Stage 1 Kit, yes or no

Damn Chuck, that's an amazing testimonial, thanks. I am getting that filter system, just having Harley put it in for me while they're installing baffles.

The Big City Thunder (thunder Monster Baffel) They Work, Sound And Performance, I Run Them On My Low Rider With V&h Big Raduis Pipes, I Have V&h Big Shots On My Road King Screamin Eagle, I Talked To Bct Yesterday They Have Come Up With Another Baffel That Is Not As Loud As The Thunder Monster, And They Tell Me That They Are Getting Better Performance From The New Style, So I Ordered A Set For The Big Shots, Guess We Will See

Dkin21

Live Easy, Ride Hard

DK, let us know how that turns out, good luck.

Hey Dkin21 can you show us a Pic

Hey Dkin
Can you show us a pic of your long shot duels on the Roadking?If your pipes look like mine ....I may want to tey another baffle too.

Let us know how it all works out DKIN.

I needed baffles for back pressure to properly set up the Stage 1 kit. I spoke to the service guy at Harley today and he mentioned the parts guy had to order baffles for my drag pipes from a drag shop, hmmm... wonder why. I thought I could easily get them from a place like Big City Baffles. the plot thickens... I'll get more details when I go there this Saturday.

they could be (COULD) be big city, from the catalog drag specialties, don't panic yet.

Will do guys, thanks. I'm going to the dealer this Saturday and will get details first hand then, ( fingers crossed)

Well, my first experience at a Harley dealership is over and it was enlightening. The Stage One kit's installed, carb rejetted, new air filter, etc. The baffles have been put in my drag pipes (Vance & Hines, I believe) for back pressure and to dial down the volume a bit for city riding. And the results... drum roll please... EXCELLENT! Not absolutely amazing, but yes, excellent.

It's a bit daunting for a beginner to navigate the intricacies of what's involved in getting started driving a Harley. It's definitely expensive, but strangely enough, the biggest expense I have is paying for my parking garage! It cost around $2500 a year just to park it. In NYC, a Harley on the street overnight is an invitation for trouble, so I have to garage it. I wouldn't mind $100 a month, but the garages are gouging, because they can. OK, back to the dealer experience.

The service guys were very polite and helpful. They didn't try selling me what I didn't need. I've got around 2600 miles on my Sporty and they said come back at 5000 for a checkup, 10,000 for a real overhaul, if it needs it.

And the most important thing I've been concerned about, how will it ride? In a word, GREAT! I do miss the torque and guts when I'm doing 60 and want the grip to pick up speed quickly to pass, yes, but I knew that i'd lose a little in that area when baffling my drag pipes. Oh, but what I gained, absolutely zero hesitation, no burps, no hiccups in any gear at any speed, lightning fast response from zero to 50 and super smooth gear shifts. Now, I was getting used to the roar of the drag pipes, but the baffles didn't kill the character of the bike, in fact the sound is more in keeping with the size and style of the Sportster. It used to sound like a Lion, now it sounds like a tiger, and idles all day with no issues at all. Over all, I now feel confident my bike is good to go and I can thank The LIC, NY Harley Dealership for it.

Ok, so what did this little slice of heaven cost? Around $525, including NYC sales tax (8.9 %, yikes!) They didn't try to sell me tires or a 1200 upgrade or anything extra at all. They gave me nothing but fair advice and the confidence of knowing that if something wasn't right they would let me know and if they say nothing, it's because they've thoroughly checked it out and are satisfied with it's condition. I asked detailed questions about lot's of things and they patiently addressed every question. Could I have done it myself for less money I doubt it, but even if I could, I think it was worth every penny for the peace of mind and the time I saved not doing the work myself. I'd prefer to spend time making money and then working on the bike by picking a project I'd really enjoy.

Can't wait to take her out for another spin and it's gonna rain for two days. Well, I'm grateful Thursday and Friday are looking good. See you on the road, ride safe my friends.

It's good to hear you had a good experience at the stealership. not all are bad some are but not all. the stealership referance comes from the cost H D stands for hundred dollars or a bad financial experience with the dealer, its good to see you have a good one but for cost you have to consider the indys, drag specialtys, kuyakyn, eastcoast, arlen ness, etc. you can get some really neat stuff outside the dealer, for less. and one of the best stores you can get parts and service is from your self. you can't beat the satisfaction. ride safe and enjoy.

Will do Chuck. Thanks Ironhorse. Funny thing, after parking my bike I walked by this incredibly beautiful custom Harley and stopped to admire it. The owner has a shop near where I live and we got to talking for a while. He's got over 30 years experience riding and has owned many bikes. He was kind enough to take time to offer his insights and mentioned so many helpful tips I could barely keep up with them all. So many things I wasn't aware of. He knows the best shops in the area and gave me contact numbers. Having a referral to a serious custom shop is going to be interesting..

and expensive

The only thing the drag pipes used to be good for was fast acceleration in 5th gear when I needed it. It had a really powerful grip. I've been on the highway for around 15-20 miles this past Monday and today. On Monday when I needed to make a quick jump from 60 to 70, it was kind of sluggish and a little disappointing. Today it was better, definitely acceptable. Is the bike breaking in, or is the Stage 1 kit breaking in?

GLAD TO HEAR SOMBODY HAS A GOOD DEALERSHIP, HOLLLLLLY CRAP! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU HAVE TO PAY THAT KINDA CASH TO PARK, YOUR LIKE PAY'N FOR A HOUSE. A REAL NICE ONE. IS THERE ROOM TO MOVE IN WITH IT:roflmao: