Stage 1 download. What does it do?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
From: Charleston, SC
Stage 1 download. What does it do?
My dealer said that I need the download but, what the heck does the download actually do? Richen it up a bit or is there more to it than that? I have looked at a few threads but can't figure it out. All that I have done is add jackpot mufflers. They wanted $300.00 for the download. If.... I have to, I'll just do the vieds.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Abbottstown, PA
If you still have the stock air filter, you don't need the download. Your ECM will adapt. Some say the download doesn't do anything, some say it's great. I'm not a tech, so I don't know. If you want an opinion, and you must because you are on a forum, I would go all the way with the Stage 1. Your bike will thank you.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
It seems there are two harley downloads. One just raises the rev limiter and one adds a little fuel. Either way the harley downloads are EPA compliant so they won't do that much. I would go with the vieds even if they were the same price as the downloads. To get optimum performance you will want to open up the A/C and add a tuner.
With just the exhaust upgrade, you don't have to do anything regardless of what harley says. The ECM will adjust out to the original lean condition.
With just the exhaust upgrade, you don't have to do anything regardless of what harley says. The ECM will adjust out to the original lean condition.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
From: Charleston, SC
Thanks guys, I do want to do the a/c and replace the header pipes and a tuner. I bought the extended Harley warranty this time so I want to be sure that I have not totally thrown my $$$ away.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
Likes: 57,080
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
The Dealer "Download" can be purchased for around $150.00 installed ( it's just a hook up between the ECM and the Computer. $300.00 is WAY out of line. AS for the "Value received for money spent" aspect, you may/should consider one of the aftermarket tuners that offer hundreds of "maps" in the event ( and you will ) decide that you are going to add additional modifications in the future. Also, NOT ALL DEALER DOWNLOADS WILL INCREASE THE REV LIMITER. Some ( most, now ) are EPA Compliant and many of those will not increase the rev limiter, but don't forget that unless you've made more than minor changes you're not going to make any more HP from the 5,600 to 6,200 PRM range anyway
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Don't waste your hard earned money. The flash will not accomplish much other then making your wallet lighter. Some people swear that their bikes run cooler with it but I don't know how since it's still EPA compliant.
Save up some money and buy the exhaust, air breathing and a good add on tuner and your be happier with the results.
Save up some money and buy the exhaust, air breathing and a good add on tuner and your be happier with the results.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: Cypress, Texas
Everyone seems to forget about the Screamin Eagle Street Performance Tuner Kit part # 41000008B which sells for only $249.95. You can download a stage 1 or 2 map, play with the fuel as much as you want, and has Smart Tune. Plus your warranty will still intact.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 8
From: Pa
When i asked my dealer what exactly does the stage 1 download do he said it just adds some fuel. I told him i also think it raises the rev limiter and he said it doesnt. He even asked another guy and they said no. Well i had them do the download and it was 150 bucks. I figured if it runs good and safe levels stock, then the download will put it back to that safe and stock levels with the slipons and open ac. Not looking for performance just to not burn up some pistons. It also definatly raised teh rev limiter. Before the download it would cut off about 5700 rpm ( if i remember right) and now its 6200 rpm before it cuts off. My bike runs great and dont see any issues with a basic Stage 1 upgrade to get the download, but not for 300 bucks. I did buy some Fl Vied that i am not running.