Aftermarket pipes are cool, no doubt. After discussing this topic on Harleytech talk, for a low end build say up to 130h/p, the stock decatted headpipe is very close in power output.

The guy that dyno tuned my bike, said same. A good 2/1 would not increase power significantly......

That is all......

 

Lol 130 is low end. Lol.

 

I think what this member is saying is,, if you like the look of the stock header pipes,, after it is decatted, it will perform as much as needed compared to a lot of aftermarket headers .... And he seems to have some physical dyno time to show this .... With the later models with the ox sensors down near the cat, I believe we are being bamboozled with science regarding cross talk etc,,, and aftermarket marketing to think our bikes will perform badly with a decatted stock header pipe.... I sure as hell dont have any problems with decatted pipes on a touring bike ,, and I have done a few ..... It comes down to money ,, looks ,, and time you have ,,,,

 

If you want to change the air cleaner for a new look, that is OK, but not necessary. Just
add K&N replacement air filter part #HD-1614 it will flow all the air a Stage-I needs. If
a Stage-I is all you plan on doing, then a good set of slip-on mufflers & a de-catted head
pipe work well with your plan. Check with Forum Vendor FuelMoto for a full system if you
go down that road. Good Luck

 

Decat the stock header, and put a tuner on it.

I believe the stock air cleaner works fine, as is.

Put aftermarket mufflers on it if you wish.

That should do it, without tossin' away a bundle of cash!

 

I did slip ons and the V&H naked air cleaner.Im keeping the stock head pipe.Im not feeling the heat others are I guess.I had a pair of Night sticks in the garage from my road King and I bought a used air cleaner kit.Slip ons cost me $225.00 and air cleaner $105.00
I'm also keeping the cat in to tame the exhaust a little.Just my two cents.

 

I have the Fuel moto 2-1-2 ceramic head pipe and full size cross over with Jackpot dyno tuned mufflers. Uses the stock heat shields so no issues with access and barks when you get on it but quiet when cruising. Really happy with the set up.

 

Any more votes for stock air intake with nothing more than a K&N (and a tune)? Are the 2014+ air intakes much improved over previous years?

 

I have a fuelmoto backing plate simply because I don't trust the plastic crap from the factory. From what I have read and what I witnessed when I took it apart a K&N in the factory housing is going to flow more air than a stage one bike can handle.

 

I only put my stage one filter on last night and put 20-25 miles on it and it,felt a little more responsive on excelleration.Might be to soon to tell.Isnt much loader then stock.Ill have to put a weekend worth of riding in it to be sure.I also got to try out a new seat at the same time.A P52164-10 is a comfy seat.