Looking to wake up a 17 Limited Low. Is a Stage 1 from the Dealer worth it or go direct to a Stage 2 or up? If I am going to spend the coin, I only want to do it once.

 

Stage one being mufflers, air cleaner and tuner, from the dealer no it's not worth it. Do it yourself with the mufflers of choice, just the K&N and install the tuner yourself then yes. Stage 1 in the M8 is not the boost you got with a stage 1 in the twin cams. Sound and a little better throttle response is about all you will notice.

The stage 2 brings on a different set of circumstances because of the warranty. If you are thinking that route then yes do it within the 60 day window and get it on the warranty.

 

I thought it was worth it. I installed the stuff myself, save the cost of labor.

If you're doing your own install, you have to also buy the cable to flash the tuner. Bonus is you can now do a couple of auto tune runs, which I think is worth while.

 

The days of upgrading your Harleys like we use too are over use to be pretty easy to do getting much more out of them. The new EPA regulations have messed all that up this new M8 motor was designed with the new Regs in mine you’ll never get the sound or the power we use to get. All the Bikes with the Stage updates have a lot of issues after the upgrades not worth the headaches or the lost of my warranty at lease for me.

 

At a bare minimum, I would like it sound better than stock. But if changing pipes, I am willing to go Stage 2 if it is worth it.

 

I think it depends on the definition of worth to the person doing the upgrade. I had the Stage 1 completed before I took delivery of the bike. I didn't just ad the slip on mufflers, I did the entire SE Street Cannon Exhaust system along with the intake and tuner. I can tell a difference vs. my brothers stock 107, but I also think my bikes and truck run better when they are clean and waxed. I know it sounds better and was worth every penny to me. To others it was a waste of money. Don't sweat what others think.

 

It is not as good a bang for the buck as it used to be. You get approximately half the gain for twice the price as in the past. So if money figures into being worth it, I am inclined to say no

 

Just better slip ons will give the bike a little better sound than stock. Still idle is way to tame and quiet compared to previous models.

You would need a stage 2 with a good cam to get a sound somewhat close to harley's old signature sound.

 

Hmm. I haven't researched but I assume to maintain warranty, which I want to do given some of the M8 issues, The dealer should do the Stage 2 upgrade. What does that usually run? $1k, $2k?

 

Stage 1 and 2 (torque cam) combined are running me $2,100 at my dealer on my 114 Heritage.