Help with your thoughts please

[FSTTOYS]

Just bought a 08 Raider.  It has Cobra Speedster Exhaust Swept on it that is all.   I have seen people on here with air box mods, ecu reflash, fuel controllers ect.  I have read that the Raider stock air box and filter flow air very well, is this true?  I am thinking of adding the K&N air filter.  I am also thinking of having the ecu reflashed by Ivan, but the 350.00 price tag to do it.  Is that worth the asking price?   I am impressed with how the bike performs in its current state,  I am curious on the ecu reflash tho!  It sounds like the best thing I can do for this bike, however I live in Arizona and if I need to have the bike emissions tested will it pass?   thanks for any and all input you guys have for me.

[RoadStarRaider]

[t84a]

There are members here that live in AZ with the flash.  I haven't seen a post regarding failing emission tests.  I've personally never heard of an emission test for a bike.  As for the flash, it's great but I'm biased.  Since you just got the bike, ride it for a while-don't do anything.  When you're ready to do something, do it all at once.  Enjoy!

[Ares X]

Just bought a 08 Raider.  It has Cobra Speedster Exhaust Swept on it that is all.   I have seen people on here with air box mods, ecu reflash, fuel controllers ect.  I have read that the Raider stock air box and filter flow air very well, is this true?  I am thinking of adding the K&N air filter.  I am also thinking of having the ecu reflashed by Ivan, but the 350.00 price tag to do it.  Is that worth the asking price?   I am impressed with how the bike performs in its current state,  I am curious on the ecu reflash tho!  It sounds like the best thing I can do for this bike, however I live in Arizona and if I need to have the bike emissions tested will it pass?   thanks for any and all input you guys have for me.

Emission Tests are no longer required in AZ. For a long time it was Maricopa county only and a couple of years ago that was changed. I have the flash.  While I'm not the huge advocate that a number of people on here are, I will say it does make some nice improvements.  For me the big one is how much better it rides in 1st and 2nd gears. If you hate exhaust popping, which I don't, it does eliminate it.  I miss the popping.  It did give the engine a bit more of a low rumble, which I do like. Overall, it does sound better.

Changing to a K&N is not an issue at all. I will be doing that again soon since I am on the end of my maintenance agreement.

[MyRaider]

Yea, we all have our pet peeve's I hated the pop corn maker no go for me.

With that said I love the Mean Machine I riding now with it's deep angry growl.

[Zxdave]

If I was you I would first spend the $350 on a fuel controller then if you are not happy do the flash after... I think you'll see a bigger overall improvement for the cash spent going that route then doing the flash... I don't have the flash but for me its not a Mod worth the $$ for what I want out of the Raider and how I ride.  Good luck with whatever you decide though !

[NOT PORK]

If I was you I would first spend the $350 on a fuel controller then if you are not happy do the flash after... I think you'll see a bigger overall improvement for the cash spent going that route then doing the flash... I don't have the flash but for me its not a Mod worth the $$ for what I want out of the Raider and how I ride.  Good luck with whatever you decide though !

is the fuel controller a hard thing to install yourself? I have installed the k&n and want to install the vance and hines 2 into 1 pipes but not sure if paying someone is going to be budget friendly for me unless it's a hard thing to do.

[Zxdave]

If I was you I would first spend the $350 on a fuel controller then if you are not happy do the flash after... I think you'll see a bigger overall improvement for the cash spent going that route then doing the flash... I don't have the flash but for me its not a Mod worth the $$ for what I want out of the Raider and how I ride.  Good luck with whatever you decide though !

is the fuel controller a hard thing to install yourself? I have installed the k&n and want to install the vance and hines 2 into 1 pipes but not sure if paying someone is going to be budget friendly for me unless it's a hard thing to do.

Not at all Bro, just a couple wires to hook up, the O2 wire is behind the right side frame , and the fuel injector plugs are behind right side coil cover. Can be done in 30-45mins !

[Fiddles]

So easy a caveman can do it!

[PC-Raider]

Hey FSTTOYS - If you want to prioritize your budget and you already have the V&H pipes, I agree with Zxdave adding a tuner will be your best next performance mod.  While I'm not going to judge Zxdave's decision to not do Ivan's flash I would encourage you to read the reviews of those who have done it.  While Ares feels the flash didn't make a huge difference to him, you'll find a huge number, including myself, that feel it made a big difference. 

Regarding your airbox, I can't comment on BAKs since I've never run one.  I have run both BAM & Ivan's brackets and while both provide a noticeable improvement over stock, I can't tell the difference.  That said, I'd go with Ivan's brackets since they're only a few bucks.  Whichever air box mod you go with, I'd upgrade to the K&N filter while you have the tank off.

Best.

[t84a]

I would not do anything just yet. 

[MyRaider]

I would not do anything just yet. 

Ken, are you sure do you remember before the flash I couldn't stand it. I thought my timing was off...and I hated the pop thought I was on a Harley.

If 1% doesn't want it and 2% doesn't care either way. 97% of all Raider riders here that did it and post frequently love it.

P.S. don't quote my math but I'd say for sure Satisfaction rate is in hi 90's for Flash is easy to verify.

[MyRaider]

P.S.S.

Ken, I know your just trying to protect his sanity too. I will say it doesn't need to be done the Raider is a great bike and the popping is a normal attribute of the bike.

[t84a]

I'm just saying wait a month or so.  There just may be something on the horizon.

[Ares X]

I'm just saying wait a month or so.  There just may be something on the horizon.

What have you heard???

[CHROMINATOR]

I'm just saying wait a month or so.  There just may be something on the horizon.

OK Ken... Spill the beans.  You can't just throw out a statement like this and be done with it... Makes people wonder...