Just picked up my 2012 Ultra Limited a few weeks ago. Spent a lot of the time since reviewing the theads on this site and feel I'm more clueless now then when I started. Looking for help on the most effective combination for a stage 1 upgrade with the only specific desire being for a pretty quiet exhaust that still sounds like a Harley.

 

There's a zillion combinations of intake, exhaust, and tuning options; and just as many opinions. With that in mind I'm not going to suggest any of them but rather simply let you know what I have... And I'm happy with my set-up.

• SE Air Cleaner backing plate with K&N filter. I did modify the breather ports in the backing plate to eliminate some minor oil carryover.
• Fuel Moto 2-1-2 Header
• SE Fatshotz Mufflers. These are not very loud but do sound nicer than the stockers.
• Power Commander V and AutoTune. If I were doing it all over again today I'd get the Power Vision. The PV was not available when I got the PCV, and although I'm happy with the PCV, today I'd go with the PV.

 

When I did my Stage 1, I used the Vance and Hines EPA compliant Monster twin slash mufflers. Great sound without being too loud on a long trip. The also look great.

 

On my 2007 Ultra. I went with a Arlen Ness Big Sucker air cleaner. The stage 1 download from the MOCO. A used pair of Screaming Eagle fish tail mufflers off of ebay. A cheap upgrade that I am happy with. I can hear my exhaust noise. But. Some one a mile away cannot. TETO.

 

If you remove your cat, you will end up with a pretty quiet (but louder than stock) exhaust that sounds like a harley. Not loud enough for bike night showing off, but loud enough that you will no longer hear the engine noises, and you will know when to shift.

You can drill your own cats, cut them out, buy already prepared stock pipes, or buy aftermarket head pipes.

Once the cats are gone you can add XIED (less expensive) or buy an electronic tuner(more expensive) to give you more fuel and enhance sound.

If still not loud enough, you can then replace your slip on's with the aftermarket ones of your choice, or have your stock slip on's modified for even deeper sound.

 

I have the V&H power duals and the rinehart 4" mufflers and though this is quieter than the V&H twin slash round setup, its gnaws on me after about 45 minutes on the highway wearing a 1/2 helmet and no ear plugs.

I understand monster ovals are quieter and Jackpots are quiet but sound good.

 

I think a lot of folks overthink a basic stage one upgrade.... I know I did.

Based on your post, here's my recomendation and the links to everything you'll need.

1. Cat removal $ 50
2. Fuel Moto Micro Tuner $ 199
3. Fuel Moto Air Cleaner $ 129
4. KlockWerks SS 4in slip-ons $ 314

Grand Total $692


https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-easy-way.html

http://www.fuelmotousa.com/fuelmotoefituner.htm

http://fuelmotousa.com/harley_filter.htm


http://www.ebay.com/itm/KLOCK-WERKS-...7734d6&vxp=mtr

 

The best advice I'd give is call jamie at Fuel Moto and discuss your needs they can address all of your concerns and give you the info to make an informed decision

 

I would go with the fuel moto A/C
Fuel moto, Drago, or VH 2-1-2 header
SE fatshotz or nightsticks to keep the noise level down
If you are never going more than A/C + pipes the Fuelmoto mirco tuner may be fine, but if ya ever think ya will want more get a power vision.

 

Just my personal experience. A external add on EFI is a head ache and a great waste of money. There is no end to it. You will be chasing your tail trying to get the next best thing. TETO.