Am I the only person still running the stock exhaust/filter etc.? :) I have near 3,000 miles on my 05 883C and I didn't really have plans to do a Stage I. I'm pretty fine with the stock sound and wouldn't really want much louder. I'm wondering if doing the Stage I is really a necessity...meaning will my bike be worse off in the long run if I leave it as is? I've had her on a 4 day trip already and plan several other long trips this season and have had no problems thus far. We don't do interstates too much when we go away so not too worried about that kinda stuff.

So, is it quite fine to leave her as is?

If you like it, leave it. What you should do though is make sure you're not running too lean. If you are and you leave it that way your engine will run hotter than it should and you could eventually damage your pistons. That being said, if HD thought the stock setup would hurt something they wouldn't offer a 2 year warranty. Just read your plugs to be on the safe side. You may want to switch jets or idle mixture if you're lean, that'll cost you about $4 and won't change sound. But to answer your initial question: pretty much everyone eventually gets the bug to change something even if they're happy with the power and noise, you likely will too, it's just a matter of time ;) .

But to answer your initial question: pretty much everyone eventually gets the bug to change something even if they're happy with the power and noise, you likely will too, it's just a matter of time ;) .

Yeah, maybe next year with my tax refund (this year's is spent already *sigh*) I do notice that my pipes are turning yellow already...would that be a sign of running lean do ya think? I knew they would eventually as I think they all do...just didn't expect it this soon. Of course, the shields hide it from plain sight ;) I haven't a clue how to switch jets or change the idle mixture, so is that something I can just have the shop do at my 5,000 miles service?

I agree with pquirk, if you like the sound and the way it runs, that's all that matters. No big deal and welcome to the XL Forum.

Kath,
How dare you ride up and down the road with stock mufflers on your Harley! Do you ever think of anybody else but yourself! Did it ever occur to you that when you ride past your neighbors, you could be diminishing everything H-D stands for. One other thing you might consider, is the fact that some kind of ethical and moral code of Harleyism is being violated!

Most everybody runs extra superduper loud pipes, mainly so other Harley boys don't jerk them off the bike and beat them up! That really don't worry me none, cause I can take care of myself, as most bikers will agree.

If you do open the exhaust up, your bike will gain more power! H-D must deliver it EPA choked! E.P.A.- It's the law of the land! But then, sometimes, many of us don't agree with silly little laws!

If you keep the pipes you have, I still think your a nice person!

Billy Loudpipeguy

Yeah, maybe next year with my tax refund (this year's is spent already *sigh*) I do notice that my pipes are turning yellow already...would that be a sign of running lean do ya think? I knew they would eventually as I think they all do...just didn't expect it this soon. Of course, the shields hide it from plain sight I haven't a clue how to switch jets or change the idle mixture, so is that something I can just have the shop do at my 5,000 miles service?Your header pipes will turn colors pretty quickly no matter what and that's normal, but the yellow could be a sign of running lean. What you want to do is pull your spark plugs and see if they're a nice tan color at the end. If they're white, you're running lean. check this link for details (http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/readplugs.htm). Rejetting is simple you can do it, trust me. Your dealer can do it to, but they'll charge you extra for it because it's not part of the normal 5,000mi check. There's a real good step by step (http://www.sportster.org/tech/carb/rejetting.html) to do it yourself. There are also many here that can help if you have trouble. Enjoy

LOL, Billy. I am such a selfish b*tch...I apologize for being so self-centered! :)

Funny, though, I thought I was already violating ethical and moral codes by riding a motorcycle to begin with.... hehehe ;)

Here are some rejet instructions that come with pictures that I wrote...it is very simple and is a perfect first project (in my opinion) and a great introduction to wrenching on your own bike...it will amaze you how easy it can be to save $60+/hour by doing some things yourself at home.

http://xlforum.net/xlinst/jet/Rejet.pdf

Yellow pipes generally mean you're operating at a good temperature, never heard of it meaning a lean condition. My pipes are yellow (since day 1) and I think the bike is a hair rich.

yep, I'd agree..."golden" is what I call them :rolleyes: ...sounds better than yellow I guess...
of course the only way to get a super accurate reading is to put it on a dyno with a sniffer...of course...on the other hand...we did survive all of those years without them :D

Well, Kath...

