Harley Davidson Performance: Unveiling Stages 1 To 4 & Boosting Motorcycle Power. 

Good video Monk. Always good to cover the basics. IMHO stage 1 always brings a great amount of joy, per $ spent. Loud pipes make smiles.

Man, when u talk , and ur explaining it in simple terms, it makes it a lot easier to understand than all that tech BS. I’ve got a stage one on my bike. No need to go further with it. Great video.

Stage 1 - I want a HD Stage 2 - Honey can I have a HD? Stage 3 - Anticipation when she who must be obeyed says yes Stage 4 Picking up said HD from dealership.

I never knew about the "reliability" changes caused by the different stages. Makes sense. I learned something new. Thanks !

I’m a fan of stage 1 and supporting mods that help the bike run cooler as well as rider triangle comfort.

All I needed to know, wrapped up in a simple video presentation. Well done Monk

thank you for no ads and great advice

Love having your simple explanations to go along with other channels technical info! For technical videos, including step by step installation, Blockhead is currently doing a series of showing the full stage upgrades.

I have road bikes off and on for years but are new to HD so thanks a ton for the video. Very basic and to the point.

Stage 4 twin cam here with Darkhorse lower end. When you do your cams I highly recommend upgrading and replacing your cam bearings with a brand of your choosing over stock. Good video.

Had no clue about the stages at first. Got my first bike, a used ‘18 Softail Heritage Classic 107 and my M endorsement, and thought I was done. Soon I wanted better sound, so after saving almost 2 years I got Tab Zombie slip ons and a tuner. What a difference in sound. Hoping this time next year I can put an intake on Rosie (named after the AC/DC song) and really feel the pull. Using stages almost gives a sense of accomplishment. I think I am hooked!

Getting close to my 50,000 mile service. Kick in’ around doing a stage 1 and TAB slip ons. It’s funny, I’ve had folk comment that I still have the stock pipes like I’m from another planet. At this point it really wasn’t a concern of mine. I do have allot of accessories on my Street Glide special. I just haven’t done anything to the engine yet.

Stage one is just fine with me, I do a lot of freeway riding ,so I'm happy with that for the time being. Counting the days before heading to Daytona.13 degrees this morning in Columbus Oh. Brrrr!

Had 2005 sporster 1200 with a stage 2 and i live in the city and it was crazy!!!! Loved it!!! I got stage 4 cancer , lol. Had to sell it after 70 cemos. Lol . Broke my dame heart!! . Loved to go down a block and all the car alarms would go crazy. Lol . Miss it!!! Only 4000mi. On it!!! . So stage 2 is fast!!!

still on the fence on doing stage 2. My previous scoot had stage 4 done and I really had issues with it. Like you said, it ran HOT and would die sometimes at stop lights, etc.. So good point, once past stage 2...it is a lot to think about and consider.

I know this is an older topic but I like seeing it. Ya got to remember in getting old ( 68 ) never had the time to do major work on my ride. I've always been on the road as a long haul truck driver BUT that will be changing real soon. Calling it quits so I can enjoy the rest of my life lol

I think all ya need is stage 2 with good brakes and if you dont already have it, inverted forks.

I was very happy with my 2010 FLHTCU. Even happier after the stage 2. K&N, Rinehart, Woods 555, and TTS.

Less reliability = more fun!! Nothing like getting to the stage where you are measuring your gas mileage as gallons per mile. Love the look of the bike. Great job. Be safe.

I have 21’ Road King Standard with a stage 2 SE. I got my chops busted for sticking with Harley upgrades but I don’t care i paid for the warranty and I’m super pleased with the power. It don’t matter the power its all about the rider anyway

Im happy with my stage 1 on my 103. Plenty of get up and go, sounds great with the Vance Hines 3 slash cuts hi flow KN air filter and Vance Hines tuner

Cams on Harley’s are the best! Good stuff, very well explained.

