I just pickd up a brand new Screaming Eagle cone air filter for my 2012 Street Glide. I threw a set of rush slips on that a buddy had layin around do I have to use a tuner? Will it mess anything up?

 

I've been told numerous times that is a no-no. I have a 2012 RGC, also have Rush slip-ons, and have been told NOT to put my shiny new heavy breather on until I get a tuner and dyno tune. Someone smarter will chime in, but I guess it makes the bike run way leanER.

 

nightrider v-ieds-10 set at 50%

 

General rule of thumb: If it changes air flow, you need a tuner.

With an air flow change, the ECM can not accurately calculate air/fuel ratio. You run the risk of a lean condition.

MINOR changes can SOMETIMES be tolerated. Example, fancy air cleaner, but nothing done to the exhaust side.

 

Just the air cleaner shouldnt be a problem.

 

It will be too lean and an enrichment device of your choosing will be needed.....research which one then come back on will questions and discussions....let us know which one you go with....

 

IMO, it is a bit too lean with the factory tune, you just went leaner with the pipes and A/C. I have put pipes and A/C's on many bikes, not all harleys, most were carb'd, and usually the exhaust didn't require as much fuel adjustment as a free flowing intake.
Captsluggo

 

Stock bikes run pretty lean from the factory. Adding more air without more fuel makes it even worse. The bikes can adapt a bit with internal electronic controls, but it is best to provide a gadget to add fuel to the mix.

Lean engines tend to run uncomfortably hot.

 

Bike is lean from factory, I believe even a stock bike could benefit from a tuner.
IF I just chg'd filter I would tune more less slip-ons also.
JMO
Clif

 

As previously stated here and in the 100s of other threads on the same question: stock bikes run lean and opening up your airflow makes them even more lean. Since your stock header (w/ cat) is still intact, you can get by cheap with a stealer's Stage 1 download or a set of VIEDs (although I have no experience with VIEDs). It'll run cooler and smoother either way.

If you plan to go to a full exhaust or further in the future, you'd be wise to put your money into a tuner vs a stage 1 download. Do your research on tuners because quality ones aren't cheap and everyone here will tell you that their choice is best. I give it 2 more posts before someone chimes in with "Call Jamie at Fuelmoto....he'll hook you right up."

There are many, many threads on tuners. As you research, think about your future performance mods and if you can retune yourself or want to pay $$$ for a quality dyno tune after every mod.