Stage One or Stage Two… THAT is the Question!
Stage One or Stage Two… THAT is the Question!
I know it’s still riding season, but I’m already thinking about off season upgrades for my 2021 Tri Glide.
I’d love to hear from fellow Tri Gliders that have installed either Stage One or Stage Two upgrades (or began with a Stage One then added a cam later).
If I go Stage Two I’d like to go with the torque improvement cam profile.
Also, I’m curious as to how much of a sacrifice I might see in gas mileage with either setup. I had a Stage Two on my 99’ Ultra (back then Stage Two included a Big Bore kit also) and at 3k rpm, in a headwind, I had to REALLY pay attention to my fuel gauge and gas station locations! More than a few close calls.
Stock isn’t bad, however I’ve found I’d like to have better response when I roll on the throttle when passing, merging, etc. No drag racing speed needs for me, those days are long gone.
That said, no worries about a Stage Two taxing my drivetrain. Just simple “roll on the power” when needed.
i want to do this right the first time. I plan on keeping (extending) my Harley warranty.
Hoping to hear from those who have made the upgrade and hear why they’re happy (or not) in their decision.
I am absolutely loving my first summer on three wheels!
I’d love to hear from fellow Tri Gliders that have installed either Stage One or Stage Two upgrades (or began with a Stage One then added a cam later).
If I go Stage Two I’d like to go with the torque improvement cam profile.
Also, I’m curious as to how much of a sacrifice I might see in gas mileage with either setup. I had a Stage Two on my 99’ Ultra (back then Stage Two included a Big Bore kit also) and at 3k rpm, in a headwind, I had to REALLY pay attention to my fuel gauge and gas station locations! More than a few close calls.
Stock isn’t bad, however I’ve found I’d like to have better response when I roll on the throttle when passing, merging, etc. No drag racing speed needs for me, those days are long gone.
That said, no worries about a Stage Two taxing my drivetrain. Just simple “roll on the power” when needed.
i want to do this right the first time. I plan on keeping (extending) my Harley warranty.
Hoping to hear from those who have made the upgrade and hear why they’re happy (or not) in their decision.
I am absolutely loving my first summer on three wheels!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,028
From: Carlsbad, CA
Our big fat TriGlide benefited well from the SE255 cam. I’d highly recommend a cam that brings on early torque. Don’t let people talk you into a high RPM HP cam. But, it was more sensitive to gas quality, ran hotter, and the added torque on top of the heavy Trike killed compensators and the clutch. I can’t remember what MPG I got before the Stage 2, but after I averaged 30 mpg.
I later installed a Baker compensator, and SE clutch & spring…and that cured those issues.
Our stage 2 included full Vance & Hines catless exhsust, and was tuned with the HD Race Tuner.
I later installed a Baker compensator, and SE clutch & spring…and that cured those issues.
Our stage 2 included full Vance & Hines catless exhsust, and was tuned with the HD Race Tuner.
Our big fat TriGlide benefited well from the SE255 cam. I’d highly recommend a cam that brings on early torque. Don’t let people talk you into a high RPM HP cam. But, it was more sensitive to gas quality, ran hotter, and the added torque on top of the heavy Trike killed compensators and the clutch. I can’t remember what MPG I got before the Stage 2, but after I averaged 30 mpg.
I later installed a Baker compensator, and SE clutch & spring…and that cured those issues.
Our stage 2 included full Vance & Hines catless exhsust, and was tuned with the HD Race Tuner.
I later installed a Baker compensator, and SE clutch & spring…and that cured those issues.
Our stage 2 included full Vance & Hines catless exhsust, and was tuned with the HD Race Tuner.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,978
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I have an '18 Tri-Glide (M-8) and I added the Stage I kit with V&H Twin Slash Round slip-ons just to help the bike run a bit cooler and sound much better.
I just can't see doing anymore to the engine.
With today's fuel prices and combined with the possibility that a "torque" cam may reduce my mileage (and range) and I'd prefer to remain as close to stock as possible.
Our T/G's are pulling an extra 300lbs (or so) and gaining power at the expense of reduced mileage and range to me is just not worth the expense and even with the upgrade we're not gonna be winning many races.
I just can't see doing anymore to the engine.
With today's fuel prices and combined with the possibility that a "torque" cam may reduce my mileage (and range) and I'd prefer to remain as close to stock as possible.
Our T/G's are pulling an extra 300lbs (or so) and gaining power at the expense of reduced mileage and range to me is just not worth the expense and even with the upgrade we're not gonna be winning many races.
Trending Topics
Stage I and Stage II choices made will make a huge difference in the outcome. Here is a video on the subject-
__________________
DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
HD EFI Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,462
Likes: 4,718
You have to ask yourself what you really want from your Tri-glide, only you can answer that. Now, you stated you want to keep your warranty and it that's the case currently all you can do is a stage I as the HD warranty for a Stage II is only if you have the bike upgraded within the first 60 day from new. It sounds like you have already missed that window in time.
Now if your ready to let the warranty go, then your back to what you really want and nothing comes for free. So go ride as normal and pay attention to the tach when your riding to see what RPM area your looking for help in as it has nothing to do with anything else. Most people on Trikes keep the engine in the 1800 - 3500 RPM range most of the time but there are others who keep them in the 2500- 4500 range and they like something a little different.
Now if your ready to let the warranty go, then your back to what you really want and nothing comes for free. So go ride as normal and pay attention to the tach when your riding to see what RPM area your looking for help in as it has nothing to do with anything else. Most people on Trikes keep the engine in the 1800 - 3500 RPM range most of the time but there are others who keep them in the 2500- 4500 range and they like something a little different.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 1,239
From: New England
You have to ask yourself what you really want from your Tri-glide, only you can answer that. Now, you stated you want to keep your warranty and it that's the case currently all you can do is a stage I as the HD warranty for a Stage II is only if you have the bike upgraded within the first 60 day from new. It sounds like you have already missed that window in time.
Now if your ready to let the warranty go, then your back to what you really want and nothing comes for free. So go ride as normal and pay attention to the tach when your riding to see what RPM area your looking for help in as it has nothing to do with anything else. Most people on Trikes keep the engine in the 1800 - 3500 RPM range most of the time but there are others who keep them in the 2500- 4500 range and they like something a little different.
Now if your ready to let the warranty go, then your back to what you really want and nothing comes for free. So go ride as normal and pay attention to the tach when your riding to see what RPM area your looking for help in as it has nothing to do with anything else. Most people on Trikes keep the engine in the 1800 - 3500 RPM range most of the time but there are others who keep them in the 2500- 4500 range and they like something a little different.