First Bike

budmanmcp · #1 05-31-2008, 11:17 PM

Hey everyone
Got my first bike...an 03 silver and black anniversary VROD with only 67 miles on it. My wifefinally let me have the bike of my dreams, bought it from her boss and got a pretty good deal on it too.
I've gotmy learner's permit, am going to the take the riders edge course at H-D dealership, I drive the bike around the neighborhood almost daily when weather permits getting used to it before the state test for bike endorsment this month.
A couple of questions I want to make the bike a bit louder, my wife doesn't want it to be too loud, any suggestions for websites, etc. and also will this require other mods to do this? Also should I set up a service appointment at the H-D dealership since the bike is almost 5 years old and has been driven such low miles?
Thanks.

STEG · #2 06-01-2008, 12:38 AM

First i'd like to say congrats, secondly be safe thats a LOT of motor in that thing

I have been contemplating exhaust for a while now but i think im going to leave mine stock so i can hear my music, but if your not going to be doing that sorta thing.

It depends on the look you want, the vance and hines 2-1 system has what i think your looking for sound but has a look that is not for everyone i have heard this pipe in person and it is VERY nice it has a lower sound than stock but its louder but not too loud, i am actually looking into this pipe and getting it blacked out. vance and hines has 2 other pipes that will fit your bike and are not as expensive as this system, i have not heard either of these in person so i cannot attest to their sound.

other popular exhaust sites are:

Tab
http://www.tabperformance.com/servle...FVRSCA%2FVRSCB

Samson exhaust (you will loose around 5 hp if you go with these but they sound good)
http://www.samsonusa.com/products/sf.../255/sfID3/176

D&D exhaust
http://www.danddexhaust.com/catalog/...dson/index.htm

Bub exhaust (supposedly the most harley sounding system)
http://bub.com/Motorcycles/Harley/V-Rod/V-Rod.html

Carey Faas Racing
http://www.bikersimage.com/CFR.htm

Thunderheader
http://www.thunderheader.net/

these are just some of the more popular companies but remember that google is your friend and you can also hear the various exhaust systems on you tube, but remeber that different peoples cameras interpret and output sound in different ways so its tough to nail down how one sounds without hearing it in person.

if you do end up changing the exhaust you will need a fuel manager, there are several out there but most pipe manufacturers including HD have their own or recommend one for you, you should also do a high flow air filter at this time

other non exhaust sites i have found helpful for parts are

http://www.harleycustom.com/Cat-harl..._V_Rod-26.html
http://www.breathlessperformance.com...htm#appearance
http://www.taylormade-wheels.co.uk/harley.php

Billydj · #3 06-01-2008, 08:35 AM

Welcome to the Forum and congrats ona truly awesome ride!

Regarding taking your bike for service...yes...do it. You note 67 miles over a 5-6 year period so that means the bike has been sitting which is the worst thing for it or a car. At a minimum, you should haveall fluids replaced and the ride lubed up and oil/air/fuel filters inspected for brittleness. The tires should be inspected for dry rot and suppleness (tires get hard when they sit and this is not too good).

Can't help you on your pipes...I like loud as hell.

Ride Safe...
BillyD

NightStar · #4 06-01-2008, 11:01 PM

Enjoy but be careful. That's a lot of bike for the first time.