The answer to your first question is...

no..

The answer to your second question is...

yes..

;)

Thanks for the links, guys....gonna check 'em out. I'm wanting to learn how to do minor stuff like checking/changing plugs and maybe even something as big as an oil change all by myself! ;) lol

It has seemed funny to me how we brag on how great our toys are and better than brand X. But as soon has we get one we start changing everything that can be unscrewed or unbolted because it isn't good enough.

Buy a service manual, Kath....you can go as far as you want to with one of those "in-hand".

Welcome!

Yellow pipes generally mean you're operating at a good temperature, never heard of it meaning a lean condition. My pipes are yellow (since day 1) and I think the bike is a hair rich.In actuality the color of the pipes doesn't really tell you much about the mixture either way, that's why you have to read the plugs. The headers will turn different colors due to oxidation of the chromium in the stainless. Whether it's blue or yellow (usually it'll be both) depends on the particular properties of the stainless used to make the pipes, not the mixture. Overly blue or yellow can be indicative of rich or lean conditions, but really the color is just the result of heat. Excessive heat can come from a lean condition, or from lugging the engine, or from over-revving the engine. That's why looking at the pipes is a poor gauge of mixture, too many confounding variables. Just read the plugs to tell. Keep in mind that your pipes WILL change colors, that means youve been ridding your bike and it is happy :tour .

Well, Kath...

no..

yes..

;)
A man of many words today, aren't you :shhhh

Buy a service manual, Kath....you can go as far as you want to with one of those "in-hand".

Welcome!

When you say "service manual" do you mean like a Clymers.....or something from HD? And, if not Clymers, is one more "Novice Wrench" friendly than the other?

When you say "service manual" do you mean like a Clymers.....or something from HD? And, if not Clymers, is one more "Novice Wrench" friendly than the other?
For an 05 you'll need to get it from HD...........don't think Clymers, nor anyone else for that matter, has one out for the 05. If, I'm wrong, someone else give her an answer.

Yeah, you're right...just checked the Clymer website. Well, I guess I'm going with the HD one...I hope its beginner friendly for the $58 :yikes) ;)

Kath, There's info here on H-D dealers that give 20% discounts...it'll cover the postage, anyway! :D

A man of many words today, aren't you :shhhh

Today, yes...

:)

Thanx for noticing...

Just wanted to make sure her original questions got answered..

;)

Now I have to go back to tiling the bathroom...

:eek:

Hi Kath,
I have an 04 custom same pipes, air cleaner and jets I use the money I don't spend on that stuff on things like bags, detach windshield and taking the wife out. Seriously I like the look and sound, and I have checked my plugs twice in 2500 miles and it's running perfect. I say rebel and stay stock unless you want more power. I bought the book from the web at the Surdyke site and he sells all HD stuff at 20 percent off and no tax. The book is very easy and clear.
Again don't let the young wipersnappers or the old bikers intimidate you. Save your money for retirement.

What part of Carroll county are ya from, Kath? My company's home office is in Westminster, MD. BTW, welcome aboard! I've been traveling the last few days and haven't been able to check out the forum lately... :frownone :( :frownthre

What part of Carroll county are ya from, Kath? My company's home office is in Westminster, MD. BTW, welcome aboard! I've been traveling the last few days and haven't been able to check out the forum lately... :frownone :( :frownthre

I'm in southern Carroll County in Sykesville...oh 'bout 15 minutes up the road to Westminster from here. Thanks for the welcome! :)

Kath, There's info here on H-D dealers that give 20% discounts...it'll cover the postage, anyway! :D

Hey Plan B, I got ask ya, what is that kittys head resting on?? :laugh

Hey Plan B, I got ask ya, what is that kittys head resting on?? :laugh

Looks like a pair of cheeks to me ;)

When you say "service manual" do you mean like a Clymers.....or something from HD? And, if not Clymers, is one more "Novice Wrench" friendly than the other?

