Stage 3 Questions
Stage 3 Questions
So pretty close to scheduling a Stage 3 on my 18 Road Glide Ultra. Currently have a stage 1 with SE slip-ons. Few questions:
- Being quoted $1,500 for labor (believe the techs are $120/hour), though I can probably get for $1200-$1300 flat fee with some haggling (my service rep will work with me on pricing).
- I have a longer trip scheduled for mid-March (assuming the weather cooperates). Seattle, WA to Hood River, OR. I can probably get my bike in within a few days (shop says it will take them a day to install the stage 3). Doubt I'll get 1,000 miles in before I leave (weather sucks and no long trips planned). Is the break-in absolutely mandatory? Assuming yes but may as well get some thoughts. I suppose I could just do my stage 3 after the trip but damnit I want it now lol!
- I plan to get CRF slip-ons. Someone on the forum mentioned that the CFR with Stage 3 needs some special attention to the tune. Anyone know more about this issue?
- What are some common problems or "issues to look for" w/r/t to a stage 3? I just want to be able to look for certain problems just in case the install was crappy (no reason to think it will be, but curious if there are recurring gremlins that people know about)
- There are a few places to order CFR slip-ons online. Any suggestions on where to purchase? Hard to tell which e-retailers are legit.
Thanks in advance.
- Being quoted $1,500 for labor (believe the techs are $120/hour), though I can probably get for $1200-$1300 flat fee with some haggling (my service rep will work with me on pricing).
- I have a longer trip scheduled for mid-March (assuming the weather cooperates). Seattle, WA to Hood River, OR. I can probably get my bike in within a few days (shop says it will take them a day to install the stage 3). Doubt I'll get 1,000 miles in before I leave (weather sucks and no long trips planned). Is the break-in absolutely mandatory? Assuming yes but may as well get some thoughts. I suppose I could just do my stage 3 after the trip but damnit I want it now lol!
- I plan to get CRF slip-ons. Someone on the forum mentioned that the CFR with Stage 3 needs some special attention to the tune. Anyone know more about this issue?
- What are some common problems or "issues to look for" w/r/t to a stage 3? I just want to be able to look for certain problems just in case the install was crappy (no reason to think it will be, but curious if there are recurring gremlins that people know about)
- There are a few places to order CFR slip-ons online. Any suggestions on where to purchase? Hard to tell which e-retailers are legit.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by wolverinehusky; Feb 22, 2020 at 12:31 PM.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 12
I am very interested in this thread. When I purchased my 2020 SG, I had the Stage 2 installed. At that time I was told if I added new cylinders I would need to the 1000 mile service performed again. I just inquired about moving up to Stage 3 and was quoted $3,500 for parts and labor. Seems high to me but I could not find anything out there for me to compare prices. Labor is about $1600 of the total. Once again I was told the 1000 service is required.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 331
Likes: 27
From: New Brunswick
I am very interested in this thread. When I purchased my 2020 SG, I had the Stage 2 installed. At that time I was told if I added new cylinders I would need to the 1000 mile service performed again. I just inquired about moving up to Stage 3 and was quoted $3,500 for parts and labor. Seems high to me but I could not find anything out there for me to compare prices. Labor is about $1600 of the total. Once again I was told the 1000 service is required.
An oil change should be done but you don't need a complete service who ever told you that is full of it.
*bump*
So after spending the weekend doing some research seems like the CFR might not be ideal due to the fact that it doesn't seem to be optimized great for the M8? Reading that a lot of folks view the CFRs as sound > performance and there is a noticeable loss of low end torque with the CFRs. Also, the parts guy at my dealership was not a fan of the CFR. Says it is a pain in the **** to fix them if there are issues (literally have to send your CFRs to the manufacturer for warranty coverage).
So kinda back at square 1. Also thinking I should get new headers as well. Will pivot and look at Cobra's neighbor haters with new Cobra headers. And of course I'll check Rinehart, just not sure if they are throaty, deep and loud enough for me (the main reason I want to change out my Screaming Eagle slip ons).
So after spending the weekend doing some research seems like the CFR might not be ideal due to the fact that it doesn't seem to be optimized great for the M8? Reading that a lot of folks view the CFRs as sound > performance and there is a noticeable loss of low end torque with the CFRs. Also, the parts guy at my dealership was not a fan of the CFR. Says it is a pain in the **** to fix them if there are issues (literally have to send your CFRs to the manufacturer for warranty coverage).
So kinda back at square 1. Also thinking I should get new headers as well. Will pivot and look at Cobra's neighbor haters with new Cobra headers. And of course I'll check Rinehart, just not sure if they are throaty, deep and loud enough for me (the main reason I want to change out my Screaming Eagle slip ons).
