Originally Posted by {Durf}

Have a '10 Ultra and broken in with 5k miles since January (nothing much to speak of, but they are traveling miles and not bar hopping miles). Anyway, came from a '05 Kaw Nomad that had a 1600cc engine in it (great bikes too, just not built to be quite the tourer that the Ultra is).

I've done the stage-1 with Rinehart slip-ons and the Master Tune, but it still has the stock headers with that F'ing cat in it (Grrrr). Today, during a 350 mile ride in the hot-as-hades FL weather, I experienced another scenario where the bike is totally sluggish going up a steep incline on one of our bridges in our city (riding 2-up). This bike actually loses speed going up the bridge, and dropping down to 5th gear only helps to maintain speed but it will not speed up unless I drop to 4th and really wind it out. That's been a little disappointing to me as of late.....I'm not bashing the bike and completely love it other than this issue.

So, my question: What, in your opinion, is the best way to get a little more "oomph!" in this bike without going all out (boring it, upgrading to a 113", etc)? Would openign the air intake and replacing the headers with a true dual header make much of a difference?

I was also in a group today and did some time on the super slab at a steady 83-85mph. At those speeds, this thing is a snail when it comes time to get around the cars and it's beginning to bother me. Any/all input appreciate.

(Foot note: only mentioned the Kaw Nomad because it never had an issue with inclines and would gain speed while staying in the same gear. Only thing I really have for comparison value)