The First Things You Should Upgrade On Your Motorcycle
Posted by Schnitz Racing on 12th Sep 2025
You just rolled out of the dealership with a new bike—or maybe you scored a stock second-hand one. Either way, the first question is always the same: what upgrades should you do first to really wake it up?
There are a ton of aftermarket parts out there, but if you want the most horsepower for your money, the answer is simple:
- ECU Reflash
- Exhaust System
- Velocity Stacks.
These three upgrades work together to get rid of factory restrictions, drop serious weight, and let your bike breathe the way it was meant to. Let’s talk about each one
ECU Reflash – Unlock the Bike’s Brain
From the factory, your ECU (engine control unit) is loaded with restrictions to keep things “safe” for emissions and noise regulations. That means your bike isn’t anywhere close to its full potential.
An ECU reflash changes everything by:
- Optimizing fuel and ignition timing
- Sharpening throttle response
- Removing speed/rev limiters
- Dialing in the air/fuel ratio for other upgrades like exhaust & stacks
With a proper tune, you’ll see smoother power delivery, quicker acceleration, and real horsepower gains—often 5–15hp depending on the bike.
You Can Find Our ECU Reflashing Service Here
Exhaust System – Drop 20–30+ lbs & Add Power
If you’re still running the stock exhaust, you’re carrying a boat anchor. Most factory systems are heavy, restrictive, and built to pass noise/emissions tests.
Upgrading to an aftermarket full system or even a slip-on gives you:
- 20–30+ lbs of weight savings
- Better airflow for horsepower gains
- A deep, aggressive exhaust note
- Maximum results when paired with an ECU reflash
On most bikes, you’ll see +8–20hp just by upgrading the exhaust and tuning. That’s why it’s usually one of the first mods riders swap.
At Schnitz Racing, we carry hundreds of exhaust systems to choose from, including Brock’s, M4, Akrapovic, Vance & Hines, Voodoo, and more. Check them out here
Velocity Stacks – Underrated but Powerful
Velocity stacks sit inside your airbox and control how air flows into the throttle bodies. They’re small, but the impact is big:
- More midrange torque (where you ride most)
- Improved throttle response
- Extra top-end horsepower when combined with tuning
When matched with an ECU reflash and exhaust, velocity stacks smooth out airflow and unlock strong power across the entire RPM range.
We offer plenty of velocity stacks, check them out here
The Winning Combo
Here’s the bottom line:
- ECU Reflash removes factory limits.
- Exhaust System cuts major weight and adds horsepower.
- Velocity Stacks bring it all together with smooth airflow and torque.
These three upgrades completely transform your motorcycle. Instead of feeling like a restricted, factory-stock machine, it’ll feel sharp, responsive, and flat-out powerful.
And the best part? Schnitz Racing has everything you need in stock and ready to ship. Whether you’re hitting the drag strip, carving up backroads, or just want more fun on the street, these first upgrades will change the way you ride. Any questions just reach out!