Stage 1 mods

[BluesBelly]

Well, after roughly 50 years of biking and Hot Rodding in one fashion or another (I'm 64 YO) I find my old school opinion at odds with the SG biking community. Not that I don't understand the current technology as much as I just don't agree with it. Don't get me wrong folks I understand performance in rods and bikes. My 34 Ford will put you way back in the seat and I have built up Harley's all the way down to indexing the plugs for that last bit of performance.
I have a 2014 SG with stock head pipe and cat. Fuelmoto Intake system ($150), stock CVO mufflers ($200 eBay), HD VIN specific stage one ECM download at My dealer ($200 inc tax) and that's it as far as performance upgrades. Now the local boys with stage 1 and even stage 2 are not getting around me as I hold my own.
My point here is that at stage 1, tuners are not necessarily more effective than an HD download and that way more money is being spent by bikers because they think they need a $600 set of muffs, as well as a cat free head pipe, an exotic intake, and a $350 plus tuner that they have to have dynoed or they have to piss around and mess with auto tuning. Fact is Stage 1 Rushmore builds are real easy and are around 82-84 hp and 100 TQ. The stock Rushmore cam will only give X amount of performance and anything Past a mild intake and muffs is futile. A couple of HP and TQ can be had with a cat free head pipe bit at a hearty cost.
My point is that I think folks have been sucked into the big Keep up with the Jones attitude as far as add on stuff on bikes. Seems like one person buys apes and everyone has to have them.
So folks. Rip me a new AH. Let me have it. What say you.

 

[hulkss]

My set up:
H-D Stock Head Pipe - same as you (tried a cat-less pipe and did not like it)
H-D SE Ventilator Elite Air Cleaner - similar performance
H-D Street Cannon Mufflers - similar performance and a bit louder
H-D download tune - same as you (I compared fueling tables to TTS Master Tune - almost identical for stage 1 motors) never did any tuning.

I have been riding around for a couple days trying to see if I need more power. I rarely use all the power I have. Fourth gear goes 110 mph and the bike just runs great. No parts installed that violate my extended service contract.

 

[BluesBelly]

My set up:
H-D Stock Head Pipe - same as you (tried a cat-less pipe and did not like it)
H-D SE Ventilator Elite Air Cleaner - similar performance
H-D Street Cannon Mufflers - similar performance and a bit louder
H-D download tune - same as you (I compared fueling tables to TTS Master Tune - almost identical for stage 1 motors) never did any tuning.

I have been riding around for a couple days trying to see if I need more power. I rarely use all the power I have. Fourth gear goes 110 mph and the bike just runs great. No parts installed that violate my extended service contract.

Ha! Hulk. I knew you would reply! You have the old school vibe about you. I don't know your age age but you are dialed in brother!

 

[NGOT8R]

hulkss,

Did you notice a difference between the paper filter that came with your ventilator elite A/C and the K&N filter? Why did you switch filters?

 

[hulkss]

The filter that came with the ventilator was not paper. It is a dry media that seemed to be made from fiberglass. The filter choked up a bit in the rain (hard rain) and I had the rain sock on at the time. It was also a bit gritty on the inside of the filter housing after a 5000 mile ride. I never noticed these issues with K&N oiled gauze on other bikes so I bought a K&N element for it. The engine breathers provide a little automatic oiling


I know paper media, especially synthetic fiber paper media filters best.

 

[hulkss]

Ha! Hulk. I knew you would reply! You have the old school vibe about you. I don't know your age age but you are dialed in brother!

You are three years older.

 

[bugdewde]

I'm 50. I've been biking on and off-road since I was 13 or so. I've been a car guy ever since I was 16. I've had stock and modified cars (about 25-30). Naturally aspirated and supercharged and turbocharged. Tourers and Corner Carvers. So when it comes to performance, I'm on board.
That being said, I don't think squabbling over a few HP/TQ values are that important. Numbers don't really mean much on the pavement. And driver skill goes a long, long way.

Personally, I'm completely impressed with the 103 HO mid range torque and power. It really supersedes the previous 96 inch '09 I had previously (Modded Stage 1 with pipes, mufflers, intake and tuner).
Eventually, I'll want some performance enhancers, but my only mods so far are for comfort and sound.

I have de-catted stock head pipe ($135) for passenger right foot comfort.
I have re-cored/baffled stock mufflers ($135) for some added sound when the throttle is rolled on.

I guess my age has lead me to not care too much about gaining another 5-10 HP or TQ. It does what I want it to.

 

[BluesBelly]

I'm 50. I've been biking on and off-road since I was 13 or so. I've been a car guy ever since I was 16. I've had stock and modified cars (about 25-30). Naturally aspirated and supercharged and turbocharged. Tourers and Corner Carvers. So when it comes to performance, I'm on board.
That being said, I don't think squabbling over a few HP/TQ values are that important. Numbers don't really mean much on the pavement. And driver skill goes a long, long way.

Personally, I'm completely impressed with the 103 HO mid range torque and power. It really supersedes the previous 96 inch '09 I had previously (Modded Stage 1 with pipes, mufflers, intake and tuner).
Eventually, I'll want some performance enhancers, but my only mods so far are for comfort and sound.

I have de-catted stock head pipe ($135) for passenger right foot comfort.
I have re-cored/baffled stock mufflers ($135) for some added sound when the throttle is rolled on.

I guess my age has lead me to not care too much about gaining another 5-10 HP or TQ. It does what I want it to.

Good input brother!
Agree "It does what I want it to"!

