I'm getting close to dropping the $ on a '05 Heritage Softail (1st HD). I have a question on getting new pipes; should I get them right away at time of purchase or wait until later? The slug, I mean sales guy says I might be able to cut a deal if I work it into the purchase and that this would also blend in with the factory warranty. he says if I do it after it'd come with a 90 day warranty only. I do plan on getting EFI.
I'm trying to keep the initial price down to somewhat respectable numbers. If it doesn't make much difference to wait I'd prefer that but if anyone here feels it's better/smarter to replace them at time of purchase I'd like to hear from ya. Anyone got a "typical price range" for new pipes (you pick the mfg) installed with EFI that'd help as well.
Thanks
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When talking pipes you're going to have to get specific on what you want.
The nice thing about putting them in the deal is that they'll cut you a break on the price and they'll be covered under warranty longer but you need to be careful because of the higher interest rate and you need to find out what they're charging you for labor. They'll sometimes boost that labor price up because it's easier for the buyer to not pay attention since it's being thrown into the deal.
Personally I threw the stuff I wanted on the bike "now" into the deal because I knew it would be a long while before I'd be able to have anything else put on.
Well, as to the specifics on new pipes; being a newbie I'm a bit uneducated to talk specifics. Not necessarily looking for "hang-on" performance increase but want to get the "louder is safer & cooler <grin>" effect. That might be my other reason for wanting to wait; not having a friggin clue on what I'd want to switch out to and don't want to trust a sales guy to assist me with that call...
I'm too new to tell you anything about pipes except that what most people say is to get the Screamin Eagles II slip-ons. You'd have to talk to someone else to see if they even fit on the Heritage Softail. They're about $225 plus labor. That won't affect the price of your bike too much and will give your bike that Harley sound.
The general rule of thumb is that a Harley purchaser will buy the bike then immediately spend another 3K at the dealership (they hope) making it what they want. The warranty is NOT affected by exchanging exhausts or intake breathers. Entering the engine is where the warranty dies.
The performance of the bike will increase with those changes so provision must be made to equalize the engines' operation by adding more fuel. OK for a carburated engine to be rejetted but FI must be computer remapped for more fuel or add an aftermarket device to do it.
I would get them now. If you like the stock position of your pipes and want to keep the cost down get the screaming eagles. My stock upper pipe went above my passenger peg,talk about a hot foot. I went with vance and hines. They go for 400 to 600 plus installation. But their are alot of pipes out there that are just as good but cheaper. If you choose a different pipe make sure they have heat shields with them to cover up the pipe bluing that you will get after a few hundred miles.
The screamin' eagle slip ons are a good choice if you don't want to spend allot of money. I just put them on mine. The quality of the chrome is good and I have never seen a set turn blue. They certainley make it meaner sounding, but they are not loud by any means. Installation is pretty easy if you have average mechanical skills, so you may want to do it yourself. Remapping the efi is not neccesary as the dealer told me it only has to be done if you do a stage one kit which modifies the air intake. Good sound goes hand and hand with Harley so buy them now you will like your bike that much more as the sound will match the look. Congrats on the new purchase!
The louder pipes (even slip-ons) will imbalance the engines breathing too much without the addition of an open (K&N) breather system. Then you WILL need to change the fuel delivery amount too. I don't care what some nit-wit at the HD dealership says. Do it correctly or **** up your engine - that's where the warranty catch is...
Well, being an x-auto wrench turner I appreciate the insight. (doing math in head; sh!t it's been 20 years since I stopped wracking knuckles). Hell, I flip the lid on my truck half the time and say screw it and take it in nowadays... so I'm not going to pretend with a new bike as well.
Well, I think I might stick with stock and think it over; or at least get a quote with the purchase for the screamin eagle slip-on's after I give them a listen somewhere. Thanks for the help.
I'm in the kinda same boat, except I have decided to get the pipes (SE-2)/air filter (K&N)/carb jet kit (DynoJet) at the time of purchase of my 05 Night Train. I'll get a break on the cost, and the full 7 years of warrantee on the parts. Also, I figure it's better to ride her out of the dealership sounding the way I want!
New Pipes at time of purchase?
