Does anyone run a stock engine?
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Ames, Iowa
I plan on keeping the Road King Stock. My last bike (3 years ago) was a CBR, so I had all the power I needed then. I am happy with the motor and the sound I get now. I have added a few little bling bling things, but that is all until I get it paid off.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 9
From: Elk Grove, California
This is my first Harley as well, 09 Roadglide. I was going to leave it stock, but got the itch and did the stage 1 with the se aircleaner, download, and se slip ons. The slip ons are not loud at all but do sound better than stock. I don't notice any performance difference between stock and stage 1, but the engine does run a little cooler which is one of the main reasons I did it. I live in California and we have lots of traffic and warmer weather and since the stage 1 doesn't affect the warranty, I figured why not. I don't plan on any other performance changes to the engine. Just personal preference. I do plan on either adding an amp and/or better speakers as I wear full face helmet and just want the stereo to go louder. Some service guys at the harley dealers told me the bike runs fine stock, while others told me to at least do the stage 1. I think it will run fine either way, so do what you want and can afford.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 2,570
From: NC USA
Frankly, I think all this "stage this, that and the other" is horse manure!
It's just another angle that the marketing genuis of corporate America uses, playing on the competitive nature of some humans and the egos of others. And, it gives the newbees something to rag-chew about while they're sitting around at the dealer, the bar or online, trying to reinforce their insecurities and "fit in" by having numbers to throw around in discussing how much money they've sunk into something they don't even use for anything other than social acceptance.
A bone stock anything will hold it's value far beyond any modified anything. Certainly nothing wrong with making it "you're own" and sometimes minor (but reversible) modificatons really help with adding power AND economy. But far too many fall prey to what I preached about in the previous paragraph and modify a perfectly good piece machinery into an expensive trophy, basically worthless to anyone else. But as long as they are happy... who cares?
For longevity, dependability, and easy access to the correct replacement parts, near stock is the only way to go if you're touring and traveling. And this is the touring section of the forum - right?
And no, none of my opinions are humble. They are based on my observations of foolish mistakes I see people make every day - self included
It's just another angle that the marketing genuis of corporate America uses, playing on the competitive nature of some humans and the egos of others. And, it gives the newbees something to rag-chew about while they're sitting around at the dealer, the bar or online, trying to reinforce their insecurities and "fit in" by having numbers to throw around in discussing how much money they've sunk into something they don't even use for anything other than social acceptance.
A bone stock anything will hold it's value far beyond any modified anything. Certainly nothing wrong with making it "you're own" and sometimes minor (but reversible) modificatons really help with adding power AND economy. But far too many fall prey to what I preached about in the previous paragraph and modify a perfectly good piece machinery into an expensive trophy, basically worthless to anyone else. But as long as they are happy... who cares?
For longevity, dependability, and easy access to the correct replacement parts, near stock is the only way to go if you're touring and traveling. And this is the touring section of the forum - right?
And no, none of my opinions are humble. They are based on my observations of foolish mistakes I see people make every day - self included
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Left Gainesville Harley with a Bone Stock 2008 FHLT .. 40 miles Later stopped by my Indys and picked up a set of Python Slip Ons... While I don't like obnoxious loud need a little noise to keep these FL retired blue hairs from running over you... Since then is Stage1 with V&H True Duals, PCIII Tuner, added more Black to the engine, Custom Grips and Foot rests.. Quick Detach Tour Pack and Back Rest a neverending story with me .. Always has been... For some that say don't modify that is fine but I like my engine running cooler and with a sound that I enjoy... At my age probably my last one anyway...
Last edited by JayStronghawk; Apr 28, 2009 at 01:31 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 2
From: canada
Bone stock 96 save for Rinehart slip-ons for a deep sound.
Now, BLING, on the other hand....
Cannon
Now, BLING, on the other hand....
Cannon
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Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 69
From: Northford, CT
I have an 88 with stage 1 and touring mufflers that is it. Tow a trailor and have no problems. My friends get up the entrance ramp much faster than I do but we all arrive at the destination at the same time and they do not wait for me.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
I have an '05 EG Classic that I got back in Nov that was all stock. Great gas mileage but not very fun to ride; too quiet and not very responsive to the throttle. Now after adding slip-ons, free flowing air cleaner and a Fuel Pack, it's fun to ride, more get-up-and-go, and certainly sounds like a motorcycle at the loss of about 5-7 mpg. It's worth it.....