Just ordered a new Road King, my first HD. Want to change the exhaust. Dealer stated that if the exhaust is changed a Stage 1 kit has to be done as well as the computer download. He quoted me $300 for the Stage 1 kit. Is this needed and is the price comparable or do I need to shop around?

Thanks.

 

Do NOT do the HD Download it's crap. You can change out just the exhaust BUT I have noticed that when I ONLY did my exhaust I got a little backfiring and popping on deceleration.

Some people will say you can just do the exhaust, but with the experience I had I wouldn't leave it that way for to long.

Instead of going with the HD Dowload buy some sort of programmer SERT/PCIII etc. It may cost a little more, but you will be happier in the end.

If your not sure about the programmer check out the DYI section of the forum or a search for SERT or PCIII.

Btw CONGRATS! on the new bike and Welcome to the forum. There are alot of great people and ALOT of useful and not so useful information here

 

Thanks. Do I still need to change to the Stage 1?

 

Congrats on the new bike!

I agree with Cheyenne. The slip-ons are a good start, but to really let the engine breathe I would recommend you invest in a SE Stage 1 air kit, and SERT, PowerCommander, or other management device. You will not be disappointed.

I know some people will disagree, but I consider the pipe/air kit/manager nearly required on a new bike. I rode my Street Glide for a week waiting for the parts to arrive...and it was like the bike had asthma.

 

To up the power on the stock bike you need to do the Stage I. If you intened to do future upgrades, buy a tuner. If you don't, and you will be happy with a basically stock motor, I would not spend the money on the SERT. If you buy a SERT and install one of the programs, you will be doing what the dealer does...you then have the option to "tweak" your settings...however, unless you have access to a dyno, you are only guessing, and you may or may not be making the engine any better. The bikes are lean from the factory, and the download is lean...to get a good tune, take it to a dyno.

Mac

 

Yesterday, had my 04 Road King fitted with SE slip ons, SE air cleaner, and a Vance and Hines Fuel Pak. What an amazing improvement! It's like a new bike. The stock RK was slow and powerless. These changes give the bike much more power and i can cruise at 70mph in 4th gear. I am sold on these changes.
The local dealer doesnt' install PCIIs any more. They said they had problems with them. They said the V&H Fuel Pak is far better than the RevTech also. Personally, I have no clue. I just know it's a much better bike.

 

Stage 1 mapping on my '06 RK classic. I believe I've posted something like this before. Harley installs what they call a "1450 stage 1 map" when you have exhaust and intake changed(stage one). IT DOESN'T WORK. Insist on a 1550 map, buy new plugs set the gap 40-45 your ready to rock and roll. The 1550 map fattens the fuel mix. The bike will really haul the groceries from 60 to 90 + miles an hour, and very satisfactory performance in the lower numbers.

 

I have a 2006 RK Custom, SE slip-ons, Stage one air cleaner, SE race-tuner , all is well. Bike runs great, Do it right the first time and save yourself the diddling around. It may cost more, but time and trouble will be saved.

 

Couple of things.....
My buddy changed to V/H pipes without stage one kit or rejetting..they voided his warranty on carb!

H-D downloads are for H-D products......When I changed to my Rhines, all they could do was a 1550 dl and hope for the best. I changed to a Power Commander...wow, like a whole new bike!