While Harley bikes are top-performance bikes, various stages of upgrades help improve their power and performance even more. Among these upgrades is stage 3, where various features are added to the bike. Since Stage 3 is a high-performance upgrade, you have to spend a decent amount of money.
So, what is the Harley Stage 3 upgrade cost? The cost of the stage 3 upgrade on Harley ranges between $2,700 and $3,100. This cost varies with various factors, including labor costs at the repair shop, upgrade type, and bike model. However, you can reduce the cost by working on the installation.
The stage 3 upgrades improve the bike’s performance significantly. Read on for detailed information on the cost and tips to save money.
Harley Stage 3 Upgrade Cost
While on stock parts, the Harley bike’s performance is outstanding and suits most riding styles. However, you cannot resist adding several upgrades.
Harley bike upgrades often come in kits, with each stage providing the bike with a performance boost. Usually, most people use “screamin” Eagles upgrade kits, which are OEM performance parts by the manufacturers. Unlike the aftermarket parts, using these kits doesn’t void your warranty.
Harley stage 3 upgrade cost starts at $2,700 and can get well over $3,100. This price includes the labor money, which can be more than a quarter of the total money. However, various factors determine the upgrade cost and are discussed later in the article.
The upgrade suits riders looking for better engine performance without the need to remove the engine. The stage features a Camshaft, which improves the engine’s air intake capability.
However, Harley stage 3 upgrade cost is not as cost-effective as the two earlier stages, but it’s cheaper than the stage 4 upgrade. Harley stage 1 upgrade cost is the lowest of them all and provides a foundation for the rest of the upgrades.
Factors That Determine Harley Stage 3 Upgrade Cost
As stated earlier, the upgrade cost for the third Stage upgrade varies based on various factors. They include the following aspects.
Your Harley Model Year and Size
Your Harley’s model year and size are among the most influencing factors that will determine the upgrade’s cost. Some models, like the touring and custom vehicle operations models, are more expensive to upgrade than most models.
Components in The Kit
The parts in the Harley upgrade stage 3 kit can also influence the price. The more upgraded parts in the kit, the more you will pay. However, the more parts, the better performance
Upgrade Part Quality
The quality of the parts in the stage 3 upgrade kit will significantly impact the price. If the kit includes quality parts, the cost will be significantly higher.
Labor Cost
Labor costs will also influence the amount the stage three upgrade will cost you. Usually, the cost ranges between $400 and $800, varying with the professional’s hourly rate. Professionals in independent repair shops tend to be more affordable than those in the dealership.
Dealers Pricing
Different dealers have different pricing for their upgrades, including the parts and the labor cost. If the dealer of your choice has costly parts, you’ll end up paying more, usually above $ 2,500.
Costs of Different Brands of Harley Stage 3 Upgrade
The following table lists four common kits used for the stage 3 upgrade on Harleys and their labor cost.
| Kit Brand | Cost | Labor Cost |
| Screamin Eagle | $1,800 | $800 |
| Vance & Hines | $2,700 | $800 |
| S&S Cycle | $2,500 (Average) | $700 |
| Zippers Performance | $2,600 | $700 |
Harley Stage 3 Upgrade Features
Harley’s third-stage upgrade includes numerous parts that significantly improve the bike’s performance. Most of the features aim to improve the engine.
The parts included in the third stage upgrade kit include;
Big bore cylinders
The big-bore cylinders increase the engine’s displacement and combustion flow, resulting in increased torque.
Valve Springs
The valve springs in the kit are high-performance, and help stabilize the valve train when the engine runs at high Revolutions Per Minute.
Pistons and rings
The kit also includes pistons and rings to compress the air and fuel mixture. The rings seal the space between the piston and the cylinder walls.
Gaskets
The kit also includes some quality gaskets for various engine parts to ensure they form a perfect seal after installation.
Lifters
Some kits also include capacity lifters that help clear noise in the valve train.
Camshafts and bearings
You’re more likely to get high-performance camshafts for more valve tilt angle and increased valve tilt time. The Cam bearings allow the camshaft to rotate freely during its operations.
Clutch springs
The clutch springs in the kit aim to improve clutch engagement and capacity when the vehicle is running on high torque and horsepower.
Tuning Solutions
The kit may also include some tuning solutions, like the Engine Control Module, to help improve your Harley’s ignition timing.
These parts improve your Harley’s torque and horsepower by over 15% on mid and upper RPM, varying with the kit type. Some of the best kits can increase your bike’s horsepower by 39% and engine torque by 17%.
Tips to Save Money While Harley Stage 3 Upgrade
As mentioned earlier, the stage 3 upgrade cost is expensive, especially if you use many quality parts. However, several tips can help lower this cost. They include;
Install the Kit
One tip for you to pay less for the stage 3 upgrade on your Harley is to handle the installation. The installation doesn’t require you to pull out the engine from the bike since the cylinders are bolt-on types.
Installing the kits saves you the labor cost, which can be over $800. However, hire a professional if you’re unfamiliar with upgrading Harley bikes to avoid damaging it or the part.
Get Multiple Quotes
Another tip to get the stage 3 upgrade at a better price is to get multiple quotes from different dealers. Evaluate the parts and labor costs from five or more dealers to determine the best total cost.
Some dealers will offer a lower labor cost if you buy parts from them. Check for dealers with this type of deal and save on labor costs. However, ensure you get the upgrades from an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.
Prioritize Necessary Parts
While each part positively impacts your Harley’s performance, not all upgrade parts are a priority. Some upgrade parts may already be available if you have earlier-stage kits installed.
For instance, if you have a Harley stage 2 upgrade on the bike, you may not need new pushrods and camshafts. Also, your bike can perform using some upgrades before you add the rest.
Consider Dealers With Installment Options
Some Harley Davidson dealers have an option for installment pay for the stage 3 upgrades. Consider getting the parts and paying in installments, especially if you want quality parts but don’t have the full amount.
However, while this tip helps you get the part at a lower cost, the total amount you pay after the installments can be more.
Time offers
Most dealers have promotions, discounts, and seasonal sales when the price of parts is low. You can time for these offers and get the stage 3 upgrade parts for your Harley Davidson.
Most dealers will post these offers on their websites or email their regular customers, so keep an eye on their websites.
Related Questions
In the quest to get upgrades for their Harley Davidson bikes, owners ask various questions that you should know. Have a look at them.
Q1. What Are The Costly Parts in The Stage 3 Upgrade on Harleys?
The high-performance camshaft is usually the most expensive part of the stage 3 upgrade, with an average cost of $600. This part is also the most important, improving the valve opening angle and time.
Q2. Is Harley Stage 3 Upgrade Worth The Cost?
The stage 3 upgrade on Harley Davidson is worth the cost since you get over 20% increase in the bike’s performance. This upgrade improves the riding experience and the aesthetic look of your bike. If you’re after the improved performance without voiding the warranty, stage 3 is your upgrade.
Q3. Do You Need Stage 1 and 2 To Install Stage 3 Upgrade on Your Harley?
Generally, you won’t need any earlier stages to add the third stage upgrade on your Harley. The stage 3 upgrade contains all the features you need to improve the bike’s performance. The only stage that requires an earlier stage is two, which needs one.
Final Thoughts
The Harley Davidson stage 3 upgrade will cost you anywhere between $1700 and $2500. This amount varies with the number of parts, quality, and the dealership where your Harley will get upgrades. The common upgrade parts included in this upgrade kit are discussed in the article.
To save money on this upgrade, install the parts, prioritize the necessary parts, and get multiple quotes. These and other tips discussed in the article will help you upgrade the bike and improve its performance at a better price.