So before any of you spit out your coffee (or beer) in laughter, I've never installed pipes on a HD.

Handlebars, sure. Air cleaners, check. Bolt on stuff, shocks, no prob. Car stuff? It's how i stayed driving in college - doing my own repairs, (and ramen noodles of course) - mufflers, water pumps, alternators, even a carb or two. Changes the manifolds and risers on a mercruiser 350 a few years ago too. So I've used a wrench a few times.

However for some reason I have abnormal apprehension about pulling the stock pipes off my '16 Road Glide and installing a 2:1. Maybe it's because it's my second favorite piece of mechanical goodness that I own (the Low Rider is #1) and I'm paranoid.

But since I have my finger poised on the button for a Fuel Moto e-series 2:1 pipe, and it looks like snow on and off for the next few weeks, I am thinking about giving it a shot.

Any tips you can suggest to the novice? I'm particularly concerned about getting the gaskets seated properly. I expect that's the trickiest part. Is there a tool I should have to make it easier? Anything else? I'm sure I'm making way too big a deal over it, but...

Thanks...

 

I just put a E series 2/1 on mine. Sounds nice and not too loud.
There are a ton of videos on YouTube, I would start there. It's fairly straightforward if your mechanical. I usually get all the bolts started then tighten gradually. The head studs I tighten a little at a time to bring them all in even and straight. Run a couple heat cycles and re tighten. Don't over torque.

Fuel Moto has excellent customer support if you have questions.

 

Put the exhaust gaskets in the freezer overnight, they will find their seats easier this way...The rest is just nuts and bolts.

 

Good stuff, thanks. Particularly like the freezer suggestion. Never handled a gasket so I didn't know the density/feel of them. Guess if freezing helps they may be a little soft. May pickup a set just to get a feel for them.

 

A piece of PVC pipe that fits about 1/2 way down the gasket to help push the gasket in easier.

 

If you have turned wrenches I am going to say, Its so easy a caveman can do it. Also I see your ride is a 2016, its possible you can reuse your gaskets, make sure they are not scuffed up. Or if you want to be on the safe side, replace them.


I second on watching Youtube videos, it will give you a better understanding.

 

I removed the stock header and installed a decatted header. The only tricky problem for me was installing the metal braided gasket. It feels like it is too big but that's the way they are. Haven't tried the freezer option, curious as to how that works better. Just be patient and kinda rolled the gasket in place if that makes any sense. Started at one point and slowly went around the circumference pushing it in with fingertips. Then as OP said torqued it down.