 

[Bones]

I’m 68. My first bike, at the age of 14, was a 5 hp Cushman Super Eagle. I couldn’t get enough power, which is understandable. From there I have had eight more bikes. (one crotch rocket) Stage 1 was standard fair, and the most motor work I ever did was doing a Stage 2 on a 1990 Evo. I now ride a 2014 SG with Rush slip-ons. I know I am missing some throttle response by going no further in my tune, but for today, I am happy with this bikes power. Mostly, I would like to cool down the exhaust on my right leg. Maybe this lack of concern for more power is due to my age, or due to making a journey through many other bikes. I understand a riders desire to modify, whether it be for power, look, or both. I think Harley pretty much hit a home run with the Street Glide, and I can’t find reasons to spend a lot of money on mine. I can have a dang good time playing between 4th and 5th gear just the way she is.

 

[OldMike]

I guess there are different levels of Stage 1.
The stock Rushmore engine does not need much help to run it's best. Beyond that it gets to be about looks and make more noise, not more power.

 

[BlkDragon]

I guess there are different levels of Stage 1.
The stock Rushmore engine does not need much help to run it's best. Beyond that it gets to be about looks and make more noise, not more power.

I am beginning to believe this and should have saved my money, if they have better design on exhaust system where it doesn't put out so much heat to rear passenger I think I would have left it the way it was and not bothered spending more money........hehehe...not right away anyhow....LOL!!!!

 

[BluesBelly]

if they have better design on exhaust system where it doesn't put out so much heat to rear passenger I think I would have left it the way it was and not bothered spending more!

BlkDragon,
I agree with removing the cat to resolve heat issues such as in AZ and other warm regions. In MN it actually is not much of an issue. I only know of a couple of riders with stage 3 or 4 engines that have replaced the head people pipe for more power. How much it helps in that case can be proven on a dyno which again IMHO is a complete waste of money on Sage 1
Oh well, something for everyone! To each his own!

Blues

 

[BluesBelly]

I guess there are different levels of Stage 1.
The stock Rushmore engine does not need much help to run it's best. Beyond that it gets to be about looks and make more noise, not more power.

OldMike,
Case in point: A friend just moved from a 1200 Custom Sporty to a used 96" Lowrider. The exhaust had a nice HD like note but of course he wanted everyone to know he had a Harley so he bolted on the most ungodly noisy pipes I've heard. Hes a good rider but I no longer enjoy riding with him. Another friend always wears ear plugs because he has a noisy exhaust and has his Stereo cranked so loud it's obnoxious to everyone within 1/2 mile INCLUDING other riders he is with. Everyone likes a nice sounding bike but a certain amount of restraint needs to be involved when choosing the correct exhaust system.

 

[BluesBelly]

I’m 68. My first bike, at the age of 14, was a 5 hp Cushman Super Eagle. I couldn’t get enough power, which is understandable. From there I have had eight more bikes. (one crotch rocket) Stage 1 was standard fair, and the most motor work I ever did was doing a Stage 2 on a 1990 Evo. I now ride a 2014 SG with Rush slip-ons. I know I am missing some throttle response by going no further in my tune, but for today, I am happy with this bikes power. Mostly, I would like to cool down the exhaust on my right leg. Maybe this lack of concern for more power is due to my age, or due to making a journey through many other bikes. I understand a riders desire to modify, whether it be for power, look, or both. I think Harley pretty much hit a home run with the Street Glide, and I can’t find reasons to spend a lot of money on mine. I can have a dang good time playing between 4th and 5th gear just the way she is.

Well said Bones! Maybe as we get older we see the common sense in things as opposed to reacting with reckless passion.

Blues

 

[Gunner]

I have a friend with a set of obnoxious pipes/mufflers on his bike. We always ask him to ride in the back as no one wants to ride next to him. His bike isn't any faster, just makes a lot of noise.

 

[bugdewde]

I posted videos with a temperature gun reading all along my exhaust ... both with and without a cat in my stock head pipe.

The temps at idle (after an 8 mile ride) didn't show much reduction in heat. However, while riding, the temps are MUCH more tolerable for my passenger.

I doubt a cat-less stock head pipe does much for performance since the stock cats flow very well...... but it's a great heat heat reduction option.... at least while riding.

 

[t8ness]

Well said Bones! Maybe as we get older we see the common sense in things as opposed to reacting with reckless passion.

Blues

I second both of ya. Im 34 rode GSXRs600-1000 before I jumped on my 14 Street Glide. With the Screaming Eagle 4" slip ons, plus the Screaming Eagle Agitator with the stage 1 download, my bike flat out hauls ass. A lot of raw power. Just enough for me. I've done 170 before, that thrill is gone. Now I coast with my Toby Keith blastin


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[BluesBelly]

I second both of ya. Im 34 rode GSXRs600-1000 before I jumped on my 14 Street Glide. With the Screaming Eagle 4" slip ons, plus the Screaming Eagle Agitator with the stage 1 download, my bike flat out hauls ass. A lot of raw power. Just enough for me. I've done 170 before, that thrill is gone. Now I coast with my Toby Keith blastin

Looks like you found the formula!
Speed ain't what you need & chrome don't get you home!
Cool is the rule and Low & Slow is the way to go!

Blues

 

[t8ness]

Looks like you found the formula!
Speed ain't what you need & chrome don't get you home!
Cool is the rule and Low & Slow is the way to go!

Blues

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[Bones]

Well said Bones! Maybe as we get older we see the common sense in things as opposed to reacting with reckless passion.

Blues

Hey Blues.....you have done stirred it up now. My wife saw your post about "reckless passion" and wants to know when she gets some of that. Now, where did I leave those little blue pills?