I just purchased 4" Rinehart slip ons and SE Extreme Billet Air Cleaner Kit for my 2012 Street Glide.

Is it necessary to have a download done?

 

Something needs to be done. More air in and more air out mean your running it lean. These bike are already lean from the factory to meet current EPA. If it were my bike I would get an auto tune device.

 

I have a 2012 SG and I put 4" rinehart slipons on mine and it runs and sounds great. I was told if I added a high flow A/C then I would need my ECM flashed or a fuel management system. My interest was the sound and looks, not added harsepower.

 

You know what. I got slip ons and an open ac and it runs great on the dealer stage 1 download . To me a tuner for basic stage 1 is to much. I just wanted it to sound better and be more free flowing. Wasn't looking for top hp gains.

 

I agree with above:
-upgraded exhaust and a/c needs a change in the OEM fuel/spark delivery; and
-the easiest, least expensive route is just have the dealer do a stage 1 DL to the ECM and you'll be good to go.
YMMV. Cheers.

 

Your bike is lean as stock, to meet EPA regulations. Changing mufflers won't improve that! Getting a suitable download can not only put things right, but can reset to optimum, not EPA, settings, which has other benefits. Well worth doing things right IMHO!

 

The dealer download is EPA compliant.

Contrary to popular belief, your ECM will adjust to an AC and new pipes. If you want to richen it up and not spend a lot of money try XIEDS, effective, easy to install, and less money than the dealer download.

http://sales.nightrider.com/Touring_c_16.html

 

Probably not your last UG on the motor so...why not invest in a decent tuner now...?? See a huge # of new owners investing $1000 - $2000 on fancy a/c & exhaust - only to "skimp" or "neglect" the tuning ability. Screw the dealer download - bite the bullet and buy a good e-box now!!! Pays for itself many times over, in the long run.

 

Adding pipes and more air equals bike even leaner than it was from the factory, and you can cause some top end engine damage...at least have the ECM flashed, cheap insurance over buring a piston...but a fuel management system is your best bet, not only get the most out of you HP, but also fuel mileage to go with it...to say nothing of added engine life.

 

I went the SE download and wich i just had gone with the PCIII...I got it from Fuel Moto pre set...for an extra $75...