I just got a 2009 Harley Davidson .your video answered lot of questions I had . Thank you

I agree, most refer to stage 1,2,3 and 4

Great video, not being a cruiser guy, I really only knew the basics. Those motors seem like they are made to be hopped up.

I needed this. I’ve been riding a year and a half and did not know. Thank you!

Love this video.. I just went stage 1 on my Road Glide Special with 39" Samson cholo fishtails and a an Arlen Ness drift breather and tune and hubby has a stage 4 on his Street Glide Special a couple years ago

If you throw everything at the motor remember the clutch and trans

ERGONOMICS. Where is the comfort height generally speaking of handlebars to seat height. A factory seat height 25 1/2 " and a 5' 7" short person and 29" arm length tip of finger to shoulder length. I do not like forward leaning or aggressive stance. Am 70 plus age. Want long rides w/o needless rest stops except for necessary hydration, refueling, etc. My bike of interest, I can flatfoot it. Hope this is not a foolish question. Appreciated your simplified explanation of stage 1, 2, 3, etc, etc. Covering basics is good considering your audience is wide ranging & I don't mean w/ reference to weight. Speaking as a 165 lb individual. Thanx.

Moonshine has like a 146!! Idk I could of looked that up but it's close enough!!

You cleared everything I wanted to know about the stage 1 thru stage 5. Thank you for your input. I am buying a 2009 FLHX street glide all stock. I feel after watching your video that I will just do the stage 1 only. Maybe later on I will go with the stage 2. Right now I will stay with the stage 1. Thank again for your advise. I watch your videos every chance I get.

In days of old when youth were bold, people - bikers, hooners - would do a full stage one including full open dual carbs and straight pipes, then port and polish the head, and perhaps changing out pushrods, rocker arms, & valve springs. My old skool Norton was a 600 slaying 750s. I liked that I was doing it with less displacement. But a cam was optional, and done either before or after head and/or valve train work. And not too many dynos back in the day. You tuned it & ran it. Quick off the line meant you had a beefy power curve. I’m considering a port and polish on my 02 955i Daytona, but need to find an expert at it. I noticed you had a Triumph triple as first or second best non-Harley. What I decided also, after some research. As a long time drag racing fan, the power curve of the triples is quite broad and conducive to twisting it even below midrange. That’s enough. Hope it’s not TMI. MLLH&R. Any suggestions appreciated. Where’s the cat on it? -Matt’s dad, still going fast

I just bought a 2019 fat bob with stage 4, 117 upgrade on it. Hopefully the reliability isn't a problem 😬

I'm one of the new riders who barely know how to ride much less repair and replace parts. You are doing awesome. Love the stories.

Once you ride a stage 2 build and feel the difference in the seat, you will never ride stock again. Well worth the money.

Not a stupid topic. I new to big bikes and doing research so thank you

That was some damn fine Monkness right there!

Especially with all the power in the Harley's and Indians, It would be useful to know how to tank to tame a motorcycle (where this is stuff making it worse). PS you opened with a comment about not assuming everyone knows what you know and then throw out a bunch of jargon assuming everybody knew it. You did a pretty good job on stage one explaining what you meant by thanks. It was clear from the video that somebody was asking about heads heads and you were resisting the essence of the question which was "WTF is head?" There was the same problem with some people in my circle in terms of Cam and shaft. People in my circle were asking if you were talking about mining and cameras. In my personal case I think I understand what you said but I don't know enough to translate.

Good video. I always find them informative and entertaining. Everyone is ignorant only on different subjects-Roy Rogers.

