Stage 1 or not?
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 26
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From: NC
Stage 1 or not?
Ok recently purchased a 2011 Ultra and installed the Screaming Eagle Street Cannons. Love the sound. I realize that in order to "complete" a stage one that you need to install and intake and program the ECM. My question is does this make the bike louder or just give you more power. Honestly, I think the bike already has plenty of power as my last bike was a 650CC.
Just don't know what to expect on performance, sound, etc that I would get from semi-stock to stage one. While I am at it, if I get the intake I was looking at the ones that don't stick out like a hypercharger or cone. Any suggestions? I like the idea of a K&N filter. I know in the long run, it will save money on filter replacements.
If I do the state one, does the dealer have to program the ECM and dyno?
Just don't know what to expect on performance, sound, etc that I would get from semi-stock to stage one. While I am at it, if I get the intake I was looking at the ones that don't stick out like a hypercharger or cone. Any suggestions? I like the idea of a K&N filter. I know in the long run, it will save money on filter replacements.
If I do the state one, does the dealer have to program the ECM and dyno?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 3
From: Moline, IL
intake and programmer will not make it louder, new head pipe will, and will give even more performance. you dont ahve to have a big air filter, the HD ventilater is good option that stays semi stock looking, or you can you your stock air filter "football" cover and use hi flow filter. there are options that do not require dealer program or dyno. power commander or power vision are good examples. fuelmoto is great company to deal with, tell them your set up and they will load a program to match it. all you do is install programmer when you recieveit and it will be good to go. of course you add auto tune or have it dyno to tune it in perfectly but its not required. iran power commander on my street glide and now have a power vision for my road glide. hope this helps
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 58
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
Do the complete Stage 1! I have a 2009 Road King Classic, put on Bassani fishtails, K&N Filter, the Screamin Eagle Tuner, and dyno at the local HD dealer. The bike runs soooo much smoother and cooler, with some added torque and power. Cost me about a grand, but well worth the money spent. Why take a chance burning up your motor with just an exhaust mod. I guarantee you won't regret it!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
If ya are happy with the power and sound ya got now, why do more? Run/ride it for a while and figure out what YOU want to change. Reading the forums is great but it is a very slippery slope keeping up with all the mods... It is your bike and experience. Enjoy!
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
so you have the slip ons.
most of us would get a no-cat header- check ebay...about $150
a Ness big sucker has a K&N type oiled, washable, resuable filter about $125 on ebay from easternpc- uses the stock cover, which has the benefit of concealing the servomotor plug and wiring on the throttle body. get the version with chrome backing plate- it looks better where it attaches at the heads.
tuning compensation takes many forms- I use nightrider.com XIEDS. about $130
so we are now at about $400- for that you get an increase in power of about 7 to 10 horsepower.
That is the best bang for buck you;ll get out of your bike.
reliability and mpg will be retained.
No need for a dyno.
your dealer has a big expensive machine he wants to keep busy so it pays for itself.
a drop off at the dealer stage 1 can cost up to $2000...some guys will actually pay that.
mike
most of us would get a no-cat header- check ebay...about $150
a Ness big sucker has a K&N type oiled, washable, resuable filter about $125 on ebay from easternpc- uses the stock cover, which has the benefit of concealing the servomotor plug and wiring on the throttle body. get the version with chrome backing plate- it looks better where it attaches at the heads.
tuning compensation takes many forms- I use nightrider.com XIEDS. about $130
so we are now at about $400- for that you get an increase in power of about 7 to 10 horsepower.
That is the best bang for buck you;ll get out of your bike.
reliability and mpg will be retained.
No need for a dyno.
your dealer has a big expensive machine he wants to keep busy so it pays for itself.
a drop off at the dealer stage 1 can cost up to $2000...some guys will actually pay that.
mike
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 58
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
Seen many "do it yourselfers" tune their bikes to rich or to lean, never finding that ideal ratio of air & fuel. The dynos exist for a reason, not just to line HD dealers pockets. I spent 20K for a Harley, I want it tuned to perfection, by professionals, and a nice printed read out to prove it. But to each his own. Like they say, "it's your bike!".
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,429
From: Idaho Panhandle
You don't need a stage 1 breather.
It probably will do little to cool the pipes That would take new headers or removal of the cat.
The difference in performance with slightly more air will be minimal. You'll feel it, but it won't be enough to "go for it" on a quick pass.
New headers, stage 1 and new turner changes the bike.
I'd live with it as is and enjoy the hell out of it until you feel the urge to do a complete stage one. Removing the cat or new headers will increase sound slightly. Stage 1 breather will not change exhaust level or tone.
Many are happy with just slip ones until the talk with other bikers. Stay away from other bikers and you'll love what you have now.
It probably will do little to cool the pipes That would take new headers or removal of the cat.
The difference in performance with slightly more air will be minimal. You'll feel it, but it won't be enough to "go for it" on a quick pass.
New headers, stage 1 and new turner changes the bike.
I'd live with it as is and enjoy the hell out of it until you feel the urge to do a complete stage one. Removing the cat or new headers will increase sound slightly. Stage 1 breather will not change exhaust level or tone.
Many are happy with just slip ones until the talk with other bikers. Stay away from other bikers and you'll love what you have now.