So, are any of you guys running with aftermarket air cleaners AND slip-ons and HAVE NOT tuned your bike? I've read my share of thoughts / opinions on this matter (tune or not tune), but would like some real-life feedback from those who are actually riding with this set-up.
Thanks

 

Without a tune a bike running that set up will probably pop and sputter a lot and run hot.

I’ve run just a set of slip ons without the air filter or tune and it ran fine.
It’s when we change the air to fuel ratio that problems can occur.

 

What bike/engine are wanting info on?

 

Yes, I have - on multiple bikes. What I learned (especially on pre-2014 bikes) is this: -

For engine longivity, tuning is more important than sound. I now buy a programmable tuner first and no longer have to worry about whether I'm damaging the engine every time I ride. Modern tuners easily accommodate changes, so there is no need to wait until all upgrades are done until the bike is appropriately tuned.

I specified a greater need on pre-2014 bikes because emmisions regulations caused the MoCo to lean the bikes to the point that engine damage was likely without intervention. They aren't as bad now.

 

23 Road Glide 107 M8

 

yea, that's what I'm asking: the newer M8's supposedly do not require tuning unless you go full exhaust with a high flow AC

 

The air fuel ratio on new Harleys is very lean from the factory. Any mods that increase air flow through the motor (pipes/air cleaner) will make it more lean.

In the long run, this is not good for the motor.

 

There is no performance gain with an aftermarket air cleaner, so one really isn't necessary anyway.

This has been widely discussed here, and some very well educated engine builders have repeatedly stated that this is not true in the M8 platform.

 

Understood. I suppose this comes down to your feelings on the matter. Some people on the internet think your bike will be fine without a tune, some feel it may get damaged. How do you feel about it? Willing to put your engine on the line at the advice of 'garage mechanics' like me? Personally, I would be much more likely to run a stage 1 without a tune on an M8 than a Twin Cam, but I feel like I can tell when an engine isn't happy from experience.

 

That's the entire reason for my question! There are many different opinions on this subject, most of them being initiated by the research of the guys over at DK Customs. That's why I'm not looking for opinions, I want to know if anyone has actually went this route and what happened? I've heard from one guy who told me his bike runs great with zero issues.