I have a 2005 EG Classic, 88c.i., Stage 1, w/ V&H Oval Slip Ons. A couple of weeks ago I noticed a crack in the original exhaust Y-pipe on the right side (the exhaust outlet at the top, rear jug). I suspected that the cause of the crack was excessive heat. (note: engine temp gauge has never gone above 280 degrees while practicing slow cone courses). It's still under warranty, so I had the dealer replace the Y-pipe yesterday during 10,000 mile service. I rode the bike the following night and noticed that the new Y-pipe is glowing red hot! [:@] The original Y-pipe never glowed red.

Does anyone have any ideas on this? Could it be glowing red because of the materials used in the new Y-pipe? Could it be that the motor is running too lean? I've got questions....anyone have answers? ...lol

 

My 07 did this the first night I rode it. Scared the hell out of me, it I would have poked it I'm sure the metal would deform.. Anyway Dealer says not to worry temp on the heat is 240 + and the chrome is burning off. I havnt noticed lately.

 

Did you maybe let it sit to look at it since you were concerned about there being a heat problem?
My Softail glows if it sits for more than about a minute. You can see the red reflection from behind the heat shields in the oil bag.
If its in my garage, it gives off a decent amount of light!

 

Glowing is very common, especially when you sit and stare at them and forget that you are looking at the actual exhaust pipe, not the 2nd layer of a dual wall pipe. They need air flow to cool, but often times glow on the highway. i cannot count the # of y-pipes I have seen cracked on my fingers and toes and my dogs fingers and toes.