Stock vs. Modified (Stage 1)

[silver ghost]

It seems that most everyone on this forum has chosen to do some performance upgrade on their ride. Being a fairly old geek, I am no longer interested in drag racing corvettes or drifting through the corners and find the performance of my 883 more than adequate for my riding style. My question is this: How, in your opinion, does a stage one affect the long range reliability and durability of the motor. I get the impression that many seem to think the factory setup is choked solely to meet EPA regulations and that a stage one is necessary for "proper" performance. I realize that no sporty, especially an 883 remains completely stock for very long, but I am only refering to engine modifications. Any opinions?

[silver ghost]

No opinions?

[SteveK]

I dont think doing Stage I really harms the engine long term at all. I would think opening it up on both ends (air cleaner and exhaust) if jetted properly might actually help the motor. But thats just my opinion.

I'm sure some mechanics will chime in with their thoughts.

[benford46]

I stuck a K&N filter in mine and cored the baffles and jetted the carb.
I am perfectly happy to continue riding it just like that,it runs great and looks stock and will outrun that guy on the Dallas freeway......................
well it runs fast enough for me.

[blacksmith_wills]

I would say the engine is better after Stage 1. The vibration that I had on my 2006 883C between 55 and 65 MPH is gone after Stage 1.

Stage 1 is pretty mild compared to a lot of things folks do to a Sporty, and other than drilling out the idle mixture screw cover, completely reversible.

REgards,

Matt

[DustyJacket]

My original thought was to leave it stock until the warranty was over, or I got bored with the bike. Then I would do a Stage 1 or better.

However, stock has enough power and it looks like EPA regs might be enforced, so it may well be that the bike remains stock forever.......

I would like a deeper sound, but not a louder one. My bike sound anemic only when around other bikes with aftermarket mods. I like being able to take off for work at 6am without distubing the sleeping neighbors.....

[lynnnjoe]

I was really impressed with the difference it made in my 1200.
I can see your point about not waking the neighbors, but i'm not that considerate of my neighbors. I run straight pipes, just so i can be as loud as possible. Maybe ill regret it later but it makes me smile now. Loud and proud!
But I think you could find a set of pipes or mufflers somewhere in the middle.

[txsporty]

Gone to Stage 1 and then some and LOVE IT!!!!!

[arjay]

It's not just performance that's improved with simple Stage I mods; overall rideability is improved tremendously. My bike was so cold-natured before Stage I that I dreaded my early morning ride to work. Not any more. It really does make a huge difference. I have all my original parts, and if it ever comes to it, due to stringent epa enforcement, I'll put them all back on; then sell it and buy a big twin with fi or even a rice rocket.

[jwbradbury]

I purchased my '92 Hugger with the mod already in place, so I don't know how limited the performance was initially.

However, I've heard that one of the primary reasons behind the Stage 1 upgrade is to increase carburation efficiency. Granted, there is an increase in the horsepower, but with the upgrade there is a better airflow into the carburetor throttle plate.

My hard-riding, balls-to-wall racing days are pretty much over too, but I've always felt it's best to do what I can to help an engine run smoother and more efficiently.

J.W.