I bought a used 2011 103 a while back. It came with a high flow air filter set up. The dealer told me the bike has the "stage 1 flash" on the ECU. It currently has stock pipes. I know if I want to get every last hp out of the bike I need to have it dyno tuned etc. But can I put a set of slip ons on it for the time being while money is tight. I have read a lot of conflicting information about what the "stage 1 flash" actually does. If it changes the the tune or simply changes the rpm limiter. Also I have read that the stock ecu flash will adjust for a higher flowing system on these newer models with out needing a tuner. Yes I know it will run better with a tuner and a custom map, but is it safe to run slip on's on it or will it be too lean. Just looking for some clarification. Thanks guys.

 

If you have the dealer stage one flash and a high flow intake then yes you can add new slip on's. I believe for just slip ons you don't even need a stage one flash or tuner.

The big issue of the stage 1 flash is the cost to have a Harley EPA tune put on your bike, for a little more you can add a piggy back tuner and change the tunes as you you add or change parts on the bike, and it will not be an EPA compliant tune. You would be able to chose if you want performance or mileage.

Since you already have the flash, slip ons will be fine.

 

If it has a stage 1 you can run any exhaust you want. Stage 1 is air and map basically.

 

alright thanks for the clarification guys.

 

Here is a good link to an overview of the most popular ways to tune a bike. The download/flash is close to worthless-it is still running very lean at EPA mandated standards

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ignit...uning-etc.html

 

My bike has Stage 1 and runs very well. The actual AFR might be a little different as the European standards are different to California's (although no less draconian).

 

I have an air filter and slip-ins with the Stage 1 download. You will get varying opinions on why a tuner, Power Vision etc. is better. You can make more adjustments with a tuner, but the fact is my bike runs fine with just the download.

 

You should be OK to add pipes.

The HD Stage 1 download is an EPA complient tune that inncreases the redline and makes some timing changes. it keeps the AFR (fuel ratio) in the range to meet EPA standards. Just like the bike was new.

Stock bikes run OK too, but not as well as they can with a correct tune and for the vast majority of owners they never change anything and put thousands of miles on the bikes. But with a good tune your air cooled HD will run cooler, under the same conditions get more power and usually more MPG.

If you already have the stage 1 and are happy with it leave it alone, add pipes and ride. For the $ to get a download (usually about $150.00) it is a better investment to purchase a tuner , even a fuel only tuner like the Fuel pak, DFO, etc can be found for the low $ 200 range and you will have a lot more adjust ability in the long run. For twice that amount you can get into the Flash tuners and have full control of the tune regardless of modifications you make in the future.

 

"The dealer told me the bike has the "stage 1 flash" on the ECU."

Some dealers will tell you just about anything to get you to "sign on the dotted line". Was it in writing, in your paper work? Just say'n

 

I agree, I'd want proof that what the dealer is saying is true. They will say anything to sell a bike. Can you see the service records for the bike where it shows the download was done? If not, tell them to hook it up again to make sure.