For anyone who has the time and patience to read this exchange I had with V&H customer support, I'd appreciate any comments you might have regarding the situation, V&H support, ideas about what to do next, etc.

I've read all the threads I can find about exhaust clearance issues with FLD floorboards and I believe the Pro Pipe being sold for the FLD will fit my FXD. This guy says it won't, but I don't think he really knows. I was hoping he'd sell me the FLD system, or whatever parts of it I need at a discount. Now, I'm thinking maybe I'll sell the Pro Pipe and get something (not a V&H!) that will clear the floorboard brackets.

> On Sun, Oct 5, 2014 at 10:25 AM, Zach White <wayfarer@veloemail.com> wrote:
>
> Product: Exhaust > Bike: Harley-Davidson
> Year: 2007
> Model: FXD Super Glide
>
> Message: I have a Pro Pipe and love it. I just bought the Dyna Switchback FLD floorboard kit (which HD now sells for '06+ Dynas). The right rear support bracket will not clear the lower outside of the head pipe even without the heat sheild. I'm keeping the boards. I'd like to keep the pipe. I noticed you now sell a Pro Pipe for the FLD. Will that fit my '07 FXD? Are there parts of that kit I could get directly from you to convert my current pipe to fit? Is there something else you could do or recommend? Thanks.
>
>
> This e-mail was sent from a contact form on vanceandhines.com


On 10/06/2014 05:50 PM, V&H help wrote: >
Those parts will not cross over. The first would be the O2 sensor port sizes are different. You might be able to space out the floorboard to accommodate but we have not tested it.
>
> .................................................. .................................................. ..................
>
> :: Chris Neely :: Electronics Product Manager


On Mon, Oct 6, 2014 at 4:40 PM, zach <wayfarer@veloemail.com> wrote:


I don't run O2 sensors. What else is different? I've had a '12 switchback factory exhaust on my '07 and it fit fine. I already have the bracket spaced out a quarter inch and it's not enough even without the heat shield. I'm asking for your help here.


On 10/07/2014 11:44 AM, Chris Neely wrote:

That is not the only difference. Its an entirely different part made for clearance of the controls and also length. Unfortunately it will not work. If it did, then we would have offered only one part number.


:: Chris Neely :: Electronics Product Manager

 

Just to show v and h I would take the pro pipe off and sell it to me at a largely discounted price that reflects your assessment of their value as a company after this ordeal.

On a more serious note, not sure what would work. I would be looking at modifying the floor boarda before considering buying a whole new exhaust though.

 

Thanks for responding. Yeah, it's the bracket, though, not the board itself. I'm running it now with about 3/8" worth of washers to space the bracket out away from the pipe and it still hits occasionally at low rpm engine vibes. And that's without the heat shield. So I could cut a chunk out of the lower side of the heat shield, which wouldn't be very noticeable, and I could live with it, but I'd rather have a cleaner solution.

 

@Vaquero.45 or Zach- We have been speaking with you via e-mail and further researched what you are trying to do.

Will the pipe bolt up, yes. However, there are some differences in the fitment on your bike that must be acknowledged prior to installation.

1) O2 sensors. The O2 sensor port on the FLD pipe is the 12mm port which will not accommodate the 18mm sensors that came standard on your year. However, you stated that you have eliminated your O2's so this should not be an issue, (just order the plugs separately).

2) The headpipe was built specifically for floorboard clearance and extra length to get the muffler outlet past the saddlebag. This could look funny on a FXD and perhaps ground clearance issues if you have modified suspension, (lowered). See Photos below for difference in length.

Once these issues have been taken into consideration, then it is up to you whether or not to install it. We try to make perfectly clear to customers of these potential issues before they purchase a pipe for a custom setup. As if it was installed on the bike, then most dealers will not return it.

Also, if you were going to adapt your existing muffler to the headpipe, that would work as well. But the cost of each part from would exceed the cost of the entire system. Such as the headpipe, D682-FC, retails for $343.5. That's no heatshields or hardware, just the headpipe.

If you have any other questions call me direct in the information on the email.

-Chris