As Darhawk said, you'll have to get it from HD...good thing...mine is a Clymers....they ALL have discrepencies, but they are minor, and we know about most of em...

If you ever have questions, there's lots of threads to search for great info AND someone is usually on who can direct you there, or give you instant advice...

Hang around long enough, and you'll decide for yourself whose advice to follow! ;)

:welcome aboard kath. Don't mind the weirdos in here. :laugh :laugh :laugh

Looks like a pair of cheeks to me ;)

Me too, but I thought maybe it was something else. :wonderlan

:welcome aboard kath. Don't mind the weirdos in here. :laugh :laugh :laugh
weirdos............where. Are you saying that a guy with cat whiskers down his butt is considered weird, no???????

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Am I the only person still running the stock exhaust/filter etc.?

Yes Kath, you are...
All kidding aside, if you are happy with the way the bike runs as a pure stock, GOD BLESS YOU, 'cause you just saved a sh*t load of money.
Don't take all this encouragement to do your own wrenching too seriously, 'cause guys are pushing you and it's a guy thing..Sorta..I have buddies who say they'd rather have the dealer do it because;
They don't have the time.
They don't have the MANUAL.
I have the extended warranty...
E.T.C., You get the drift.
You don't want to wrench, you don't have to.
I will say this about Stage One though. It should increase your gas mileage by about 3/5 mpg.

Don't take all this encouragement to do your own wrenching too seriously, 'cause guys are pushing you and it's a guy thing..Sorta..I have buddies who say they'd rather have the dealer do it because;
They don't have the time.
They don't have the MANUAL.
I have the extended warranty...
E.T.C., You get the drift.
You don't want to wrench, you don't have to.
I will say this about Stage One though. It should increase your gas mileage by about 3/5 mpg.All true, and well put. However, to truly be one with your bike you need to get some dirt under your fingernails, even if they are finely manicured :laugh

All true, and well put. However, to truly be one with your bike you need to get some dirt under your fingernails, even if they are finely manicured :laugh

Agreed. She's spoken of a willingness to learn....

She's been sucked in already...

heh heh heh

Hi Kath and Welcome.

I'm stock from front to back.
Been thinking about lowering it a bit, but as far as engine and all associated hardware pure stock.

Disclaimer: The previous comments do NOT include changing to a "Bob" style gas tank. :tour

Regards,

Am I the only person still running the stock exhaust/filter etc.? :) I have near 3,000 miles on my 05 883C and I didn't really have plans to do a Stage I. I'm pretty fine with the stock sound and wouldn't really want much louder. I'm wondering if doing the Stage I is really a necessity...meaning will my bike be worse off in the long run if I leave it as is? I've had her on a 4 day trip already and plan several other long trips this season and have had no problems thus far. We don't do interstates too much when we go away so not too worried about that kinda stuff.

So, is it quite fine to leave her as is?



Hey , if you like it the way it is, stick with it. Not a THING wrong with that.
:clap :clap :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour

I have an "04 1200 R and it is all stock except for the windshield. It hacn't been out of the shop yet though.. HAHA

I am planning to keep it all stock though, I think.

Agreed. She's spoken of a willingness to learn....

She's been sucked in already...

heh heh heh

Well, let's get one thing straight, ok two things. First, there's no finely manicured fingernails going on here. I have a Harley payment and can't afford such luxuries. ;) And, second, learn and suck can't be in the same sentence for me...I'm already quite well educated in that regard :yikes lol :smoke

On a serious note, thanks for all the input guys. I'm not too worried about the Stage 1. Like I said, my bike works great for me. I've yet to feel like I'm missing out on anything performance wise. I'm also happy with the MPG I'm getting. I've been up to 170 miles on a tank and haven't had to flip to reserve yet...was probably close I'm sure, but I'm pretty pleased with those numbers!