Good Stuff Monk! I'm a Harley Davidson Factory trained tech/mechanic. I love the way you put in terms that are simple for lots of folks who haven't been on Harley very long or just starting and are great info for those who have been riding and doing upgrades! Personally speaking, going beyond Stage II is just shortening the life of your motor. Cams make your bike run reliably AKA better and don't require too much time on a Dyno. I no longer work for Harley Davidson, because I'm retired Army and I wasn't interested in all the new doo-dads that the young folks think are so cool. Most of that is just hype and companies getting them to be born again, I know more than you types. BS. Motorcycles are simple machines for the most part. There is so much you can do to them that you could never do them all on one bike unless you like to change up here and there. I have 2017 FLTRU Road Glide Ultra, it's got the S&S .475c cam, best upgrade for any bagger! It's still a 107" that won't change until it gives up. I have so much work into this bike that it probably wouldn't keep many folks attention span attempting to read it. So, I'd like to just express some of the highlights of the upgrades that I have on the bike currently: I have a full Legend Suspension front and rear. I thought it would cure the wobble on tight turns! While it's more comfortable and tracks better, it still has the turn wobble. It's a wobble that becomes a soar spot for me, I have endeavored to make the ride more functional and great handling. Then I saw the King of the Bagger race! 1 and 2. Race 2 the Harley Road Glide took the win and I was curious what it was that they used to rid the bike of the wobble. I'm sure making it lighter was the biggest factor but the folks at Mad Monkey went a step further. They actually got rid of the rubber rear fork bushings and replaced them with CNC aluminum bushings. Wow! Totally changed the entire ride of the bike. Seems to hang in the corners much better and no more rear wheel wobble. I had always thought that since my days of riding Sportster and Evos I was tired of the vibration. Yes, it now vibrates, but not annoyingly so. Harley-Davidson brags on how they got ride of 75% of the bagger vibration and I'm here to tell you I probably added that vibration back with the Mad Monkey rear fork bushing. Best part about it all, it only cost me $49 + tax and shipping. Any dealership will do the swap for you, but you'll probably spend about $300 in labor getting it done. Plus it's a great way to learn how to work on your own stuff and get some good experience and helping others as well. It doesn't really take as long as you would think. It's exactly the same swap you do on rubber bushings. All done on a bike lift, if you have one, and flat scissor jack. Took me half an hour. Takes a little getting used to the bike RPM increase, I would speculate that is from the rear belt pulling a lot quicker than all that rubber. There's just too much rubber and comfort on these baggers. LOL Anyway, good channel, you have a new fan!

Great video PM. Just did a stage 2 on my 07 street glide. I love the feel and grunt of the bike. It’s got plenty of torque and speed for me now. No need for more. Keep up the great work. See u at Daytona

Been riding Harleys for a few years (5) now and have always been curious about stage upgrades, glad to hear them laid out simple instead of confusing me.

This is all exactly how I describe them as well. Though I get confused where forced induction falls in. Typically I joke that if I added a procharger to my 131, that'd make it a Stage V since it's already a Stage 4. And some times I joke that no matter where the bike currently is, adding a turbo or s/c adds half a stage. :D

Right on first time watching I learned a few things. Thanks and Keep 2 on the road.

I’m doing a stage 11 upgrade “total new bike”

PEACE. I've been watching and enjoying your channel for months. I don't know why i'm just getting around to subscribing. Sorry and Thanx!

I think it is time to do a stage 1 in my Dyna, thanks for the simple easy to understand explanation Mr. Monkey! :)

Port polish tapered valve guides and some special shaping only go to a professional 4. stroke it and balancing it 5

Thank you for this video. Just bought my first Harly, a 21 Road Glide that has a Stage 1 already. Was thinking about getting the Stage 2 installed, and hearing that it lessens the reliability, I am now dropping those plans. The bike can already shit and git, I dont need more if it is less reliable. Awesome explanation.

