I've searched the forums a bit and I can't find out about what exactly constitutes a "Stage 1" (let alone stage 2, etc.) upgrade.

Is there anyone out there who can give me a quick "stage upgrades for dummies" primer?

 

Bolt on stuff, cold air intake and exhaust.

 

Here's the way I understand it. Stage 1 consists of:
1) larger air intake/filter
2) upgraded exhaust.
3) fuel management system

The better filter lets more air into the engine, the better exhaust allows the air you just let in back out.
The computer chip or download let's the engine know what is going on and allows it to run more efficient, generally cooler with a bit more horsepower.

 

So 'stage' upgrades are for FI and not carb'd bikes?

 

It's a very broad term...it's not about some exact part or specific part number.

I means you've done "some performance upgrade" to the intake, and "some performance upgrade" to the exhaust, and either rejetted the carb or remapped the FI. Sometimes there's a 4th component..ignition upgrades.

Then you have Stage 2..stuff like CAM uprades. And then Stage 3....major engine upgrades like big bore.

for both..see my above reply.

 

ive heard of dealerships just remapping the ECU, and not actually installing a fuel management system, which is a total ripoff, in my opinion. why pay HD god knows how much for a one-time ECU flash (meaning you'd have to reflash it again any time you get new pipes/intake) when for 3 benjies you can get a power commander unit and maps for any hardware configuration you can dream of, and flash it whenever you feel like it for free.

fuel injection + a power commander (or whichever other brand of fuel management system) makes changing pipes and intake completely trivial. dont let HD oversell you on the stage 1 upgrade. the only conceivable benefit is that they put *your* bike on a dynomometer to custom tune it. (or they *should*, at any rate.) unless you're hitting the drag strip, most folks can live with canned maps, so paying for dyno time probably isnt worth it.

just my $0.02.

 

I like ecu remaps , they dont really go wrong ,when there done there done , and unless your changing the pipes and a/c on a regular basis , then wheres the problem , its not worth what harley charge , thats a given , but what is at the end of the day .

 

Thanks - - that's exactly what I wanted to know!

 

Ok so if I go with new pipes VH or cobra and I have stage#1 I should be ok???

 

Ok with what? The OP was just asking about stage-one terminology. Basically, a stage-one is a free-flowing exhaust and air cleaner change. Sometimes it requires a re-jet (for carbs) or a new tune (for EFI) but that's just part of it. Other stages require opening up the engine, i.e., cam change, head work, bigger cylinders, etc.