OK, so I'm really pretty happy with my bone-stock (mechanically) 2011 Road King FLHR. Happy with the stock exhaust - it has some character to it but is quiet enough for all-day rides. No change contemplated there. But I've installed the SE Stage 1 Air Cleaner Kit on three previous touring models (carbureted '99 and fuel injected '01 and '03) with good results. The dyno chart shown in the P&A catalog shows about a 5 HP and 5 ft-lb of torque gain from just the SE Air Cleaner compared to an otherwise stock TC96. Just the little extra oomph that would be nice when riding two-up and/or pulling a trailer.

I'm figuring for that about 300 bucks for parts, installation labor, and ECM recalibration charge that extra power can be mine on this bike as well. Just bolt it on and (quoting the installation instructions for the SE Stage 1 Air Cleaner Kit, P/N 29260-08) "download the new ECM calibration using the Digital Technician™ at a Harley-Davidson dealer". So I asked the dealer service manager when he can do this for me and he says, basically, "sorry, no can do". He claims that there are no ECM maps available for this simple mod through the Digital Technician for 2010 or 2011 models. I would additionally have to buy the SE Race Tuner, plus software, plus cables for another $600 or so (plus labor) to accomplish what had previously been a quick and relatively cheap ECM re-flash. Huh???

Has anyone else encountered this? Either the P&A folks at Harley or the dealer service manager is blowing smoke. Which one is it, please? (I do not mean to imply that the dealer SM is trying to rip me off. He's a nice guy and I have no reason to doubt his integrity. If what he's telling me is incorrect, I would suspect it's a matter of being misinformed, not dishonest.)

 

Go to another dealer.

 

try going to (nightrider dot com) and reading the info there. from what little your doing it might be for you.

 

Looking for the same thing myself.

 

Just throw on the air cleaner, the ECM will self tune for that small change, just check the plugs after about 1000 miles to make sure your not running too lean

 

If the dealer wasn't blowing smoke, how could Harley sell a 103" ( big bore ) right out of the factory? Or does the ECM self-adjust that much?

 

One of the biggest gripes since 07 (08?) is the "lean" condition stock bikes run creating heat (EPA compliance). I would not be adding an open air cleaner to let even more air in without a tuner to get more fuel in. IMO you would be better with an Xied from Nightrider and leaving the airbox stock! On the 2011 you also have the restrictive cat in the pipe so even more air in and held up in the cylinders.

Honestly I think your dealer was spot on and kudo's for not just selling you some parts and service you would not be happy with. I would look into a tuner first, SE1 air and exhaust later. Just make sure if you think there is a chance you will be making upgrades over the years you get into a tuner that can keep expanding.

 

Find another dealer. A buddy of mine just bought a 2011 FLHX103. The dealer installed a SE A/C, slip-ons, and re-flashed the ECM before my buddy took delivery. I think it was all part of the sale except for the cost of the parts.

 

The very problem for me when wanting to get huge amounts of horse power from a Harley was the EFI thing and it's related costs.The only inexpensive solution was to build my own bike from scratch,the first attempt in 02 was a big hit with the 124".The second and last bike was just what I have always wanted the 06 bike with 155".The search is over no need for any more motorcycles.

 

Your putting way too much faith in the "integrity" of your dealer i'm afraid.