If you buy the SE Cannons, air cleaner, and tuner from your dealer, I'm pretty sure they'd let you install the parts yourself to save some coin and then either flash the HD tune for you or do it for some very small fee (like $30). Or get/borrow a windows laptop and do it yourself. I have about 5 of the old ones laying around collecting dust. I'm sure you can find someone to help you.

 

The acquisition costs of my new 2019 low Rider have been more than I expected after I installed necessary fitment products. If I do the Stage 1 upgrade in stages, which of the three components (SE Tuner, Higher Flow Air Cleaner, or SE slip-on muffler) would you recommend doing first? Or, would you just wait until they could all be done at once?

I have always believe that better intake air flow will benefit any engine, but with the M8, I am not so sure any more.

 

Muffler, for the sound, if you want that. Air cleaner for appearance, if you want it. Stage one has little performance benefit over stock.

 

I’d definitely start with the muffler. As said, mostly for sound. It will make the biggest impact on your riding experience. You might also find you are completely satisfied and stop at that point.

 

My vote goes to doing stage one all at once, even if it means waiting until you can afford it.

Mufflers alone will make it louder, but withmore airflow and/or no cats, they are as likely to hurt performance as help it. Probably safe, but no benefit other than sound. A free-flow air cleaner should be paired with a tune. So you’re going to need an ECM flash eventually and you want to have the exhaust installed to avoid having to do it twice.

I do think stage one is worth the investment. It got me a nearly 10% hp increase and several more fp of torque. The bike is livelier and I can feel the difference in everyday riding.