So, you’re looking to upgrade your Harley’s power, performance, look, and feel? You’ve come to the right place!
The Harley Stage 1 upgrade is a popular choice among Harley-Davidson enthusiasts who want to take their bike to the next level.
The Stage 1 upgrade involves the installation of aftermarket exhaust systems, air filters, and a tune-up of the engine.
It helps the bike breathe better and improves the engine’s sound. This stage provides a 10% performance boost to the bike, making it more powerful and responsive.
The exact cost of the Stage 1 upgrade varies based on the type of engine and the specific intake and exhaust you choose.
It can range anywhere from $1,000-$1,500, not including labor if you don’t install the kit yourself.
The good news for your wallet is that with Stage 1 only involving “bolt-on” performance parts, you can easily install it yourself at home with some basic tools.
When it comes to choosing the right aftermarket exhaust system, there are many options available, including Vance & Hines, Screamin’ Eagle, and Cobra.
Each of them has its own unique sound and style, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your preferences.
In addition to improving the bike’s performance, the Stage 1 upgrade also enhances its overall look and feel.
It gives your Harley a more aggressive and sporty appearance, making it stand out from the crowd.
Plus, the improved sound of the engine gives you a satisfying and powerful rumble that will turn heads wherever you go.
Cost Breakdown of Harley Stage 1 Upgrade
So, you’re thinking about upgrading your Harley with a Stage 1 kit, but you’re not sure about the cost. Let us break it down for you.
First things first, the cost of the Stage 1 kit itself varies by the type of engine and the specific intake and exhaust you go for.
On average, you should expect to shell out anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 for the kit. Keep in mind that this price does not include labor if you don’t install the kit yourself.
Labor costs , of course, vary depending on the shop, but you can expect it to cost ya anywhere from $300 to $500 for installation of the upgrade kit.
Of course, does the cost really matter when we’re takling about the value and investment of a Stage 1 upgrade?
Many Harley riders consider it to be a worthwhile investment because it can significantly improve the performance of your bike.
With a Stage 1 upgrade, you can expect a power boost of 10% to 15% over stock. In terms of value, a Stage 1 upgrade can also increase the resale value of your bike.
Many buyers are willing to pay more for a bike that has been upgraded with a Stage 1 kit because it shows that the previous owner cared about the performance of the bike.
Components and Their Role
When it comes to upgrading your Harley to Stage 1, there are three main components that you need to pay attention to: the air cleaner, exhaust system, and tuning.
Each of these here components have a crucial part in improving the performance of your Harley.
Air Cleaner
The air cleaner is responsible for allowing air to flow into the engine.
A high-flow air cleaner can significantly increase the amount of air that enters the engine, leading to an increase in horsepower and torque.
There are two types of air cleaners: the traditional carburetor and the electronic fuel injection (EFI).
If your Harley has EFI, you will need to purchase a high-flow air cleaner that is compatible with your system.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system is what’s responsible for expelling exhaust gases from the engine.
A high-performance exhaust system can increase the flow of exhaust gases, which can lead to an increase in horsepower and torque.
There are two types of exhaust systems: the traditional carburetor and the electronic fuel injection (EFI).
If your Harley has EFI, you will need to purchase an exhaust system that is compatible with your system.
Tuning
Tuning is the process of adjusting the fuel and ignition systems to optimize performance.
When you upgrade your air cleaner and exhaust system, you will need to tune your Harley to ensure that it is running at its best.
There are two types of tuning: the traditional carburetor and the electronic fuel injection (EFI).
If your Harley has EFI, you will need to purchase a tuning system that is compatible with your system.
Performance Improvements
Upgrading your Harley-Davidson to a Stage 1 kit can provide a significant boost in performance.
With the addition of a free-flowing air cleaner, exhaust, and a remapped ECM, you should be ready for a boost in horsepower, torque, and throttle response.
In terms of power increase, a Stage 1 upgrade can provide up to a 10% increase in horsepower and torque.
This means you’ll have a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall performance.
The RPM range can also be improved, with increased power available in both the low-to-mid and mid-to-upper range.
One of the biggest benefits of a Stage 1 upgrade is the improvement in throttle response.
With a free-flowing air cleaner and exhaust, the engine is able to breathe more easily, resulting in a quicker response to the throttle.
This can make a big difference in the overall feel of the bike, making it more responsive and easier to ride.
Comparison with Other Stages
When it comes to upgrading your Harley, there are various stages that you can choose from.
Each stage offers different levels of performance enhancements, so it’s important to understand the differences between them.
And yes, you should start with stage one before moving on to the other upgrade kits.
Stage 2 Upgrade
The Stage 2 upgrade involves adding a cam upgrade with adjustable pushrods to your motorcycle.
This modification will increase your engine’s power and torque, allowing you to accelerate faster and reach higher speeds.
Additionally, the cam upgrade will improve your engine’s efficiency, resulting in better fuel economy.
Stage 3 Upgrade
The Stage 3 upgrade is a big bore kit that includes matching pistons and a cam upgrade.
This modification will increase your engine’s displacement, resulting in more power and torque.
Additionally, the cam upgrade will improve your engine’s valve opening and lift, resulting in better performance at high RPMs.
The Stage 3 upgrade is recommended for riders who want to take their Harley to the next level.
Stage 4 Upgrade
The Stage 4 upgrade is the most advanced stage of modification that you can do to your Harley.
This upgrade includes a big bore kit, cam upgrade, and a power kit that includes heavy-duty clutch springs and performance valve springs.
The Stage 4 upgrade will increase your engine’s displacement, lift, and duration, resulting in the highest levels of power and torque that your Harley can achieve.
The Stage 4 upgrade is recommended for riders who want to compete in races or have the most powerful Harley on the road.
As you can see, the Stage 1 upgrade is really just the most basic upgrade that you can do to your Harley.
It involves adding an intake, exhaust, and ECM remapping to your motorcycle.
While the Stage 1 upgrade will improve your bike’s performance, look, and sound, it’s important to note that it’s only the first step in upgrading your Harley.
If you wanna take your bike to the next level, you’ll need to consider the Stage 2, Stage 3, or Stage 4 upgrades in the future.
Considerations Before Upgrading
Before you consider upgrading your Harley Davidson with a Stage 1 kit, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
While upgrading your motorcycle can improve its performance, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
First up, you should note that installing aftermarket parts on your motorcycle can affect its emissions and gas mileage.
While a Stage 1 upgrade is designed to improve airflow and increase horsepower, it can also result in the bike having decreased gas mileage and increased emissions.
If you are concerned about your motorcycle’s environmental impact, it may be worth considering other upgrades or modifications.
Another consideration is the cost of the upgrade. While a Stage 1 kit is relatively affordable compared to other performance upgrades, it can still be a significant expense.
You will need to factor in the cost of the kit itself, as well as any additional parts or labor required to install it.
It is also important to note that tuning your motorcycle after the upgrade will be necessary to ensure optimal performance.
If you are not a skilled mechanic, you may need to hire a professional to install the Stage 1 kit for you.
This can add to the overall cost of the upgrade, but it is important to ensure that the kit is installed correctly to avoid any potential issues down the line.
It is also a good idea to have your motorcycle dyno-tuned after the upgrade to ensure that it is running at peak performance.
Final Word
Overall, there are pros and cons to upgrading your Harley Davidson with a Stage 1 kit.
While it can improve your motorcycle’s performance and give it a unique sound, it can also be expensive and may require professional installation and tuning.