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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 09:41 AM
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I purchased a 2006 Ultra with 15,000 miles on it several months ago. It is pretty much all stock. I would like to get some performance improvements and a bit better sound. As I leave for work at 5:30 AM, I am looking at SE slip-on pipes from HD that are supposed to improve performance and give a better sound, without waking the neighborhood when I leave in the morning. Any opinions on these pipes? There are a number of different SEs available, and I am not sure which are the best option. Also, I hear the term "Stage 1" used here. What is this, and what is the cost? Any other ideas for relatively inexpensive performance mods? Thanks.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 09:52 AM
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You are about to pay the "Harley" tax. The bikes run so poorly from the factory that the new, proud owners must pay the tax to get the bike to run close to the way it should from the factory.

The first upgrade you should do is the Stage I upgrade which is to increase the air flow through the engine and have it properly tuned. Don't let the dealer talk you into the dealer ECM flash.

The SE air cleaner and a set of Cycle Shack or Rush slipons accompanied by a fuel managemetn system like TTS Mastertune, SERT, Thundermax or PCV or the new Dynojet Vision and a proper dyno tun will complete the package. The bike will run better, cooler and fuel mileage will likely improve.

Suggest that you first check on the availability of a local dyno tuning facility and talk to the tuner to find out what fuel management system he/she likes to work with; that's the one you want.

If you have basic hand tools, you can intall the air cleaner and pipes and save yourself soem $$. You are looking at about $1000, mas o menas, for the upgrade. I know, you are now wondering if you can do this is steps. Sure, but, as you will hear from others, best to bite the bullet and do it all at once. Welcome to our world.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by djl
You are about to pay the "Harley" tax. The bikes run so poorly from the factory that the new, proud owners must pay the tax to get the bike to run close to the way it should from the factory.

The first upgrade you should do is the Stage I upgrade which is to increase the air flow through the engine and have it properly tuned. Don't let the dealer talk you into the dealer ECM flash.

The SE air cleaner and a set of Cycle Shack or Rush slipons accompanied by a fuel managemetn system like TTS Mastertune, SERT, Thundermax or PCV or the new Dynojet Vision and a proper dyno tun will complete the package. The bike will run better, cooler and fuel mileage will likely improve.

Suggest that you first check on the availability of a local dyno tuning facility and talk to the tuner to find out what fuel management system he/she likes to work with; that's the one you want.

If you have basic hand tools, you can intall the air cleaner and pipes and save yourself soem $$. You are looking at about $1000, mas o menas, for the upgrade. I know, you are now wondering if you can do this is steps. Sure, but, as you will hear from others, best to bite the bullet and do it all at once. Welcome to our world.
That about sums it up!
 
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