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Plug balance pipe on Road King???

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Old Jan 9, 2006 | 10:47 PM
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Default Plug balance pipe on Road King???

With the price of true duels nearly $1000, has anybody ever tried plugging the balance pipe (by weld) to give equal flow to each side? My bike already has Vance & Hines slip on mufflers. I know of coarse I would have to add a fuel injection tuner. ???
 
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Old Jan 9, 2006 | 10:53 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

It wouldn't benefit you doing that from the scavenging standpoint. The true duals like you mention give up some low end TQ from their design over other pipes.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2006 | 10:59 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

how much low end torque loss are we talkin about? I'm thinkin about all the 1450's out there with straight pipes that run strong.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2006 | 11:16 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

you are really going to screw up with that makeshift deal. Spend the money. You wont be sorry.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2006 | 11:36 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

Trust me, I dont wanna be the first to try this, I figured somebody out there knows somebody that tried it..
 
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Old Jan 10, 2006 | 12:07 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

If you weld to block off the crossover pipe then you will screw up the chrome which means the pipes will need to be rechromed which will in turn cost more money..

Spend the cash and do it right the first time!

The true dual head pipe from V&H's can be had for under $300 shipped.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2006 | 03:24 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

I appreciate the responce, I'm just wondering if someone has done this and what kind of result they got. I know the best and safest way is to fork out the bucks, I'm just one of those guys thats always looking to save a few!! Trust me the weld would be behind the chrome heat sheild where it couldn't be seen!..
 
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Old Jan 10, 2006 | 09:40 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

I didn't do the dual thing with my '78 FLH, but went the other way to a 2-1 with a fishtail. I had to cut the crossover pipe in two, cut out/grind out the piece that had a small hole in it for the crossover, weld the pipe back together, then braze a soft seal from a car motor to block off where the left side pipe attached. Heat shield covered up the weld, and the look and sound was like an old '50s Pan with a single exhaust.

You'll lose some low-mid torque, but if the pipes are baffled or lollipopped, it won't be too bad. I had to go one step richer, but that was more for the straight baffleless fishtail than from losing the crossover. Might be enough different with the "true dual" that you'll need a simple remap, or a Power Commander.

Nothing like doing something yourself that is different from everyone else's stuff!
 
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Old Jan 10, 2006 | 11:26 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

Big waste of time!! Those balance tubes are there for a reason. Ever seen a dual exhaust system on a car? They have a balance pipe!
Only lately, some of the aftermarket exhaust companies are starting to offer them for Harleys.
Your stock pipes with balance tube intact and good slip ons are all you need for great performance. Fancy, Expensive pipes are a waste of money.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 09:14 PM
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Default RE: Plug balance pipe on Road King???

Come on now, I think the most of us have seen a zillion harleys with drag pipes that dont spit, spudder and die. None have balance pipes on them and they all have that unmistakenable sound that harley are famous for and most of us want.
 
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