I have a 2009 Sportster 1200c that I want to upgrade the air filter and pipes as well as adding a power commander. I was wondering if there was a reason why I should choose a stage 2 system over the stage 1 system, or if there was any detriment to using the stage 2 system without doing more extensive internal upgrades to the engine?

I envision upgrading the pipes to either Vance & Hines Big Radius pipes or Screaming Eagle pipes.

Thanks
Craig

 

Run the BS I unless you have a stage 3 motor or above. Without a larger throttle body you wont see any benefit. Well unless you just like the looks of the BS II than it will be fine.

 

I do like the looks of the Big Sucker 2 better than the BS1. So for a few extra $$$ I can go for the looks, and not negatively affect the performance of the bike?

Thanks
Craig

 

You will have NO ill effects.


And in the future if you ever decide to mod your motor.......you'll already have a air cleaner capable of handling it.

 

The only down side to the BS2 is there are very few cover available for it and if you run it open on that FI bike it can get noisy, I have ridden a couple of bikes with open filters and the FI noise can drowned out the exhaust at certain RPM's.

 

So will the stock HD cover fit the BS1? I can see that it would not fit the BS2, but has anyone fit the stock cover to the Big Sucker 1?

Thanks
Craig

 

I know all the big twin covers fit but I don't think the stock Sportster cover does, I would bet you could make it fit with some sort of home made adapter to go from the single bolt on the BS1 to the double bolt on the stock Sportster air cleaner

 

I just ordered a BS I for my 2010 Iron. The Arlen Ness website says that you can put the stock cover over the filter. However, I don't like the stock cover... anyone know if I'll encounter any problems running it without the cover (other than rain)?

 

You shouldn't have a problem running it without a cover. Even with rain, the most you'll get is the rain washing off some of oil from the filter. Mine's always been exposed, and my cover is only like a flat pan that covers the metal mounting area of the filter. It doesn't cover the filtering portion.

 

If you want a true performance air filter and use OEM covers. Do not buy the Screaming eagle. They are made like crap.

Get a HurricaneFlow Air Cleaner from NRHS. You still can use the stock cover if you want and you can choose the depth of your air filter.

LOOK HERE and scroll the whole page.