My Sporty 1200 custom came with SE clip ons when I bought it second hand 11 months or so ago. Never had a Harley before so still getting used to its feel and sound. I noticed all along that it backfires a lot when I drop the throttle back, but just assumed it was a V-Twin thing. Never had that problem when I rode Japper's, but then never got the satisfaction I do now when I hear the Sporty fire up.

However, got told this week its because when the clip ons were fitted, it should have had a race tuner and a new air filter fitted. Seems the SE's afftect the air flow and the tuner compensates, etc, etc.

My question for you guys is does a race tuner really make all that difference? Its a chunk of dosh I really dont have at this moment in time, but if its likely to be a big plus I'll find the cash from somewhere (dont tell the wife though !) 

 

i think you only need the pro tuner if you change the air cleaner. pipes just change the sound.

aircleaner and tuner will be the best money ya can spend.

BlackAdder,
As noted on other posts here, I rode my 08 1200C for two years with just SE pipes. It went ok but popped like yours. A couple of weeks ago I added a SE stage 1 air cleaner kit and a Big Joes Chopper Fuelshot Gen III (Race Tuner) which cost about $495AU + shipping/fitting.
The difference was very pleasing and no decel popping. It goes much better than when it was new. Sounds better too. Plug and play bolt on performance. There are heaps of options for "race tuners" Do your research and I am sure you will be happy with what ever one you decide when you are ready.

Does anyone have before and after dyno specs when the racer tuner is fitted to an injected 1200. Which racer tuner did you use.

Hey Infidel,

How long did it take to Dyno and what was the cost if you dont mind me asking?

I got my SE racetuner from the US for a cheeky $350 from ebay too

Cheers

Cheers all, I think I have seen enough to convince me its worth raiding the piggy bank for.

Thanks

Just got the bike back with the tuner fitted. Fucking awesome!

Having to take care with the extra performance and the exhaust note gives me a semi when it starts up

Shame about the Ikon rear shocks I had fitted though, the ride being a wee bit rough. There again, they did fit them with the setting window on the inside so I have no idea what they are on or whether they are even the same. Deep joy !

Semi...

LOL

Hey Blackadder sounds bloody great.  Cannot wait to get a Power Commander for mine!

Hey Blackadder did you get it dyno tuned with a custom map? If so did you get the before and after? Surprised about the shocks! Mine is so much better with the Ikons. What preload and rebound setting?

Not sure on the custom map. Certainly didnt get any before and after readings. Arms are six inch longer now though which is testament to the extra grunt

As for the Ikons, im sure they will be okay once I can actually see the settings !

Are you in Brisbane Blackadder?

No mate, Sydney here

Hey Infidel what preload & rebound setting did you use on your Ikons?

Its a Screamin Eagle pro EFI super tuner

I have to take the bike back to get the shocks sorted, so will ask them about the mapping then

Just one other thing I have noticed since the tuner was put on, the engine seems to put out a lot more heat than I ever noticed before. Has anyone else noticed this?

I just had a SEPST done and I thought it was a little cooler

Try running a tank or Caltex 98 vortex, I noticed a big difference than bp, more punch

my engine runs cooler with sepst as well,maybe get them to check it out when they are checking your ikons.

You would think with extra fuel going through the engine it would run a tad cooler.  A lean engine would tend to run hotter one would think.

 

Does anyone out there have any horror stories after installing a race tuner????