Hey, RSD, so mine is a complete sleeper. One can't tell if not for a small boost gauge, and a turbo instead of the oil cooler - both visiable on close inspection only. Mine is Hahn Stage 1 kit, with full exhaust, tuned for reliability, 240 HP @ 9psi max - on Gen 1 '06 bike. I feel the key is to talk to the shop who will be doing the install because there are so many things to consider. For once, Gen 1 can sustain more boost with less mods. I was glad I was clever enough to talk to Frank from Power House PRIOR to getting the bike. If I had a Gen2 bike, it would cost me more to purchase the bike, and I could get no more than 220 HP.
There are a number of things that need to be done to handle the turbo while preserving reliability. For example, oil pump/coolant gear replaced for more aggressive pumping, thermostat gutted to allow more coolant to pass, airbox completely replaced (that was part of the kit) along with something (forgot the term) to hold it in place so it doesn't come off due to boost pressure. Not sure, but I think the clutch springs were replaced with heavier springs, Power Commander 5 was added because it has a 64-bit processor and allows for finer tuning. I am sure I missed a few things.
So, overall impression: you got your stock bike with the only difference that when you open her up she still got the power. Cruise casually, and you won't know it's a turbo. Engine braking after closing the throttle is very noticeable - this takes some getting used to, therefor closing the throttle gently is the key. Taking turns with steady throttle is no different from stock.
There is one important point I wanted to make which is true for a stock bike, but becomes even more significant for a street turbo bike. I always had this problem, even with the stock bike, that during aggressive acceleration I was sliding back. No matter how I tried to solve this - by installing tank grips, squeezing the tank with my thights, etc. - it only got the job done half way. Inevitably, I was trying to hold on to handlebars, thus creating an unwanted steering input. When you go over a slight elevation on the road at 70, you don't notice it. When you do it at twice the speed, the same spot on the road becomes a bump and the front gets light for a moment. Having an unwanted steering input at this moment may lead to dire consequences - a headshake at best, or a tankslapper at worst. While I still had a stock bike, I made and installed a 4" pad at the back of the seat. The results were amazing! During any acceleration, my entire body was relaxed and my hands could stay relaxed, assuring the absence of any unwanted steering input on the handlebars. I do not overstate when I say that this was an eye opening experience, and I was beating myself up for not doing it earlier and suffering through years of riding. Keep in mind that I am not a tall person - 5'7". So, for a taller person, only a couple of inches pad may be needed. But it made a huge difference in my riding - in how relaxed I could stay on the bike during the hardest acceleration.
Rubb
