I just bought a new heritage for my wife to ride. She wants to put tab slip ons with zombie baffles on it. My question is to people who have done this, do I need to have the bike tuned or anything with this modification? When I installed cobra neighbor haters on her softail slim(103), I was told I could install those slip ons with no further modifications, from the dealer where I bought them, several forums, and a couple of friends who have been riding/wrenching for a long time. That bike always made popping noises when decelerating. It was annoying and I'd like to avoid that, if possible. I was told the reason for the popping noises was when I removed the stock slip ons from the slim and installed the cobra slip-ons, I also removed the catalytic converters. I was told that a tune may/may not have fixed that. Any help?

 

I went TAB mediums on my 117 Low Rider. Love the off-throttle sound. Very satisfied. Did not use a tune until I put in a 22XE.

 

Harley will certainly recommend a tuner. Three years ago when my wife purchased her new 21 Heritage, they insisted on it. She got V&H with no other mods and they sound simply awesome.

I purchased a used 19 Heritage from the same dealer a year later. I didn't even think to ask about a tuner. I found out later my bike never had one. I had it checked out by another dealer (long story and for other reasons) and it's fine. However, they did say I should have it tuned but "it's good for now" My point is with just slip-ons and no other mods, I don't believe a tuner is essential. But at the same time I think it's a good idea.

That said with TABs and zombies, I would. I just would.