The search function isn't what it used to be...
Bought a used bike this year. Is there a way to tell if the bike has had a stage breather upgrade? If it has the stock football AC cover? The seller was unaware but I know my bike has aftermarket slip on's, and a VH Fuel Pack under the seat. From my other bikes, I recall the Stage 1 was round and figured it would only allow the round filter and AC cover, and not the football filter/cover? Thx in advance.

 

 

Could always pull cover and see what is underneath, had a Arlen ness big sucker under the football on my used bike.

 

Take the football off. What is under it? If it is the big black football shaped backplate then it is stock. If there is nothing behind the shiny football but a filter, then you have stage 1 intake most likely. My 08 is technically a stage 3 but with the upgraded intake still uses the stock cover.

Fastest way is to start digging. It most likely does have upgraded intake. You really wouldn't need a fuelpak on it for just slip on mufflers.

 

You could look at the map in the FP3 to see what map they have loaded. Should identify if they chose a normal or high-flow intake, and should show if it is loaded for a different camshaft, etc.

 

Do a compression test.
Stage crap is for waxnposers whom dont know shet about bikes or engines.
HD created the "stage stuff to sell the bike a couple times to the same person!
" Yea man I am not too savvy what stage am I at?"
Ans
" Look in your wallet" , "we have a stage that will match the amount of cash you have" LOL

 

^^^ This. But all you have to do is feel behind the football. If the backing plate is there, no stage 1 air upgrade. If you feel the filter without the plastic backing plate, you have stage 1 air.

 

I am thinking the above about the rear plastic part of the air cleaner is correct. Basically a stage 1 will allow more air in, if you have a couple of openings near the front, its stock and restrictive, if air flow is all the way around the air cleaner, it is opened up for more airflow and performance.

 

If the bike has "slip ons" then it;s not a complete Stage 1

 

I must be ay stage 45 or so............LOL