And, well, I just can't help but stare at her, she's just so damn beautiful. I've added a few cosmetic things already and will get a couple of other choice pieces of bling, but I'm not in a hurry to change anything engine/exhaust wise for quite some time.

:)

Hang around long enough, and you'll decide for yourself whose advice to follow! ;)

:smoke ahem!! :laugh :p

:smoke ahem!! :laugh :p
Since when, past he age of five, does a son follow a dad's advice.......;)

Since when, past he age of five, does a son follow a dad's advice.......;)
Damned if I know. Lemee know if you ever find out. :laugh :laugh :laugh

I just can't help but stare at her, she's just so damn beautiful.
Reminds me of gal I met one night in Tupelo... Ahh you don't wanna know :laugh :laugh

Seriously, every Sportster rider that's ever lived has experienced that same love. Sdaly, it never goes away. :clap

Reminds me of gal I met one night in Tupelo... Ahh you don't wanna know :laugh :laugh .............
At many points in life, a man meets a woman (or woman meet man) in a bar or club after one too many drinks. That point where even a moose looks fantastic, and you venture the invite a night of pleasure. Time for the Dunkin Donuts test.............Dunkin Donuts is open all night and has bright lights to actually see who you've invited to your bed. It also has a rear door next to the restrooms, allowing you a quick exit, should you discover it actually is a moose and not the beauty you thought you'd snagged.;)

Greetins Kath- I haven't modified my bike from stock at all. ask me why. (It's because I'm a cheap SOB)

Hi Kath.

If you like it the way it is, that's just fine by us.
But, if you would like a bit more power, then using the Screamin' eagle air filter kit and a set of slip ons is not all that Expencive.
Since you said you don't wan't it to be too loud, then the Screamin' eagle torque mufflers would be better then say a set of Cycle shacks ones.

Anyway. welcome to the Forum. :tour

"And, well, I just can't help but stare at her, she's just so damn beautiful."

Now that is the whole point. One of the reasons I married my wife was that she too was beautiful and worth staring at and I still feel that way and I don't want to change her. Well that's how I feel about my Sporty too.
Another thing if you ever decide to get a different ride stockers sell quicker "general statement so don't pick on me" as buyers aren't as worried about some back yard wrencher having messed up a beautiful thing.
Think I'll go out to the garage and take a look.

Ride it and love it welcome from OZ.

Grayfeather.

learn and suck can't be in the same sentence for me...I'm already quite well educated in that regard :yikes lol :smoke :)


I shan't make that mistake twice very soon!

:)

It has seemed funny to me how we brag on how great our toys are and better than brand X. But as soon has we get one we start changing everything that can be unscrewed or unbolted because it isn't good enough.
But that is the beauty of a sportster, you can very easily {and sometimes very expensivly} make her your bike anything from a comfortable long distance cruiser, bar hopping stretched out chopper to a lean mean strip burning machine ( Narley's new bike sticks out ) :smoke

Am I the only person still running the stock exhaust/filter etc.? :) I have near 3,000 miles on my 05 883C ..... I'm wondering if doing the Stage I is really a necessity...meaning will my bike be worse off in the long run if I leave it as is?

An 05 with 3,000 miles........Let me guess, you never shut the bike off or stopped riding at all ....did you?
Mine is an 04 and it is stock....for now anyway. I have not been able to ride mine enough to justify spending the money for louder pipes. :(

If you change your intake, you need to change out the exhaust. The more air you put into the engine the more air you need to be able let out.

Kath, it starts out like this...


You go and poke around a bit at the dealer and pick up a couple little pieces to "dress up" something on the bike, like your gas cap. Then you decide that maybe the "Harley Tax" is worth the investment, so you drop the cash for the jet kit, air cleaner, and exhaust. You pick up a service manual to see you through it and find out it's fairly easy to accomplish what you were setting out to do. Then some of the other cosmetic mods don't look so tough, so you take on one or two of those also. Then the stuff you want to do gets more and more involved and the next thing you know you're into the motor changing pistons and cylinders. :D

In all seriousness, the "tax" isn't a necessity to enjoy the bike. It will make it run better and give you some cheap HP though. Keep in mind an engine is an air pump, so the more air you can get through the motor, the more power it can make. The way the bikes are set up from HD leaves something to be desired, but it's mandated by the Feds. "Paying the tax" really is a matter of just optimizing the factory set up while disregarding the EPA rules.

Kath, it starts out like this...


You go and poke around a bit at the dealer and pick up a couple little pieces to "dress up" something on the bike, like your gas cap.

Uh oh...then its already begun: chrome & flames derby cover, chrome rear brake reservoir cover, chrome luggage rack, even a little chrome & flames ham can insert, ISO grips, and of course the engine guards, sissy bar, and braided cables I had installed when I bought it.

I guess the Stage I probably isn't so far off afterall LOL

And next to my Compadres, I sound like a loud sewing machine :laugh

My Uncle putts on an 01 Dyna Super Glide with Vance and Hines. Very nice sound and will set off car alarms in close quarters. He has to be cool in the Beach cities where loud pipes get you a fat $200.00 fix it ticket.

I'm heading in Saturday and getting the stage 1 and SEII's done. My 05 1200 custom will run better without all of that California EPA crap and I will have a nice Harley rumble. SEII's in my opinion sound very nice oon the sporties...

Stock. First of all I don't like loud bikes, second of all a new exhaust system costs, what, upwards of $400? Fugedaboutit. Although...I was thinking of upgrading the air cleaner, at least until Ollie pointed out that if you get more air in, you also have to let more air out. Hmm. Well, it's a moot point until I have a few extra hundred lying around anyway...how do you people afford all this crap? :)

Stock. First of all I don't like loud bikes, second of all a new exhaust system costs, what, upwards of $400? Fugedaboutit. Although...I was thinking of upgrading the air cleaner, at least until Ollie pointed out that if you get more air in, you also have to let more air out. Hmm. Well, it's a moot point until I have a few extra hundred lying around anyway...how do you people afford all this crap? :)

Well, most of them are from Texas, so they live in cattle trailers I think? Saves money for bike pipes I reckon ;)

<ducking & running> ;) ha ha ha ha ha :laugh

Stock. First of all I don't like loud bikes, second of all a new exhaust system costs, what, upwards of $400? Fugedaboutit. Although...I was thinking of upgrading the air cleaner, at least until Ollie pointed out that if you get more air in, you also have to let more air out. Hmm. Well, it's a moot point until I have a few extra hundred lying around anyway...how do you people afford all this crap? :)


Sounds to me like you should have bought a Jap Bike...Quiet...polite...and no extras to buy because no one makes anything for them.
We can afford the crap because we bought our Harley's with the INTENTION of of buying a lot of crap for it. It keeps ownership fresh, new, interesting, and on going.

Stock. First of all I don't like loud bikes, second of all a new exhaust system costs, what, upwards of $400? Fugedaboutit. Although...I was thinking of upgrading the air cleaner, at least until Ollie pointed out that if you get more air in, you also have to let more air out. Hmm. Well, it's a moot point until I have a few extra hundred lying around anyway...how do you people afford all this crap? :)

New slip-ons can be had for <100.00, if you know where to look...

The A/C is under 100.00, and the stage one can be done yourself for next to nothin'

If I can afford a Harley, I can't afford NOT to let it breathe....

Yeah, I put 6 or 700 into the conversion, but that was a big step...not much more to do but ride, really...

And, second, learn and suck can't be in the same sentence for me...I'm already quite well educated in that regard :yikes lol :smoke

<Sigh> And she rides a Harley too!!! :rolleyes: If she can do that little dance that the girl does in her tagline, she may be about perfect guys! :D

-Sting

Kath -

When you do decide to do the Stage I, don't let the stealer do it. You can do it and save yourself a bunch of cash. I had never worked on a bike before and I did mine with info from sportster.org and this site.

xlscratch - the best way to afford "all this crap" is to do the work yourself.

