I'm trading in my 2011 Ultra which has the 96 engine in it on a RoadGlide Custom which has the 103. On about every bike I've owned I've done slip-ons and a filter + HD download. I guess at this point "maybe" I've seen performance gains / better heat management? Other than looks though with the CAT in the head pipes now it's seems like a lot of money to put in the bike for looks? I like to stick with the HD stuff which then falls under warranty and I know most companies are sticking with EPA complaint exhaust due to noise emissions.

I guess the question is, how many of you are leaving your cycles stock when you may have always done a stage 1 due to all of these changes?

Thanks for any feedback you may have.

T

 

Stage one done right away, stock exhaust just too quiet for a harley!

 

many loose the cat to loose the heat.at that point might as well do the stg1.

 

So far mine's still stock. With the cat, this bike runs pretty good unlike my other Harleys. The only reason I'd have it done is to get rid of the cat but I don't find this bike to be any hotter than the other's I've had.

 

Had stage 1 done at time of purchase. Better heat management, better sound, and better power.

 

A stage 1 should* give you 7 to 10 horsepower- that is a noticeable difference.
And the least expensive, most reliable power gain available on a Harley.

There are different ways of doing it and it can be spendy or cheap

The Ness Big Sucker is under $120
Slip ons can be inexpensive- depending on what the riders wants
I use XIEDS, which are about $125
2010 and up owners have to come up with a plan for removing the cat or replacing the headers so $100 to $600

and if they have to have a shop do all this, then more $

( on my 09, total cost for a/c, supertrapps and xieds was $375 and a little time)


Riders are allowed to leave their bike stock, I want the extra power for a few modifications.
And a slightly louder exhaust note lets other traffic know I'm there and lets other riders know if I am accelerating, cruising or decelerating- which allows them to better enjoy the scenery, or better judge how to approach a series of bends, rather than staring at the rear of my bike





Mike

* it depends on the parts selected, some aftermarket parts offer better performance gains than others.


A "stage 1" is generally defined removing the restrictions to higher flow in the intake and exhaust, and retuning to match whether is electronic or carb jets.

 

I figure about $1000 + for the HD Stage 1 as I've always done. I've always been happy with it but $1000 + can be used on a lot of other goodies on the bike. BUT for 7-10 HP that IMO is good bang for the buck. And if you notice all the CVO bikes come with High Flow Breather and less restrictive exhaust. Kinda "like" a Stage 1 :-)

 

Simple answer...it's called HARLEY TAX.

We've all had to **** and moan about dropping that $1k. Comes with the territory unfortunately. But it sure does make a noticeable difference when it's done. My $0.02 anyway

 

I'm sure I'll do it again, just thought I'd toss it up for discussion on this cold Sunday here in Wisconsin.

 

My current Ultra Ltd only has intermediate SE pipes, no other engine mods. I'm not that fussed about booming down the road, that said the previous Ultra Classic did have the stage one treatment with V&H ovals.

The new one, now that would be telling..