Funny how most of the advice comes from folks that don't have the mods you are talking about? I sometimes wonder where they pull their wisdom from? Anyway, from one who HAS dome it, my opinion is to pull the trigger and do the stage 3. It is a hoot from startup to WOT and everything in between. Do not listen to people who say the stage 3 power starts at x rpm, it starts at startup and kicks *** all the way through the range. My dyno is listed on the forum in the dyno section if you want to take a look but it doesn't tell the story of twisting the throttle with a stage 3 M8 under your seat. I have have np problems with sumping or transfer on my RKS. I made sure that the upgraded oi pump was installed with the stage 3, but it is required as part of the TB.
Want a kick *** ride? Stage 3 will give it to you!

 

think you're being too quick to judge...a lot of us (yes me included) have done a lot of mods over the years...OP says he's 'thinking about' an upgrade but didn't provide a lot of details on how he rides, or intends to..solo, two up, touring or not, etc. so differing perspectives looking at the costs, potential reliability, drivability, fuel economy, etc. are being shared to maybe help him make a decision he can feel good about spending possibly beaucoup bucks...glad you're happy with your performance upgrade and it's a good share to help him along with, just like the other perspectives..not to mention considering going from a 17 to 18 and what if 20 they have new frame and suspension and 'just have to have it' sets in...you could possibly be throwing away thousands more..don't ask me how I know all this..there's just plenty to consider overall imo and just trying to help

 

I understand what you are saying, but the OP is considering an 18, meaning an M8 engine. The Mods you did with your TC or shovels do not apply here, this is a different beast, and most of the "advice" that has been given is way off base. My grip here is that to many informed opinions are not. A person that posts a query on the forum (IMO) deserves to be answered by people that have the actual experience to answer, not just people wanting to increase their thread count. Or at least qualify the post with "I don't have a clue what I'm talking about but here's what I think".

 

I wish I could stop clicking on these threads. Too many ideas here. I am perfectly happy with my bike but I just keep thinking "What if?" "Should I or shouldn't I?" Dang it

 

 

To me on a m8 i dont care for anything more then a stage 2.

 

So here is the difference between aftermarket and the MOCO.

This is my 107 with the RS 468 cam, stock muffler cans with the Fullsac 2" cores, and an Arlen Ness Big Sucker air cleaner.




Here is Noisy Cricket's 114" stage III



I think the charts speak for themselves.

 

 

i am pretty happy with the stage 2 torque cam , wakes the bike up nice in that 2800 to 4700 rpm range and you can cruse around in a high gear int he city and still have plenty out of the whole.

 

I had a stage III on my 2017 RGS, The Videos Harley-Davidson puts out on the differences between their stage kits sums them up nicely. If you have not watched them, I recommend you check them out.