Cat removal
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 37
Likes: 15
From: Norwich UK
Cat removal
Hi, my 2011 fat bob has the stock exhausts with baffles removed, it also has a SE air filter and back plate and stage 1 map.
Im thinking of removing the cat as I hate how hot the exhaust gets and I keep burning my leg.
Im guessing the main issue might be it will be too loud and Ill have no back pressure so will be losing low end torque.
Does anyone know how much louder removing the cat will make it ? And would fitting lollipops or DK Thunder Torque inserts make it quiet enough so as not to be obnoxious, and of course give some helpful back pressure.
Im thinking of removing the cat as I hate how hot the exhaust gets and I keep burning my leg.
Im guessing the main issue might be it will be too loud and Ill have no back pressure so will be losing low end torque.
Does anyone know how much louder removing the cat will make it ? And would fitting lollipops or DK Thunder Torque inserts make it quiet enough so as not to be obnoxious, and of course give some helpful back pressure.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,279
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
If you were concerned about back pressure you shouldn't have removed the baffles. The Thunder Torque inserts will definitely help in that area, but don't expect too much of a reduction in sound level. It will sound better but it will be anything but quiet.
A good tune will richen things up and cool it down somewhat, so hopefully the one you have is dialed in. You didn't say what map or tuner you have, but if it's the dealer download you can do a lot better with a standalone tuner.
Can't help with the cat removal but I'm sure you'll hear from others here.
A good tune will richen things up and cool it down somewhat, so hopefully the one you have is dialed in. You didn't say what map or tuner you have, but if it's the dealer download you can do a lot better with a standalone tuner.
Can't help with the cat removal but I'm sure you'll hear from others here.
Banned
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 148
Likes: 60
From: United States
Removing the cat will make it significantly louder and raspier. You will lose some low-end torque without a tune. Lollipops or torque inserts will help reduce the noise and restore some back pressure, but it will still be much louder than it is now. For the heat, consider heat shields or wraps instead.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Ohio
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Bay Area, NorCal
It's been so long since I did this mod that my memory is a bit "fuzzy." But I seem to recall that I purchased an oem 2008 FB catless header pipe off an online auction site at a good price. Added Rush slip-ons and a PowerVision tuner and my FB runs and sounds great. Just an option you might consider if that year pipe is still available somewhere.
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