I have a 2022 street glide specia 114 cil did the stage2 ss475 cam tab head pipes and tabs 4.5 zombie went from 80 hp 114 hp torque went 110 upto 128 torque

I committed before finishing the video yes the factory engine will last the longest your right dude. and they should make a larger oil pan for the stage kits as well

Thanks for a simple explanation. Over 50 years of riding, HD is the only mass-market brand I haven’t owned and I always wonder when my Harley riding buddies talk about “gonna do a stage 2 next year…”

I had done a cheaper stage 2 kit on my 1991 Harley Davidson Fatboy custom ended up blowing the motor because of cheaper parts so I ended up doing another one with more expensive parts and don't have any problems right now

Thanks for the info just picked up a 2012 dyna street Bob custom 103 with a stage 1 done will be getting stage 2 at the end of this riding season

I've had to explain to many a folk why my 2018 LR with high flow air cleaner and pipes is a 114 Stage III when a 2021 LRs 114 with high flow air cleaner and pipes is a Stage I. Because in 2018 the LR was only available from the Factory in a 107 whereas the 2021 LRs came from the Factory in a 114.

Just found your channel today. Excellent explanation and delivery. I had a 3 on my flhtk and now onto a. 2020 triglide. I don’t see very many trike channels. Could you maybe do a few vids on the 2020 trike or newer. Things like do I need a lift kit etc. I’m having a stage to put in a few weeks from now. DK Customs has some great info and videos as well. Be great to have 3 or 4 reliable HD channels. Trikes are generally getting more popular and harder to find…… thanks

nailed it, im up to stage 3 on my bike and this is where im staying

Going Stage 1. It's the loneliest number. I think each rider eventually gets used to the bike during a period of time. Skills improve (or not), so there is a desire to squeeze more out of the machine.

I have stage 1. Would love to change the cam, and Alot more. My bike needs nothing but I could spend 10k on part's easy. Mostly I just want to ride. As long and far as I can go. 👍

It is pretty amazing at how much you can get out of a motor with a stage 2 cam swap, especially on the M8 motor. I paid a fortune to upgrade my Twin Cam 96 to a 103 which was a top end with stock heads to get close to 100 HP and on My M8 114 all I had to do was upgrade the cam to break 100 HP.

I am only going to stage 1 in my 2022 with 50 cal. TABS and zombie baffles. I am looking only for better sound. I am (for now) leaving the intake stock. On my 2016 I did header, slip-ons, intake and tuned using the stock tuner. So they told me. Great video. Thanks.

Great video with some great info thank you for sharing all of the videos that you do also really enjoy all of the humor that goes along with them

Thank you thank you and thank you for explaining this in simple language. Techs don’t!! Love what you do!!

Great explanations, you hit it out of the park!

We all have to start somewhere. Nothing wrong with a video like this.

Hey Monk thanks for the info, just bought my first harley a crossbones 2008 and wanted to let you know your info was great!!!

I did the Stage 2 on my Twin Cam, with the Jim's tool it was easy. Getting ready to do the S&S 475 stage 2 kit on my M8 CVO 117, but have to buy another Jim's tool for the M8 ....

Great advice as stage one is going on this week if parts come in. Not to worried about more power but getting my 117 to breathe and run cooler. Also lifting the tank a little do to living out here. I am getting old as I ride a trike but still in the wind and the big thing is I am selling my timeout and getting a toy hauler. I want to go from state to state setting up a base camp and riding that state. Only 2A states. Others don't need my money. Just did 300 miles Friday from St.Johns to Flagstaff and back in the dark. Daytime in low 50s then at dark mid 40s and got back to town where I park it was 37° so a little chilly for this Older Bit. Keep safe and who knows I may end up down that way come fall.

I enjoy the informative videos and the bits of humor drizzled throughout, you da MAN!!

awesome. im learning heaps from your videos. getting set to buy my firsy harley so am working to build my knowledge. could you do if you haven't already the types of engines.. .

Could you do a vid about common problems with the 2011 Heritage Softail Classic's fuel system?

I think that, in addition of the big juggs of the stage 3/4, you will also need a bigger throttle body/carburator, and watch out about the chosen cams for the stage 2 some needs a valve spring/pushrods adjustement because of the increase of the lift.

