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Cleaner and slip on will only marginally change performance at best, tuner will get the air fuel richer and maybe increase power a bit but the Catalytic converter is what is restrictive...get rid of that then address the tuner, slip ons and air cleaner and you’ll have more oomph.
if you are concerned about return on investment, my gas mileage went up from high 30's to low 40's when I did a Fuel Moto stage 1. it may take a while but it will eventually pay for itself. That's on top of the better throttle response and sound.
Been going back and forth like an old porch swing. Is the grand it costs plus labor to do a Stage 1,slip ons, tuner and breather kit really worth it?
Thanks for your input.
Definitely say the Stage I is worth it, in my opinion.
Here is a LINK to a report we did on Stage I upgrades. Lots of useful information there, check it out.
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Eh, ya know some people would say "what's a grand?" it all depends on how you feel about parting with the money. A stage 1 is one step closer to a stage 2 etc. if you want all out performance upgrade, you have to start with a stage1 (or you will need those parts also I should say) it all depends on what you want to do.
The cat has gotta go. It's a restriction, no doubt about it. You can boost up everything else around it if you want to, but the cat will still choke it down.
Total package includes air/fuel in, tuning to maximize whats there, and better exhaust flow leaving. It is a balance. A good dyno can maximize that balance.
My package addressed all the above, scoot went from bike to beast.
Your bike, do whatever you wish. I believe the route you are considering however will not yield much bang for the buck.
The trouble with "making a few upgrades" is that it's never enough. A new air cleaner here, a new set of slip-ons there, and then you get to wanting a new head pipe or a set of cams to get "just a little more". Then you eventually wind up with a new 120R (like me) or an S&S 124" before you know it. Lock the tool box and throw away the key before it's too late. It is truly a sickness.
For me the 103HO is enough for now. It makes enough power to do what I want. Compared to my cammed 96” it pulls good and makes riding 2up pleasant. Would I like more? Sure but it’s no longer a priority.
Have a 2012 FLTRU, bought it new, heat off cat was unbearable at stops. Did a dealer stage 1, tech that did it got me off to the side as I had slipped him some coin as a tip for expedience. Said the tune he put in would not be there in a week of decent ride time. Newer fuel controls are self adjusting, self learning much as cars are, his take was a I spent too much on something that would have adjusted itself out over a short time against No cat, large air cleaner/filter, stock mufflers. 103 engine averages 42-45 mpg most weeks, do a little out west riding and that rises to over fifty pulling a 'N'line single wheel trailer and a guaranteed 100 lbs. load in it with the additional passenger weight of the wife. Quite happy with my ride currently and satisfied with less heat a little more rumble.
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