+1
One thing I do know the cat has got to go. Like I said in my OP in time I will install a stage-1 air kit and a turner and I'm worried the stock muffler won't work with them. Since I already have the new mufflers maybe I should keep them, but if I do, I won't get my $400+ back and I'm really liking this quiet ride I have now. I sure could use that money for a lot of other things for my bike.

 

I am now catless with Bassani's and it's louder than I want for a 500 mile day.I think catless with stock muffs or SE slip ons would be great both for sound and back pressure.

 

Very interesting.
I still would like to know if the stock muffler would screw up a stage-1.

 

It doesn't. The air cleaner is the main bottleneck in the system, not the mufflers or cat.

 

I doubt it since a lot of folks with 2010's and 11's probably do a Stage 1 with the bike the way it is? ie stock head pipe and mufflers?

 

im catless with 4 in rineharts perfect for me,i did stage 1 no engine lite yet ....

 

On my 09 cat-less Classic I did the SE AC,HD download and a set of V&H Monster Rounds .It sure woke the motor up,I love the pipes at idle and the look,but I wasn't sure if I could ride a 500 mile day with the MRs.A week ago I took off the MRs and reinstalled the stock mufflers,geez what a peaceful ride.Now I'm looking for a set of CVO slip-ons.Like the OP,I'm wondering if the stock pipes decrease the ability of the motor to breathe?Should I go back to the stock breather?Are the CVO pipes any freer flowing?

 

I'm wondering if there is a difference in the OEM pipes for 2009 vs the 2010 and 11's....seems like there is as HD puts out the SE's specially made for bikes with cats in the exhaust system (2010,11)

My guess is that the 10 and 11 pipes are a little more free flowing to compensate for the cat?

 

I have a set of 09 head pipes I can have for free but the o2 censers are larger and located in a different spot on the head pipe then the 10 and 11. I need the o2 censers right now, and might even need them with a stage-1. So they are just setting around my buddy's garage.

 

My catless 10 RKC with stock mufflers, stage 1 AC and PCV is louder than a stock 09. So I think the 10 and 11 mufflers are more free flowing. The 10's gutted head pipe chamber might also be larger than an 09's, which I think gives it a deeper sound. Wish I had the know-how to post a recording.