My local dealer told me if I install the Cycle Shack tapered slip ons I bought that I do not need a remap on my 08 1200R unless I install the Stage I air cleaner. Is this true? He also said Harley no longer provides any remaps for the Stage I cleaner when used with pipes, that I would have to go to a tuner module such as the PCIII or Harley Race Tuner. Seems like a lot of money just to improve the sound.

 

Your dealer has told you half the truth. Simply going to Cycle Shack mufflers does NOT require a remap. You WILL need a remap if you go to an aftermarket AC. An aftermarket AC will open the intake to more air and the remap is necessary to increase the fuel flow to maintain the proper air/fuel mixture.

The half truth comes in when he says, "Harley no longer provides any remaps for the Stage I cleaner when used with pipes." Some dealers will do the remap for you, others will not, thereby forcing you to buy and install your own remapping capability. Their equipment most certainly can do the Stage 1 remap for you, but it is an individual dealer decision as to whether or not to violate the EPA "tampering" law. Harley-Davidson itself cannot condone breaking that law to their dealers,so their recommended policy to their dealers is to steer clear of violating that law. The Feds are clamping down and HD does not want to be caught encouraging or enabling the violation of the EPA Clean Air Act laws (actually, Stage 1 mods have been a violation of the EPA Law since 1979, but they are now beginning a much more stringent enforcement).

 

If all you want is improved sound, go for it. That's what I did at first. Cycle Shack slip on tappers. No other modifications. The reason for the after market air cleaner is to also improve performance. But, just the cycle shacks will greatly improve the sound.