I just got a 2006 1200 Custom, and was wondering if anyone knew what make/model exhaust sounds the best on this bike, and what jet package works the best with those pipes.

 

This is a loaded question that the folks on this forum could argue about for days and days. I will say though, slip-ons sound really good on these bikes at an affordable price. Screamn Eagle, Vance & Hines and Cycle Shacks seem to be the most popular ones. I personally like the sound of Vance & Hines Straightshots HS. As for jet packages, the Screamn Eagle Dyno jet kit along with either a Screamn Eagle or K&N A/C is the way to go. A lot of guys change the jets without buying the whole kit to save a few bucks but I just went for the whole thing.

 

I'll tell you what's NOT the best sounding exhaust - the Python 2into1. It's great and I wouldn't trade it for any other 2 piece pipe out there, but it doesn't give that 'Harley Sound' - I think the same can be said for most all 2into1's.

 

Mate there is no doubt which is the best pipes to put on your new 1200 custom !

I just picked up the same bike a month ago and the dealer let me listen to a few different exhausts from Screamin Eagle to Vance & Hines to HDD ( Harley Davidson Develpoment) !

If you want your Sporty to Crack & Thump there is no option & thats the HDD Pipes.

Why because they are the loudest and give the most power gains & they also flow better than others do because Screamin Eagle & others have a welded baffle and are packed with fiberglass packing.

This fiberglass packing stuff is the enemy for noise and it stops the pipe from breathing it actually restricts the flow of exhaust emissions out the back ! NO GOOD

HDD pipes only have welded baffle NO FIBERGLASS PACKING ! NOTHING !

The HDD pipes breath beautifuly and the note is unbelievable as so many people have commented that its sounds so good it really cracks under the throttle as its thumpin along !

I know because Ive got them and I can speak from experience and even the dealer said I had made the best choice! Thanks Tom at Harley City Brunswick Australia !

Freedom Is A Journey
Ezyrider Australia

 

I have a 06 1200 custom and I love the cycle-shacks I have. They sound sweet.

 

Here's my .02 worth!
I bought V&H staggered shortshots, along with a Yost Power Tube and a Screaming Eagle A/C. I could not be happier.
The Pipes "Bark" real loud when you get in the gas and mellow nicely at cruising speed.
The performance differance in the bike from stock to this set up was unbelievable!! So much more throttle response made the scoot a real
treat to ride.
I also called the folks at Yost and got excellant tech support as far as jetting and which needles to use they were great! I went with a 45 slow
jet and a 185 main jet. I had to do very little on the carb adjustments afterward, just a little on idle speed. I also have been tweaking just a little on the mixture screw( I mean very little like about 1/16 of a turn out a couple of times to get the last couple of carb farts out)
I hope this helps good luck and enjoy the ride!!

 

GO WITH THE SE II'S THEY DONT BREAK THE BANK OR CHECK OUT PAST POST ON DEBURRING THE STOCK EXAUEST

 

I second the Vance & Hines short shot staggered exhaust .
They look great and make your bike sound like the badest Harley around.
Almost sounds like your bikes ready to run the quarter mile and eat every thing up in it way .
I put the short shots on with the Arlen Ness big sucker II and rejeted to 180 and a 45 idle jet .
Very good quality and fit .




2004 883XL
V&H short shot staggered
Arlen Ness big sucker stage II
Lots of extras and adding weekly .

 

I have an 06 1200 custom running cycle shacks, they sound good, quiet on low idle, loud when I romp on it. Also switched to an arlen ness big sucker, and rejetted 48 low idle, and stock 180 main. Bike sounded, which I thought wouldnt, even better after the full stage 1 change.

 

Gotta vote for the V&H Short Shots. Best look & best sound. Just a nice tater rumble in the neighborhood, but when you grab a handfull of throttle, Whoa!