I just bought an 03 Vegas and so far couldnt be happier. The only small issue's I have noticed is it doesnt like to start and idle with out a little blip from the throttle. Once it starts and I keep the idle up for about 30 sec then with the choke assist it will stay running. The other is the constant backfireing on down shifts. I read some where in this forum about needing a remap and i think that what it needs but i'm holding off till i can get pipes and a fuel programer. My question's are  did Victory label all of there stage 1 slipons with "Victory Performance" in 2003 ?  I have a K&N filter and the cover for a stage 1 kit but I dont know about the pipes. It seems kind of loud for not stage one but the only other I have to compare is my buddies 06 KP with stage 1 exhaust. His is louder than mine  but I wouldnt say too much. I'm not sure how much diff the 100ci vs 92ci is for sound. And is it ok to ride with the backfiring ? 

Any insite that you guys and gals can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks 

The start up issue could be your throttle bodies need cleaning.  Not hard to do, just need to take the tank off.  Victory performance pipes are Stage 1 although I am not 100% sure.  The backfiring could also be caused by your TB.  If you need more info on how too, go to the  thevmc.com . 

The backfire could also be caused by an exhaust leak. The stage-one pipes have about an 1 1/2" opening, the stock pipes are much smaller.

Victory's do not have a choke, that lever just raises the idle speed. You do need to do this when the engine is cold.

Cleaning the throttle bodies is a great idea and could cure some of your problems.

Well It appears to be a stage 1 slip on the hole is about 1.5in. I am going on the assumption its been remapped and next time my low fuel light comes on i'll clean the throttle bodies. It does have a small exhaust leak where the top slip on attaches to the header. I'll try to tighten that up too  But I am leaning towards a set of Ness slingshots and a ness aircleaner. I would love to go with the s&s but thats a lot of money for what looks to be the same from ness I guess i'll cross that bridge when I come to it.