What should I do first

Hey Gang, I've got a 08 Deluxe being built, that will be waiting for me when I get home. I hate to say it but I've only ridden rice burners, having said that. I've been hearing a lot of things about changing stuff on the HD when I get it. Stage 1 kit is the most recommended. Any suggestions or input on this?
Dre'

Me personally.....I would do the stage one kit and ride it for a while, see how you like it. Then as you get used to an H-D, figure where you want to go from there. They sure ain't rice rockets....don't have the power, or the handling, BUT, they are definitely the bike of choice! Although I have seen a few videos of some baggers doing burnouts and wheelies that would impress any crotch rocket rider!! It also depends on how deep your pockets are!! You can get PLENTY of HP out of a TC.....

mods

i kept my '03 fxdx stock for a while to decide first where i wanted to go as far as looks and performance. so far a few trim parts, derby and timer cover. h-d black baloney cut slipon mufflers, painted the heatshields to match. i just got a ness big sucker air cleaner. don't like the die cast chrome cover. i will probably get a black j-d #7 cover. put it on after a hour or so ride sunday. about 35 degrees. brisk ride but great. while the engine was still warm i put the air cleaner on, run it a little, the intake noise was a little louder, seemed to rev quicker before i ride it much i will get a stage one carb kit to tune the carb to match the add ons. best of luck with whatever changes you decide on. i see your military, i was in the air force, "76-"80. thanks for all your doing for the rest of us.

I have an '01 FXST. When I bought it new I got the Screaming Eagle breather, and mufflers and replaced the CV carb with a Mikuni. I think the Stage I is the best bet to start off with. I can't say that the Mikuni is any better than stock. Not sure if I would have done that over, but I have nothing to compare it to. Of course that doesn't pertain to your bike. I ended up replacing the exhaust with Vance and Hines Big Shots, which I love.

After a while I did some more stuff. I recommend the contoured rubber hand grips. They're much more comfortable than stock. They aren't fancy looking, but they're functional. I also put on a Mustang wide solo seat, but I doubt you'll want to change your seat. I rode an '08 Deluxe in August and I thought the seat was made in Heaven. Out of all the '08 models I rode, the Deluxe was my favorite.

Right now I'm having my 88" made into a 95" and putting in new cams. I did that after 70,000 miles, so doing those upgrades weren't urgent. The only reason I'm doing it is because I moved to the Rockies and I need the power. On my trip last summer I had trouble keeping up, although some of that was the carb in high altitudes. Again, not a problem you'll have.

Thanks for serving. Come home healthy and enjoy the Deluxe.

Don't know what you rode for a rice burner, but glad you finally came to your senses

Stage 1 upgrade is always a good initial choice, just make sure that if you are fuel injected, the most up to date mapping has been performed by the dealer. From there you can move up and do more mods, but make sure you ride it for a while. Screaming Eagle mods can take you up to 110 cubic inch display and get you a whole lot more horsepower, it will also cost you a few more pennies.

I decided to go for it all and got an 08 V-Rod. Although, the community here has expressed concern at my decision, I believe I made the right one though.

Regards,
German

Hey Bros, Thanks for all the good advice. I will definitely ride it for a bit, but I've already looked at Stage 1 and pipes, now I have to decide on styles, damn even more decision. By the way, I did recieve info that my bike will be built on Feb 02. So that means my baby will be waiting for me when I get back to the states!!!!

Sorry, when I posted my comment I never said "Thanks for your service!" Well, I said it and I feel better now. Come home safe.