<Sigh> And she rides a Harley too!!! :rolleyes: If she can do that little dance that the girl does in her tagline, she may be about perfect guys! :D

-Sting

Sting.....lol...

One of my favorite lines...don't remember where from:

"Would you guys mind calling me Sting?"

"Shut up, Gordy, and get us another beer..."

Kath pretty much puts herself out there.....I wouldn't bet against her ability to outdo her sig-girl.... ;)

Kath pretty much puts herself out there

Well, I figure you only live once....might as well just enjoy yourself and be who you are. People can take it or leave it....that's the choice they have. My only choice, though, is to be me :)


I wouldn't bet against her ability to outdo her sig-girl..

Of course I can outdo her.....she only has the one move. I have several more ;) lol

Kath -

When you do decide to do the Stage I, don't let the stealer do it. You can do it and save yourself a bunch of cash. I had never worked on a bike before and I did mine with info from sportster.org and this site.

xlscratch - the best way to afford "all this crap" is to do the work yourself.

Hey Xena
When you jetted your carb, what did you use and did you have to take the carb off once or twice to tweak it?
I'm just curious.

Hey Xena
When you jetted your carb, what did you use and did you have to take the carb off once or twice to tweak it?
I'm just curious.

Chuck I put in a 45 slow jet, and then I used the dynojet kit and followed the instructions exactly, right down to drilling the slide and using the dj spring (it's very responsive and runs very good with barely a pop now and then). I went to the hardware store for a small washer to shim the needle but they didn't have em so I went down and bought the dynojet kit. I know it cost more, but I wanted to get it done and I didn't have a lot of time to hunt down washers. Despite the 75 bux for the kit, it was straight forward and works well so I have no regrets. If you can find some tiny washers that fit over the stock needle you can prolly achieve the same results, but again, my hardware store didn't have the right size.
I did have the carb on and off the bike a bunch of times, but I didn't remove the throttle cables so it was just a matter of pressing it back on each time. Since then, Stevo did a nice write up on jetting 101 that is a very helpful tool for anyone who wants to rejet.

I did have the carb on and off the bike a bunch of times, but I didn't remove the throttle cables so it was just a matter of pressing it back on each time. Since then, Stevo did a nice write up on jetting 101 that is a very helpful tool for anyone who wants to rejet.[/QUOTE]


Ok, just curious. I didn't do my own but if there is a next time I probably will. I just didn't want to deal with all the test drives and tweaking. I'm a nut about perfection when it can be had. I figured it would drive me crazy.

Yeah, you're right...just checked the Clymer website. Well, I guess I'm going with the HD one...I hope its beginner friendly for the $58 :yikes) ;)

I bought one for my 04 1200R/C, and it has helped me do many mods to the bike myself. Sometimes the directions and illustrations can be a bit vague, but if you stare at it long enough eventually you'll figure it out. I don't know bout everybody else, but I think they should start printing them in color.

Sounds to me like you should have bought a Jap Bike...Quiet...polite...and no extras to buy because no one makes anything for them.
We can afford the crap because we bought our Harley's with the INTENTION of of buying a lot of crap for it. It keeps ownership fresh, new, interesting, and on going.

Maddog, you do it your way, I'll do it my way. I bought mine with the intention of riding it--far and often.

xlscratch - the best way to afford "all this crap" is to do the work yourself.

Xena, I still don't have the disposable income to drop a few hundred bucks on a new exhaust system. You're not suggesting I fabricate it myself out of scrap metal, are you? :)

Everyone: By "crap," I mean "stuff." Don't get your pantyhose in a knot.

Kath:

To the average person my 1200R looks stock, however I am a big believer in visualization and positive thinking.