*bump*
So after spending the weekend doing some research seems like the CFR might not be ideal due to the fact that it doesn't seem to be optimized great for the M8? Reading that a lot of folks view the CFRs as sound > performance and there is a noticeable loss of low end torque with the CFRs. Also, the parts guy at my dealership was not a fan of the CFR. Says it is a pain in the **** to fix them if there are issues (literally have to send your CFRs to the manufacturer for warranty coverage).
So kinda back at square 1. Also thinking I should get new headers as well. Will pivot and look at Cobra's neighbor haters with new Cobra headers. And of course I'll check Rinehart, just not sure if they are throaty, deep and loud enough for me (the main reason I want to change out my Screaming Eagle slip ons).
So after spending the weekend doing some research seems like the CFR might not be ideal due to the fact that it doesn't seem to be optimized great for the M8? Reading that a lot of folks view the CFRs as sound > performance and there is a noticeable loss of low end torque with the CFRs. Also, the parts guy at my dealership was not a fan of the CFR. Says it is a pain in the **** to fix them if there are issues (literally have to send your CFRs to the manufacturer for warranty coverage).
So kinda back at square 1. Also thinking I should get new headers as well. Will pivot and look at Cobra's neighbor haters with new Cobra headers. And of course I'll check Rinehart, just not sure if they are throaty, deep and loud enough for me (the main reason I want to change out my Screaming Eagle slip ons).
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 981
From: Northern VA
I would pick up a new header but stick with the SE Slip Ons until you hear them with the new components. I have a Stage 2 Torque Cam with the Jackpot 2/1/2 header and the SE Slip Ons and they are plenty loud for me. I think it would be worth trying before dropping the coin on new slip ons. If you want to hear a clip, send me a message with your cell phone number I would be glad to text you a sound clip. Very nice idle sound and solid bark when on throttle but not too obnoxious.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
If you are going to spend that much on a Stage 3 then why hold it back with the stock header and some slip-ons that will restrict the torque and most likely give you a bad looking torque and power curve. Look into a good aftermarket 2-1-2 header (Fuel Moto makes one that would work) or go to a good 2-1 system. Exhaust selection is going to make a difference with a stage 3.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Are you talking to a dealer or an indy? If you are talking to a dealer, run. Find a reputable indy in your area who can do things they wont, like decat the head pipe and give you a non epa tune that will be so much better than what a dealer can and will do. An Indy is usually cheaper on the labor and will do better work as his name is on it. Nothing wrong with SE parts but an Indy can open you up to other parts options on cams, pistons and head work that are broader than the MOCO's offerings and might suit you better. An Indy will listen to your goals and ask about your riding style and match you with a build that will fit you better than what a dealer is going to pull out of a package.
Good luck and enjoy the stage 3
Good luck and enjoy the stage 3
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Thanks everyone for the feedback.
I deal with my dealer mostly as they've treated me pretty well to date. I typically don't trust stealerships, but I guess I'm fortunate enough that I have a service rep that I trust.
So listened to some videos and talked to more folks and I pulled the trigger on the following:
- Vance & Hines Power Dual Headers (Chrome).
- Rinehart DBX 45 (full chrome)
- HD Smart Tuner
Considered the Rinehart slim headers but went to V&H after some research and to add a more unique look/sound. Dealer had the rineharts and Smart Tuner in stock so they holding for install when the V&Hs to come in.
Warranty expires March 10th and decided not to get the extended and just decided to make the bike mine now. Next post will be the full install of everything. Will post dyna results and pics of course.
I deal with my dealer mostly as they've treated me pretty well to date. I typically don't trust stealerships, but I guess I'm fortunate enough that I have a service rep that I trust.
So listened to some videos and talked to more folks and I pulled the trigger on the following:
- Vance & Hines Power Dual Headers (Chrome).
- Rinehart DBX 45 (full chrome)
- HD Smart Tuner
Considered the Rinehart slim headers but went to V&H after some research and to add a more unique look/sound. Dealer had the rineharts and Smart Tuner in stock so they holding for install when the V&Hs to come in.
Warranty expires March 10th and decided not to get the extended and just decided to make the bike mine now. Next post will be the full install of everything. Will post dyna results and pics of course.
Last edited by wolverinehusky; Feb 24, 2020 at 05:00 PM.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 12
Just wanted to update my post about two dealers telling me that I would have to repeat the 1000 mile service if I did the Stage 3. Based on what I was reading on this site that contradicted what I had been told, I spoke with a 3rd dealer who gave me much better answer on 2 levels. First they said I would only need an oil change around 1000 miles, no need for a full service. Second and even more positive they said since I've already had a complete Stage 2 performed I would not need the full Stage 3 package. Turns out rather than the $3500 I've been quoted by the same 2 dealers, it will only cost around $1700. Let's just say I'm a happy camper.