S/E slip ons and aircleaner

[Groundhog]

Just installed S/E 2 slip-ons and the stage 1 aircleaner kit on my 2002 Heritage Softail (fuel injected). The dealer tells me it will not hurt the bike to ride it in for the EFI re-calibration. I live about 10 miles away. Some of the things you read make you believe the engine will go full meltdown if you run it much without re-calibration, then again, I know some guys who change out exhaust and don't bother and they seem to get by ok (except for their new pipes turning color). I am about 75% done with a trailer I am building to haul my bike and a friends Road King. Right now, I'm thinking I'll wait until it's done so I can haul it in. Any opinions based on experience?

[BHBandit]

No problem if your only going 10 miles ride it in but take it easy.

[Poseidon]

The engine will not run in top shape but you should not do any harm.

[nfocpa]

Groundhog,

Have the same bike with stage I and V&H Longshots. My short answer is I think you will be OK for a 10 mile ride.

Now for the long answer. I spoke to a Tech at a local performance shop before having the remap done. He stated his experience is that the remap is not always required and that he could tell from a Dyno run. I took the bike in and had him run it. The fuel to air ratio was within limits (between 13-14) without touching a thing. Additionally the HP/torque (69.7 peak hp/77.7 peak ft lbs.) were well up from stock configuration. He recommended not getting the factory remap and saving my cash for a power commander if I really want additional gains. I have run it for approximately 280 miles without any problems.

I am not advocating that you do the same without a Dyno run but I feel confident that you won't hurt the hardware on a 10 mile ride. Hope it puts your mind at ease. Ride safe.

[Diver]

One thing though. Doesn't the reflash increase the ECM rev limit from 5500 rpm to 6200?

[nfocpa]

Diver,

I must plead a certain amount of ingnorance on everyting the reflash does but, I have heard that that the rpm range changes. I also know that it would lower the Air fuel ratio. My bike peaked out at 5900 rpm on the run and stayed within acceptable limits. I don't spend much time at the upper limit anyway so I don't think I am missing out on much. Again, I am not advocating that others go my route. Just thought I would share the info.

That all being said, if anyone out there has more experience and thinks that I am wacked and could damage my bike, please weigh-in.

[Groundhog]

Hey, I appreciate all the help. This whole exhaust/carburetor/EFI thing is either way more simple than everyone makes out, or right next to voodoo and alchemy in it's mystery. The only thing in my experience I can compare it to is some of the myth, legend, general B.S. and occasional good info you get when talking to people about guns, or fishing. This is my first "big Harley". I had an 883 Sportster for a year and had the dealer do the stage one set up right away. Then I got activated (USAFR) right after 9-11 and used that opportunity to upgrade to the Heritage by purchasing thru military sales. I'm doing this one myself (except for the re-calibration). I didn't know how long a lean condition would take to do any actual damage to the engine, and I couldn't find anyone locally who could agree. (The dealer actually admitted to me last weekend though that a lot of guys never re-jet or re-calibrate and run just fine with no problems other than occasional dis-coloring of the exhaust. Always before, I was led to believe that if you didn't re-jet/re-calibrate you'd destroy the engine in no time at all.) I feel a lot better about it now after getting replies from folks with prior experience. I plan on keeping this one for as long as I'm able to ride and want to baby it as much as possible. Thanks again for the responses.

[oldjime]

Groundhog

I got in on the tale end of this. I have an 01 Heritage. Put SE2s, SE Air Cleaner and Reflash. When I was going to have this done I asked the dealer about the statement in the HD catalog that you could reflash and upgrade the air cleaner in leave the exhaust alone and be 50 state (including Calif) legal. Dealer said don't waste your money.

Two options. If you just want more noise you can just put on the SE 2s and the EFI will probably compensate. If you want more performance do it all. As far as the reflash the bike is already set up lean from the factory. The SE air cleaner allows more air volume in which leans the mixture even more. Purpose of the reflash is to adjust fuel mixture to compensate for increased airflow. (Also bumps rev limiter to 6500 RPM)I don't know if the flash map ends up with the same fuel/air ratio (degree of leaness as stock or actually ends up a little richer). Having said all that I can't believe that riding 20 miles or 100 miles without reflash will do any serious harm to the motor but it's not something you should run with for long periods.

My experience with the same setup as yours has been great. I don't know about actual HP or Torque gains but seat of the pants feel says drivability is better. I have about 500 miles since conversion and no discoluring, no backfiring or popping on deceleration, and sound quality is very nice.

[Lightnin]

Just don't be the one I see offloading their bike from the trailer 10 miles away from Sturgis. That's just wrong.

[powerstroker]

I've got the SE2 slip ons FLSTCI 2002. No change to air cleaner and the dealer says that everything is reading well within spec and don't touch a thing (no re-map needed). Runs good, no popping.

[Groundhog]

Just thought I'd update this for anyone who g.a.f. Took the bike in this weekend (nice weather for about 3 hours) got the fuel injection re-calibrated. Wow, really made a difference in performance. Feels about the same on low end but seems to pull much harder in mid to high range. I am well satisfied with the SE stage 1 set up.

[2DEUCE]

Factory R.P.M limit is 5800 , reflash raises up to 6200, for thoes that wanna know.