I had V&H power duals installed one year ago at my local dealer on my 2014 Limited and today while on a ride I heard a rattle from the front of my engine. I couldn't figure out quite what it was until I got home. I then discovered the front flange was completely loose with no signs of the retaining nuts. It had cut a grove into one of the fins up front. I then checked the back flange and one nut was missing back there. There is a long story about the install where the dealer in a panic not to loose my business put a rush on the install and dyno work I had ordered. I feel like these were probably not torqued correctly as I installed the same head pipe on a older bike I had and never saw these come loose. Anybody have this happen and do I have a good reason to be upset with these guys.

 

It's not uncommon for new exhaust nuts to loosen up - most people installing their own exhausts will check them often after the first few rides - I know I do.
Don't be upset, get a few new nuts and put them on yourself with 1/2" ratchet (you'll need an open end wrench for the front nut on the front cylinder)

 

+1

A motorcycle requires some level of ongoing preventive maintenance.
Bolts and fasteners will come lose sometimes.

That nut did not fall off all at once during one ride.
Periodic checks are part of any normal maintenance program.

 

I use a 1/4" ratchet.... tq spec is only 120 in/lb.

With a 1/4 and a wobble extension, you can reach all nuts.

 

I have the V&H PD and I know I've retorqued all the exhaust nuts a couple of times. They were never real loose but the first couple of times I was able to move the nut fairly easily. When metal heat cycles the first few times it will usually cause these nut to losen just a bit.

 

I'm surprised you couldn't hear 'em leaking.

 

Yep. I torqued my PD's three times before they finally quit tightening. Ride it, and check them after cool down.

 

A 1/2" ratchet?? You mean a 1/2" socket I hope.

And you can get to that front nut with a 1/4" drive ratchet & socket, going in from the front with the ratchet swinging in between the head and the frame tubes.

I just put Power Duals on my Limited Low today. I was surprised at how little tension was on the nuts on the studs from the factory. Not finger tight but close.

 

Yep works great for me too. Might even take it on my upcoming trip just to make sure they stay torqued to spec

 

Check my bike all around every two weeks.