new drag pipes
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
RE: new drag pipes
Depends. Are you going to put on an air cleaner that flows more air when you do the exhaust? If so, you will need to recalibrate your bike's ECM module. If you're not going to put on a high flow air cleaner you may not need to recalibrate. But if you're going to go the route with a new exhaust you might as well go all the way and be done with. Trust me, you won't be happy until you do!
Bart
Bart
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 138
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From:
RE: new drag pipes
You cannot put normal drag pipes on there without some pretty big issues because you have a bike that has O2 sensors - and drag pipes (unless you have them welded in) do not have bungs for them.
Drag pipes are the single worst choice for exhaust you could possibly go with anyway IMHO. Torque cones do not fix the problems that they cause and are pretty much a waste of time for anything but keeping the exhaust gaskets from squishing into the ports. I've done my time on a dyno looking at what they do and put frankly, they don't. They rank up there with turbulators.
Anytime I say this about drags there's no end of people who will want to line up and say how great their bike runs with them, etc. Good for them. I'm telling you that drag pipes are known poor performers in the range where you will spend most of your time and if you really want to enjoy the ride, you should look elsewhere for a mod. If all you want is loud then by all means, have at it (but remember the O2 sensors).
For what it's worth, straight 2-2 setups like a lot of the V&H pipes have some of the same issues with loss of low end power and at worst, reversion. I've even been working on a Sportster with V&H slip-ons that show the same thing. A good 2-1 setup is my favorite but some folks don't like the looks of those. Stock header pipes and some slip-ons that have a bit of an area for gasses to expand would be a really good bang-for-the-buck choice.
Drag pipes are the single worst choice for exhaust you could possibly go with anyway IMHO. Torque cones do not fix the problems that they cause and are pretty much a waste of time for anything but keeping the exhaust gaskets from squishing into the ports. I've done my time on a dyno looking at what they do and put frankly, they don't. They rank up there with turbulators.
Anytime I say this about drags there's no end of people who will want to line up and say how great their bike runs with them, etc. Good for them. I'm telling you that drag pipes are known poor performers in the range where you will spend most of your time and if you really want to enjoy the ride, you should look elsewhere for a mod. If all you want is loud then by all means, have at it (but remember the O2 sensors).
For what it's worth, straight 2-2 setups like a lot of the V&H pipes have some of the same issues with loss of low end power and at worst, reversion. I've even been working on a Sportster with V&H slip-ons that show the same thing. A good 2-1 setup is my favorite but some folks don't like the looks of those. Stock header pipes and some slip-ons that have a bit of an area for gasses to expand would be a really good bang-for-the-buck choice.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From:
RE: new drag pipes
ORIGINAL: darkdyna06
I just got a set of cycle shack drag pipes w/ 02 sensor bungs.
I just got a set of cycle shack drag pipes w/ 02 sensor bungs.
I really hate drag pipes, and that's probably not a surprise to anyone that knows me ... but I do try to do the "your bike your choice" thing. I just can't help myself though when someone asks.
.... now if someone would just make a 2-1 setup for my '68 XLCH I'd be a happy camper.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 1
From: Cornwall UK
RE: new drag pipes
Hi LBussy, your opinion please. Thinking about V&H short shots, fuel pak, and big sucker.Don,t want to LOSE powerbut i like the cleaner lines of the bike (07 Street Bob) without all the standard exhaust brackets etc. our English bikes have the exhaust valve. Any thoughts / other reccommends? Cheers
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From:
RE: new drag pipes
i gotta tell yah, i love staggered drag pipes... i mean, there are some nice pipes out there, but you can't go wrong with drag pipes...in my opinion they're traditional and classy, they sound good, and all the major manufacturers of them do make them with some sort of baffle so you won't really have to worry about obtaining some sort of back pressure
once i get tired of the sound of my V&H slip-ons, i'm getting Cobra Dragsters
once i get tired of the sound of my V&H slip-ons, i'm getting Cobra Dragsters
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usefulshrimp
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