Cutting out the cat

[Cnyflhx]

My bikes a 2011 street glide its stock besides some slip on pipes I've seen that a few people cut out the cat, first off I'm more can capable of cutting it out and welding it, my question is will cutting the cat out hurt the bike if I don't put a tune on it?
Second I've herd I can just buy a chip instead of putting a tune on it

I'm new to Harley's I've had 2 jap bikes in the past here's the bike I'm talking about thanks

 

[TomA]

I'm no expert but if you have the stage one air cleaner and open up the exhaust (Header with slip-on's) you will need a tuner of some kind. I see you have the fish tails so after market so yes a tuner.

Let me know if I'm wrong so I can learn.

 

[danoday]

I believe you will need a tune. The stock ECM can self adjust to some changes in AFR, but it may not be as effective or efficient as a new map (tune). The stock ecm runs lean, more air will require more fuel. If left unchanged you most likely experience some hesitation and popping. Your choice of tuner is really a personal one based on what else you intend to improve or change on your motor. There is no shortage of info on this site to help you select your tuner, hope this helps.

 

[bugdewde]

Here's how it was explained to me. Within reason, the stock computer can adjust the mixture going into the engine with a stock intake..... doesn't matter about the exhaust. Typical thinking is if you flow more out, you will flow more in..... but you really aren't... at least not enough to mess with the stock computer (which makes adjustments). Unless you change the intake parameters, the computer will keep up with the slightly added exhaust flow.
Change the intake? Start looking at tuners.
An illustration, two mostly identical dudes drinking beer. The one with the larger diameter ... uhhh.... urination tract... still can only chug his beer as fast as the mostly identical other dude.... even though he might be able to urinate a heavier flow when the time comes.... he still has the same sized mouth/stomach to intake the beer.

 

[Aviator5456]

You won't need a tune. It wouldn't hurt but just removing the cat and installing some slip-ons doesn't change much and the computer can adjust for that. If you start messing with the intake...allowing it to breath more, etc. that will need your fuel adjusted, which can be only done with a tune...it would still run without...but not very good. Good luck....and enjoy the ride.