I see my air cleaner breathe additional air from the atmosphere, I hear the proper amount of fuel enter through my carburetor's enlarged jets, and I will the required amount of hot air through my exhaust - and this is only my stage one upgrade.

Yep I am sure I have the fastest Sportster on this forum except for maybe Stevo.

Happy Patriots Day all!

Cheers - Motorrunning

xl-scratch, if you want an aftermarket exhaust, you just have to keep your eyes open. Slip-ons are a good bet if you don't want the bike too loud, but want a little more power. I am picking up a Supertrapp 2-1 header (minus the can) for $40 shipped to my door. If I can find a rashed sportbike can & resleeve it, I can have a relatively quiet exhaust for next to nothing. Or I could get a stock 'Trapp can from Drag Specialties for $130, IIRC. I see used 2-1's going for $200-$250 every day on Ebay. Also check the classified section on this site and over at www.sportster.org.

And there are other things you can upgrade by hitting a takeoff sale, that's where I got my passenger & highway footpegs for $5 each.

Watch Ebay, you might get lucky.

Loud pipes saves lives!!!

Stock. First of all I don't like loud bikes, second of all a new exhaust system costs, what, upwards of $400? Fugedaboutit. Although...I was thinking of upgrading the air cleaner, at least until Ollie pointed out that if you get more air in, you also have to let more air out. Hmm. Well, it's a moot point until I have a few extra hundred lying around anyway...how do you people afford all this crap? :)

Now that I've untied the knot in my panties, I feel much better..calmer..thanks for the heads up.
Bear in mind that a lot..not all.. but a lot of Harley riders are older..I'm 59.
Older people in general have more disposable income, ergo, can piss away all the money want to.
I'd guess that you are a younger guy and have other more important responsibilities in your life. Thats cool..Been there,done that, got the T-shirt.
Chill out man, your day will come. I've done a sh*t-house full of stuff to my bike. But it was spread out over 8 years.
P.S. The S/E Air Cleaner will be an improvement and the other stuff can wait.
Just take it a step at a time. This forum has people that can tell you how to prioritize your performance upgrades, and then how to do it the cheapest way if necessary.

Hello Kath, I still have my drive train stock. I have 5600 miles on the bike and the plugs look good, air filter was fine just need to blow out some of the bugs lodged into it. About a month after getting it my buddy talked me into drilling out the baffles, The bike did sound great but. I had a headache from the load pipes, I ride 100 miles or more when going out. I lost a lot of bottom end torque also. I end up rewelding baffles back in, old tacked edges so the pipes sound alittle better.

As far as talking shop, I have a old impala in the garage. Ill talk shop about carbs, cams, gears, headers ect.. One thing ive found out from doing muscle cars over the years is, the closer you keep to stock the more reliable and valueble it is.

Stock + cosmetics!!

woo hoo!!! Picked up a pair of HD baloney cuts at a "Red & White" (hells angels) shop down in Myrtle beach!!! Now all I need is to find our what kind of freeer flowing air cleaner I can get w/out changing my stock cover. oh yeah i gotta do the jetting thing also!

Mine is stock now, But I want to get some nice pipes. Looking into the ones that cut off the rear at the same point like a double barrel shotgun.

Other than the pipes, being it is a 73' it is hard to find one like mine that is still stock. Fortunatly, I found this had been in a time capsule (Garage) for over ten years. As it sits now, it has just over 9,000 miles it. Yes, all original. So, for me, being a stock 73' makes it Not so normal.

Welcome to the forum!

-Chris.

ps... I forgot, the paint is not stock. It was a redish/gold metallic. Looked like baby poop. Of course, that had to be changed!!!

Just bought my bike today... security system is all it's got over stock, and that's pretty "stock" these days :)

You will come around, it's a sickness just get ready.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/newpipes1.jpg

mine is still stock, for now anyway. i just dont like the look of the cs or se pipes. i am saving up for a set of samson ripsaws. will add other custom touches in time, but hey thats what makes it a relationship tween me and the bike...we grow together lol