Stage 1 Upgrades

What Is a Stage 1 Upgrade?

The basic purpose of a Stage One is to modify the air filter, exhaust system, and fuel metering system to run as efficiently as possible, allowing it to breathe freely and, as a result, increasing the available power.

Moving more air and fuel through the engine is the fastest (and most cost-effective) way to generate more power and torque. A free-flowing air filter and matching tuned exhaust will add performance you can feel. Heavy breather and Stage 1 free-flow air filters bring a big boost and a sweet-sounding exhaust system delivers power you can feel across a broad RPM range.

There are different interpretations and variations of what constitutes a Stage One but generally speaking, it is recalibration of the air intake and exhaust systems to improve airflow, often using aftermarket accessories that are better equipped to achieve this. One important aspect of the process is that upgrading one part without the others won't give the desired effect. It also generally requires no internal engine modifications.

There are a few myths concerning "Stage 1/4" and "Stage 1/2" but these would be best disregarded as they are a poor substitute for the real thing, and while certainly cheaper, they do not provide anything like the performance increases that you're looking for. If you've not come across these cheap alternatives, they revolve around getting more air into the motor by drilling holes in the plastic air-filter backplate and seem to work on the assumption that the restriction is getting air to the air filter, rather than getting air through the air filter into the engine.

The Benefits

1. Enhanced exhaust systems provide less restriction for the gasses to escape, but also have the added perk of giving the bike that raw, powerful, Harley® sound!

2. Stage 1 upgrades are a widely recognized addition and will certainly add value to your bike.

3. Not only will the conversion increase the overall BHP and provide that traditional Harley-Davidson® sound, but you'll also find the response from the throttle will be crisper and sharper, and your riding experience more enjoyable overall.

Tailor It to You

When it comes to the air cleaner kit and exhaust system, there is an abundance of choices to customize the look of your Harley®, and most would agree that these additions make the world of difference. We also have the ability to customize the air-fuel ratio. We are the only Harley-Davidson® dealer around with a Dynojet 250IX and factory-trained technicians to operate the Dyno.

Ready to Upgrade?

Talk to our accessory specialists about exactly what you'd like to get out of your bike and how you want it to look and feel.

Call (802) 476-6104 during opening hours, or drop us a line by clicking the button below.

Click here to see some of our new models with Stage 1 installed.