Perfomance Upgrades ... why?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Ozarkistan
I think a stage 1 is good just for general health, and getting rid of the cat would be good for it too. Even losing the smog cams for the newer bikes are a healthy upgrade. For me I don't see much reason to go any further unless I win the lottery.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 901
Likes: 5
From: Springfield, MO
Fair question. I can tell you the moment I knew I wanted more power from my 88. It wasn't drag racing or anything like that. It was on a group ride on the highway. I was riding two-up with luggage. Speed limit was 70 and we were doing 75-77 MPH. Some of the larger hills required that I downshift otherwise I couldn't maintain my speed staying in 5th gear.
That's when I said, "Never had any trouble maintaining my speed on hills on my V-Star 1100, even two-up with luggage. This thing needs to breathe."
So, exhaust, air cleaner and Power Commander V. Really made a difference.
That's when I said, "Never had any trouble maintaining my speed on hills on my V-Star 1100, even two-up with luggage. This thing needs to breathe."
So, exhaust, air cleaner and Power Commander V. Really made a difference.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 733
Likes: 8
From: Georgia
"The only drawback I can see with stock is, I can't make it bark."......Exactly!!! Harleys already have the look, they might as well have the BARK too.
Last edited by camsmith; May 18, 2011 at 09:20 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Reading, PA
It's funny you bring this up, everday when I get on the forums I see everything everyone is doing to upgrade performance. So naturally I start planning my upgrades for my ultra limited, cams, header, tuner... Then I go out and ride my bike and reallize I love it just the way it is.
I did put on rush slipons, SE AC, FL-XiED's, and the stage one download. Runs like a champ.
I did put on rush slipons, SE AC, FL-XiED's, and the stage one download. Runs like a champ.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Beg, borrow or steal one.....somehow you need to get yourself behind the handlebars of a Harley with at least 100+ HP and Tq, then we won't have to explain why. There's a certain "grin" factor that cannot be put into words, it needs to be experienced.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 9
From: Alabama
My bike is stock except for slipons & Xied's, which do zilch for adding power- they just help cool it down & make it sound better. I could care less about going faster- it meets my needs as-is whether solo or 2-up. At 49 I'm an old fart where bikes are concerned; my youth was spent blasting around on big-bore cruisers and standards, which satiated my need for stupid power, wheelies, and burnouts. (Think V65 Magnas, GSX1100G's, and KZ1100's...)
Nowadays I'd spend some money on my Harley if I could get the seat and suspension on par with a '79 Buick Electra or Lincoln Towncar, but since that's not likely to happen I'll stick to stock, LOL.
In the end- to each his own...
Nowadays I'd spend some money on my Harley if I could get the seat and suspension on par with a '79 Buick Electra or Lincoln Towncar, but since that's not likely to happen I'll stick to stock, LOL.
In the end- to each his own...
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If you have too ask, then you don't understand. Or, it's better to have the power and not need it, than to need it and not have it. The extra performance isn't all about speed and bragging rights, it is nice to have a scoot that can get out of its own way.