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I am convinced it is the best performance breather made by anyone, and I'm surprized it's made by HD and not some aftermarket folks. I would not hesitate to buy them again, unlike the Big Sucker and K&N 3909 I tossed in the trash.
The only drawback I can image with the Heavy Breather is it's style. The look is not for everybody, especially those who prefer vintage HD looks.
As far as leg room, even a ten foot tall rider would have to be deformed to claim it was a knee knocker compared to OEM and many variants.
Performance-wise, no one beats it on the flow bench.
Fit and finish is above or equal to the best aftermarket.
Simplicity cannot be improved on.
Never had oil carryover issues, nor ever a problem in heavy rain without rain sock installed.
I truely have to hand it too the guys at Screaming Eagle, they got it right!
I have had no problems with mine as long as you use the rain sock. I leave it in the bags. I feel there is more leg room being a taller rider. My leg used to hit the stock air cleaner cover, not I dont touch anything! I would and will get in again on another bike.
senior experienced all-knowing leader of the unwise
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 321
Well here's my experience although it's probably not typical. I put one on a 95" carbed dyna to replace standard SE air cleaner. It created some kind of cooling effect for the intake tract on that particular bike, enough so that i had to go up one size on pilot jet and 2 sizes on main jet with no other changes. On cooler days the intake elbow felt like it was refrigerated. Cooler air is denser and gets more fuel/air mix into the cylinders. I believe the engine flowed so well it was not getting enough air with the standard SE air cleaner. Performance of the bike increased of course dramatically. Downside is getting them wet. I would not even consider putting one on a touring bike. The oil washes out of the element the first time it gets wet unless you are lucky enough to have time to put the rain sock on. Again, this dramatic result is not typical as this engine put out 95HP/102TQ before i tuned it. I know guys who put them on and they all say the bike ran better.
I researched the heck out of this thing too. I finally put it on my 08 RG with SE Slip-ons and the HD download. I couldn't be happier. I think it looks great on the bike and the bike seems to have more life as well. Bang for the buck I think this is one of the best performance mods you can do. I know looks are all a personal taste but everyone that has seen it on my bike really likes it too. It's a conversation piece. Here are the pics I posted before on the forum right after install: http://hdforums.com/forum/touring-mo...her-on-rg.html
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08 Mirage Orange Pearl Road Glide
Screamin' Eagle Street Performance Slip-On Mufflers - Slash Down
Screamin' Eagle Heavy Breather with HD Stage 1 ECM Download
Detachable Backrest and Luggage Rack (never on unless wife is)
7" Contoured Wind Deflector - Black
HD Flame Grips
I just got a new Heavy Breather for my '09 Street Glide and I have a question about the rain sock. It doesn't rain a lot here in the desert but it is pretty dusty so I was thinking that it might not be a bad idea to keep the sock on it all the time. Anybody see a problem with that? Good or bad idea?
I'm running it on my 09 Glide and I leave the sock on all the time to help keep out the dust with no problems. I'd also have to say it was a great upgrade. I'm running Vance & Hines slip on's, heavy breather and HD download and the bike run's great!
