I kept my stock mufflers too. In fact I still have them from my last bike. I was a little concerned about the Pythons but after hours of riding last weekend wearing my half-helmet with open ears, I think I am good! Drag Specialties does make a "quiet baffle" also but I don't think I'll be needing to go that route!

Thanks for your comments!

 

Sounds like good advice frog... The message that seems to be coming across here is to do it, in my own time, and do it myself after some diligent research. I have never wrenched inside the engine cases but have done all my own maintenance, mods and upgrades and I know I can handle A/C and fuel management based on the tips here -- thanks.

 

Yes, I resist doing the invasive stuff in an attempt to make my bike the fastest set of wheels on the street, because I know that will never happen. But if I can get a little more kick from safe/simple mods, I'm in!!

 

I went the dealer not too long ago to have the Stage 1 done and I walked away. I couldn't bring myself to spend the money, because I don't think it's worth it. I'd rather put the money into appearance and comfort items - they are more important to me.

So I think it's a matter of priorities. Where do yours lie??

My $0.02

 

I'm likin' it! I think I'll investigate further and decide on whose hardware/software to use but will follow your (and many others) lead and make this a DIY!!

 

Hey, thanks to all of you who chimed in and offered your comments and answers to my questions. Based on the guidance here I have decided that I:

* Will do a Stage 1
* Will NOT rush it & will do my research properly
* Will do it myself

You guys really helped me through the decision process and feel comfortable with the path above. Thanks again!!

 

I don't think that you'll regret it. Again, slip-on's, a stage 1 air kit and XiED's are very simple installs. Believe me when I tell you. If you go with programmable fuel management, then you're going in a bit deeper, but there's plenty of capable help here!

Good luck.

 

Sorry that I'm late to the discussion. Great to hear you've decided to go stage 1 on your own time. I loved my stage one. If you go with new headers too, you'll notice a substantial difference. My Stage 1 ran great with some pop on decel between 2500-3500rpm. Could have tuned that out but I didn't want to detune my bike.

You'll notice a difference in idle, smoothness, etc when you eventually decide to put in a cam. My cam idles a little lower and has a definite lope to it (sounds cool to me). Once I crack the throttle it's as smooth as a sorority girl's......sorry! Of course, pull with the cam will be night and day from what you feel now on the 103. I can't stop smiling when I roll it on in 5th or 6th.

+1 on doing your own wrenching. I've easily saved well over $1,500 in labor by doing my own installs. Paid the dealer's service dept $425 for a 1k service and that was the last penny they got out of me. Found a great HD certified Indy to do my follow on scheduled services for 1/2 price. Bike ran better after his 5k service than it ever did after the dealer service.

Best advice was given earlier: don't rush into your upgrade and think ahead to your final performance mod even if it's a year or two away. Make sure that your stage 1 is compatible with and easily upgradable to the final performance mods. The key component to consider is a tuner. I put the money into a Tmax because I could tune it myself and it autotunes. Just downloaded a new map and ran it after installing cams. If you consider Tmax, do your research on the header because the Tmax comes with (and requires) wideband O2 sensors which are larger than your stock sensors.

 

That's okay Sparky, you're never too late!! Thanks for jumping in here and I enjoyed your comments. I will take this a step at a time, evaluating the results on each step taken before deciding on whether the next step is needed. The main thing, of course, is to enjoy the bike and I sure plan on doing that.

Appointment made for the 1K service. Dealer asked me about doing the A/C and recal. I politely told them no thank you. I'll do it myself with some help from my friends. (HDF!)

 

Not to sound cynical, but basically you're wasting your $$$ on the 1000 mile check too, and I for one did not and would not allow the dealer to do it, (completely unnecessary).

If the 1 K check was thrown in w/the purchase then go for it, otherwise pass.

Mostly it just amounts to changing the fluids anyway, and you can do that too very simply in about an hour and a half, or a little less and that's laying on the floor in your garage.

That $$$ spent on the 1 K check can be/would be better spent or put towards the stage 1, in my honest opinion.

Seriously.