Did a search but can't find exactly what each stage is. Can someone tell me what each stage means?

 

http://discountmotorcyclepipes.com/stage-123-upgrades/

 

The generally accepted 1,2,3,4 etc. are the packages sold by screaming eagle using that description- OR equivalent aftermarket parts.

the screaming eagle section of the part and access catalogue will spell it out.


easy now, you just got the darn thing!

many of the mods we do violate warranties, if you have a warranty, read it carefully

the P&A catalog ( or the HD website) is a great way to look at what is available for your bike.
some HD parts are superior to the aftermarket, some inferior.

asking other riders here is a good way to discern what parts are worth having, which are not.

there are lots and lots of ways to spend money, a little time and homework can help prevent missteps

a stage 1 is the best bang for buck power increase. expect 7 to 10 horsepower.
Depending on parts chosen and DIY or Dealer anywhere from $600 to $1500+



mike

 

There are lot of folks out there more knowledgeable than me and I may be off in my response, but Stage I is higher flow air filter, no change in tune necessary. Stage II is high flow air filter, more open exhaust, change in cams and new tune necessary. Stage III is even hotter cams, more flow and new tune. Never heard of Stage IV.....hope this helps. And hopefully others will further clarify

 

I have a stage II on my 2012 SG.. and it consisted of High Air intake, Headers and mufflers, SERT, and installation of SE255 cams.
I beleive you have to start replacing cams for it to be called a Stage II, and then a Stage III is cams and heads... you know.. more internal parts of the motor..and or big bore kits.

As mentioned, the Parts book from HD will explain this in further details
Mo

 

Bigger numbers = bigger dollars to get there.
Stage 1 is usualy pipes, intake and fuel managelment
Stage 2 = stage 1 plus cams
Stage 3 = stage 2 plus heads and bigger bore kit (usually)
Stage 4 = stage 3 plus insanity

 

The link Pioneer gave is as close as you will get. There is no definition that is cast in granite! Different folks have different ideas. These things started back in the 80s when Harleys were first supplied new with EPA restrictions, which reduced noise and exhaust emissions that adversely affected performance. Current Harleys have even more severe restrictions.

EPA regulations reduce noise and performance. Some owners just want a bit more noise, so for them a 'stage 1' tends to be new mufflers. However the stock air filter is in fact an induction muffler and when changed will also increase noise. Changing either or both of these will alter air/fuel ratios, which are leaner than optimum. Ignition timing is also a part of the EPA package, so is not optimum.

So IMHO when installing a decent stage 1, mufflers and air filter are replaced, but air/fuel and ignition timing should be adjusted, to get the best from the package. All these things are done without opening up the engine.

 

This should be a sticky somewhere. I could not find the answer until I added the word "explained" to the search.

From a few threads that I viewed, this seems to the the clearest and most concise answer that is in agreement with the majority of answers.

 

So what does it mean if you do pipes and a big bore but no cams? Rhetorical question....stage definitions are stupid and pointless marketing mumbo jumbo. Do what you want in whatever order works for you

 

I just wanted to know what the heck everyone was talking about.
I will be looking at some performance upgrades: turns out they are stage 1 only, but I wanted to understand the difference.