Thank you! Just bought my first Harley Davidson. 2019 softail deluxe has a 107 stage 2 kit. And being new to the scene I wasn't sure exactly what all stage 2 included.

Thanks.

Stage 2 all the way. That’s enough for my riding style and things I want to do while riding

There are a lot of people who ride but have no idea what is going on with their bike. Your simplistic explanations help anyone to understand. I have a 17 RGSpl with the 114 Stage IV built by the dealer before I bought it home. I like it, but a little underwhelmed. Leaning towards a new Red Shift cam to see if it wakes it up a little more. Keep the videos coming.

Great shit. Great knowledge. I had know clue about the stages. I do basic shot on all of my Bros bikes. Via oil, brakes stators so and so fourth. This was great. Especially because I'm changing my Bros air filter from a stage 1 filter to another stage 1. Just doing research. Thank you. Will watch more of your great videos

Doing a stage build on your bike is like building a race engine for your car the different stages you do the more power 🔋 and the faster you go the faster you the faster you can go boom 💥 😀

Good information love the content. Someday I hope to catch a livestream and pester you about the boat anchor ⚓lol. Keep up the good work and be safe

Love it

Totally agree the standard parts ain't made for extra so they will wear out quicker under more stress from upgrades... That's when you need to look at forged parts... But Joe nobody should just stick with Harley parts the reliable best??

good topic

Engines, RPMs and HP? Enjoying your videos is easy and I greatly appreciate you mentioning reliability. To many 90hp to 120hp doesn't seem like.uch when race cars are now 750 to 1,000hp. We weigh 175 to 300lbs and we sit on 800lb machines verses a 3,000lb car. For 40 years it's been my narrow ass on 750lb bikes and I didn't need break neck speed or power. This summer will be my first with a passenger and a trailer for camping gear. My long distance Ultra won't be pulling. A 6 cylinder Goldwing with some engine and air flow work of my own will get us everywhere just fine. I spend my money on trips, my Lady and my farm. Next winter will be a new paint job and leather for our seat if I don't do it before spring. Their are many things to dress up and speed up your scoot. I'm grateful to Mr. Monkey for his work because it isn't engine or dress specific. One of the freedoms of motorcycles is how you do your life and ride. Enjoy yours! You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

Good explanation on everything buddy.

Thanks for refreshing my memory, another good video

Always good to cover the basics

good vid monk, like you said" BASIC" stages of upgrades, which is not a bad thing, its all about making the" suck, bang, blow" more efficient. and thus making more power and sound. I would also totally agree with you about a stage one making a bike more reliable as the cooler it runs the longer it lasts.

Just got a few Harley’s (fat boy 2021 and cvo street glide 2018) as I hit 50 and decided to move away from sports bikes. I’ve been watching your videos quietly for the last week. I appreciate your content it’s been interesting and you are fun on camera bud. Best from Ireland 🤘🏻

Stage VI then is probably replacing the front and rear suspensions, removing most of the electrical components, mirrors and plastic to reduce weight, having a mechanic on standby and competing for the King of the Bagger Series 😁

Thanks for the video. Been riding for a while but, I never had a Harley and not much of a mechanic after the basics. So, I never looked into engine stages or even the difference between panhead/shovelhead etc...

Thank you for the info

Real simple…Thank you.

I just bought my first harley and have been wondering about stages, thank you for making this video

Funny you posted this I literally talked to my local dealership about doing stage 2 with aftermarket cam he said not to if u like your warranty lol

That Advanblack tour pak light sure does look good

NOT STUPID! I needed this explanation

🙋🏾‍♂️I needed this.. Thanks

Good video. Basic for those just getting into biking. I like that you said if you want it to start every time leave it alone or do a stage one so it breaths better and runs cooler.

I didn’t know thx, I’m a new rider

Dude! Great stuff on stages, not all are exclusive gear heads but LOVE to ride our HOGS, so great information for those who weren’t sure. That’s what makes a great channel is covering all peoples curiosities. Great video Monkey!