metal hit metal (not always, for example if I go too fast over speed bump). I think that my rear suspension is not adjusted properly for my weight. I am little bit angry at HD dealer for not saying one word about that when I bought it. Later I picked up the book and started reading about all adjustments that can be made. I know that 48s are not very comfortable, but I think this kick is a bit too hard.
PS. I generally like to do things by myself. My experience with motorcycles is zero, (but it's growing :-) and I think I am able to follow directions.
Thanks.
Got my 48 few months ago. Love it. My first bike, and I guess, like everybody else, I started thinking about doing some modifications:
1) Is there anything that I should be aware if I install HD Screaming Eagle slip-ons, V&H slip-ons or V&H Full Exhaust. I would like to make some more noise.
2) What about installing Heavy Breather Air Cleaner. At what point I need to install this? Is it if I want to gain some performance, or is it required if you install V&H Full Exhaust? Anything to be aware of here?
3) I heard somewhere that if you install different exhaust, or air cleaner you have to re-tune your engine. Is that true? Is that something that can be done only at HD service?
4) And last, I am 205lbs, sort of on heavy side. I noticed when I go over some bumps or holes on the road I feel hard kick from rear suspension. Like metal hit metal (not always, for example if I go too fast over speed bump). I think that my rear suspension is not adjusted properly for my weight. I am little bit angry at HD dealer for not saying one word about that when I bought it. Later I picked up the book and started reading about all adjustments that can be made. I know that 48s are not very comfortable, but I think this kick is a bit too hard.
PS. I generally like to do things by myself. My experience with motorcycles is zero, (but it's growing :-) and I think I am able to follow directions.
Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 67
From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
Common consensus is you can change exhaust without engine remapping.
I personally disagree, IMHO a non-HD (their hands are tied, EPA) ECM with autotune should be the first thing to get, it makes even otherwise stock bike run smoother and cooler.
I personally disagree, IMHO a non-HD (their hands are tied, EPA) ECM with autotune should be the first thing to get, it makes even otherwise stock bike run smoother and cooler.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
1) Is there anything that I should be aware if I install HD Screaming Eagle slip-ons, V&H slip-ons or V&H Full Exhaust. I would like to make some more noise.
If you just run slip-ons alone, you will most likely be ok. Like zipper said though, the bikes respond to tuning very well even in stock setup. The newest SE's are basically as quiet as the stock mufflers. I like the sound of Rush slips ons myself. Also, I like the looks and sound of BUB exhausts systems if you go the full exhaust route.
2) What about installing Heavy Breather Air Cleaner. At what point I need to install this? Is it if I want to gain some performance, or is it required if you install V&H Full Exhaust? Anything to be aware of here?
You can add it whenever. It's most logical to do it last, after slip-ons and after getting a tuner to be able to cope with the air cleaner. A full stage 1 (A/C, pipes, tune) is usually good for about +5-9 hp.
3) I heard somewhere that if you install different exhaust, or air cleaner you have to re-tune your engine. Is that true? Is that something that can be done only at HD service?
Once you change the air-flow of the engine you need to tune it. Due to their design, the O2 sensors are not capable of adjusting enough to run in the correct AFR. This could lead to a lot of heat, bad gas mileage, and damaging your metal components. You can have it done at an independent shop, HD, or yourself if you have the knowledge. (I don't think you should do it yourself based on these questions. That's just a statement, not a hit on your intelligence.)
4) And last, I am 205lbs, sort of on heavy side. I noticed when I go over some bumps or holes on the road I feel hard kick from rear suspension. Like metal hit metal (not always, for example if I go too fast over speed bump). I think that my rear suspension is not adjusted properly for my weight. I am little bit angry at HD dealer for not saying one word about that when I bought it. Later I picked up the book and started reading about all adjustments that can be made. I know that 48s are not very comfortable, but I think this kick is a bit too hard.
Not 100% sure about the 48's as I haven't worked on one yet, but I believe the stock coil-overs are preload adjustable. Your dealer should be able to do that easily in a few minutes (and for free) since you just recently got the bike. It will really help with the bottoming out. In the future, consider Progressive Suspension's coil-over units. They are much higher quality than the HD pieces of junk.
Good luck on your endeavors! Wrenching and modifying bikes is a disease that I hope is never cured.
If you just run slip-ons alone, you will most likely be ok. Like zipper said though, the bikes respond to tuning very well even in stock setup. The newest SE's are basically as quiet as the stock mufflers. I like the sound of Rush slips ons myself. Also, I like the looks and sound of BUB exhausts systems if you go the full exhaust route.
2) What about installing Heavy Breather Air Cleaner. At what point I need to install this? Is it if I want to gain some performance, or is it required if you install V&H Full Exhaust? Anything to be aware of here?
You can add it whenever. It's most logical to do it last, after slip-ons and after getting a tuner to be able to cope with the air cleaner. A full stage 1 (A/C, pipes, tune) is usually good for about +5-9 hp.
3) I heard somewhere that if you install different exhaust, or air cleaner you have to re-tune your engine. Is that true? Is that something that can be done only at HD service?
Once you change the air-flow of the engine you need to tune it. Due to their design, the O2 sensors are not capable of adjusting enough to run in the correct AFR. This could lead to a lot of heat, bad gas mileage, and damaging your metal components. You can have it done at an independent shop, HD, or yourself if you have the knowledge. (I don't think you should do it yourself based on these questions. That's just a statement, not a hit on your intelligence.)
4) And last, I am 205lbs, sort of on heavy side. I noticed when I go over some bumps or holes on the road I feel hard kick from rear suspension. Like metal hit metal (not always, for example if I go too fast over speed bump). I think that my rear suspension is not adjusted properly for my weight. I am little bit angry at HD dealer for not saying one word about that when I bought it. Later I picked up the book and started reading about all adjustments that can be made. I know that 48s are not very comfortable, but I think this kick is a bit too hard.
Not 100% sure about the 48's as I haven't worked on one yet, but I believe the stock coil-overs are preload adjustable. Your dealer should be able to do that easily in a few minutes (and for free) since you just recently got the bike. It will really help with the bottoming out. In the future, consider Progressive Suspension's coil-over units. They are much higher quality than the HD pieces of junk.
Good luck on your endeavors! Wrenching and modifying bikes is a disease that I hope is never cured.
Good advice above.
I would add that for under a $100 you can get a good pair of HD air shocks either here or on ebay and it will make all the difference in your ride...no more bottoming out...which will still happen even with "proper" adjustment of the stock shocks.
I would add that for under a $100 you can get a good pair of HD air shocks either here or on ebay and it will make all the difference in your ride...no more bottoming out...which will still happen even with "proper" adjustment of the stock shocks.
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