The Harley Davidson Sportster is a popular motorcycle model known for its power and performance. One of the ways to increase the power of the Sportster is by upgrading to a Stage 2 kit. The Stage 2 kit is designed to increase the horsepower and torque of the motorcycle, providing a more exhilarating ride for the rider.
The Stage 2 kit involves upgrading several components of the motorcycle, including the cam or cams, ported heads, high-compression pistons, pushrods, and air filters. The kit also includes a Screamin’ Eagle super tuner and dyno tuning to ensure that the motorcycle is running at its optimal performance level. The result of the Stage 2 upgrade is a massive increase in power and torque, making the Sportster an even more impressive machine.
What is a Sportster 1200 Stage 2?
Definition of Sportster 1200 Stage 2
The Sportster 1200 Stage 2 is a performance upgrade kit for Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 motorcycles. It includes a set of high-performance parts designed to increase the engine’s horsepower and torque output. The kit typically includes upgraded cams, high-flow air filters, ported heads, high-compression pistons, pushrods, and a Screamin’ Eagle super tuner.
Benefits of Upgrading to Stage 2
Upgrading to a Sportster 1200 Stage 2 kit can provide several benefits, including:
- Increased horsepower and torque output: The kit is designed to increase the engine’s power output by up to 25%.
- Better throttle response: The upgraded parts allow the engine to respond faster to throttle inputs, providing a smoother and more responsive ride.
- Fuel efficiency: By increasing the engine’s power output, the kit can also improve fuel efficiency, allowing riders to go further on a tank of gas.
- Enhanced sound: The upgraded parts can also provide a more aggressive exhaust note, giving the motorcycle a more distinctive sound.
Overall, the Sportster 1200 Stage 2 kit is a great kit; it’s for people who want to take their motorcycle’s performance to the next level. With its high-quality parts and proven track record, it is a reliable and effective way to increase horsepower and torque output, improve throttle response, and enhance overall ride quality.
Increasing Sportster 1200 Stage 2 Horsepower
If you are looking to increase the horsepower of your Sportster 1200, a Stage 2 upgrade is a great option. This upgrade involves swapping out the cam or cams and allows you to increase torque, horsepower, or a good mix of both. Here we will discuss how Stage 2 increases horsepower and compare the horsepower gains of Stage 1 and Stage 2 upgrades.
How Stage 2 Increases Horsepower
The main focus of the Stage 2 upgrade is to increase the airflow in the engine. The upgraded camshaft increases the airflow, which enables a better intake of air, resulting in more power. The improved airflow also allows for a better fuel-to-air ratio, which further increases the power output.
In addition to the camshaft upgrade, Stage 2 also involves upgrading the air intake and exhaust system. These upgrades work together to improve the overall airflow of the engine, resulting in a significant increase in horsepower.
Comparison of Stage 1 and Stage 2 Horsepower
While a Stage 1 upgrade can provide a noticeable increase in horsepower, a Sportster 1200 stage 2 horsepower upgrade takes the performance to the next level. A Stage 1 upgrade typically increases the horsepower by 5-10%, while a Stage 2 upgrade can increase the horsepower by up to 25%.
For example, a stock Sportster 1200 produces around 60 horsepower at the rear wheel. A Stage 1 upgrade can increase this to around 65-70 horsepower, while a Sportster 1200 stage 2 horsepower upgrade can increase it to 75-80 horsepower. These are just estimates, and the actual horsepower gains will depend on the specific upgrades and tuning performed.
| Upgrade | Estimated Horsepower Gain |
| Stock Sportster 1200 | 60 horsepower |
| Stage 1 Upgrade | 65-70 horsepower |
| Stage 2 Upgrade | 75-80 horsepower |
It is important to note that a Stage 2 upgrade can be more expensive than a Stage 1 upgrade, as it involves more parts and labor. However, the significant increase in horsepower and overall performance makes it worthwhile.
Section 4: Installation Process
Required Parts and Tools
Before initiating the installation process, make sure you have all the required parts and tools. The following are the parts and tools required for the stage 2 installation process:
| Parts | Tools |
| Screamin’ Eagle air cleaner kit | Socket set |
| Screamin’ Eagle mufflers | Torque wrench |
| Screamin’ Eagle Pro Super Tuner | Allen wrench set |
| Screamin’ Eagle camshaft kit | Phillips screwdriver |
| High-performance clutch spring | Oil filter wrench |
Installation Steps
Now let’s get into the steps for installing the stage 2 kit on your Sportster 1200:
- Remove the stock air cleaner and exhaust system.
- Install the Screamin’ Eagle air cleaner kit and mufflers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Install the Screamin’ Eagle Pro Super Tuner and follow the instructions to tune the bike.
- Remove the stock camshaft and replace it with the Screamin’ Eagle camshaft kit.
- Install the high-performance clutch spring according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Reassemble the top end of the engine, making sure to gap your rings and preassemble your pistons into your cylinders.
- Install the cylinders and pistons.
- Test-ride the bike to ensure everything is working properly.
Please note that this installation process should only be done by experienced mechanics or individuals with advanced mechanical skills. If you’re not confident in your skills, it’s best that you take your bike to a mechanic for installation.
Performance Results
Dyno Test Results
According to Dallas Harley-Davidson, the Stage 2 upgrade for the Sportster 1200 can deliver up to 30% more horsepower and 10% more torque. However, the actual increase in horsepower will depend on a few things, including the condition of the engine, the type of exhaust system used, and the quality of the tuning.
A test conducted by Nightrider.com showed that a Sportster 1200 stage 2 horsepower produced 73.9 horsepower at 5950 RPM and 78.1 ft. lbs. of torque at 4100 RPM. This is a significant improvement over the stock engine, which typically produces around 50 horsepower.
Real-World Performance
While dyno test results can provide a good indication of a bike’s performance, real-world performance can be affected by road conditions, weather, and rider skill. However, many riders have reported noticeable improvements in acceleration, top speed, and overall power when upgrading to a Stage 2 engine.
A Stage 2 upgrade can result in a big increase in power and torque, providing a more responsive and enjoyable riding experience. Riders have also reported smoother and more consistent power delivery, which can be especially beneficial when riding in challenging conditions.
In conclusion, upgrading to a Stage 2 engine can provide a significant increase in horsepower and torque, resulting in improved acceleration, top speed, and overall power. While dyno test results can provide a good indication of a bike’s performance, real-world performance can be impacted by road conditions, weather, and rider skill.
Our Verdict On The Sportster 1200 Stage 2 Horsepower
The Sportster 1200 is a powerful bike, but some riders may want even more horsepower. Sportster 1200 stage 2 horsepower upgrades can provide a significant boost in power, up to 50% in some cases. It’s best that these upgrades are done carefully and with the guidance of a mechanic.
When considering a Stage 2 upgrade, riders should be aware of the risks and costs involved. Upgrades may require modifications to the intake, exhaust, and fuel system, which can be expensive. Additionally, some upgrades may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Overall, a Stage 2 upgrade can be a great way to improve the performance of a Sportster 1200.