Advice on V&H Exhaust for 08 Fatbob (which ones)
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Advice on V&H Exhaust for 08 Fatbob (which ones)
I'm getting ready to purchase some new pipes for my 08 Fatbob and need some recommendations/advice. I cant decide between the Big Radius and Side Shots (havent seen Sideshots on a fatbob). Is there much of a difference in sound? Difference in Quality? Is there a possibility that either one of them may scrape in turns? Any help from people that own them would be great!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: The Dirty South
I'm getting ready to purchase some new pipes for my 08 Fatbob and need some recommendations/advice. I cant decide between the Big Radius and Side Shots (havent seen Sideshots on a fatbob). Is there much of a difference in sound? Difference in Quality? Is there a possibility that either one of them may scrape in turns? Any help from people that own them would be great!
The BR is designed to maximize the traditional sound and low end torque of the V-Twin.
The BR 2:1 is designed to maximize the mid-range pull of the engine. The sound is radically altered (although the BR 2:1 is not nearly as loud as a Thunderheader, for example - in fact, V&H says that the BR 2:1 is the quietest, most street-legal 2:1 on the road. It's for people who want aftermarket but live under noise abatement laws).
Now... as for Side Shots and Short Shots (and I'll probably make enemies here). V&H designed them to meet a particular taste for a particular look. Performance-wise they can't stand up to the other three. Sound-wise (if tuned for loudness) they'll rival any other straight pipe.
The Pro Pipe/Big Radius/Big Radius 2:1 and the Short/Side Shots are very different animals.
It's your bike, go with what suits your looks and performance tastes.
I personally swear by Thunderheader but it ain't for everybody(although I have a lead on a new 2:1 that I might switch to)
If performance AND looks were my inspiration and I was stuck on V&H, I might consider the V&H Pro Pipe.
Don't worry about scraping. These pipes are built to fit our bikes correctly with proper clearance for lean tolerance.
YMMV.
Good luck.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: ca
"Don't worry about scraping. These pipes are built to fit our bikes correctly with proper clearance for lean tolerance."
I don't know if I agree with this comment by stagolee. I had vance & hines short shots on my dyna and I scraped them from front to back. I riped my heat wrapes right off. My brother in law had v&h big radius on his dyna and bent the tip on the lower pipe back when he scraped. My other bro cracked the heat shild on his side shots when he scraped. I even scraped the mufflers on the stock pipes. I guess it just depends how hard you ride you bike through the twisties.
By the way one of my bros has a pro pipe bp on his dyna. That thing sounds bad a$$ when he ripes the throttle.
I don't know if I agree with this comment by stagolee. I had vance & hines short shots on my dyna and I scraped them from front to back. I riped my heat wrapes right off. My brother in law had v&h big radius on his dyna and bent the tip on the lower pipe back when he scraped. My other bro cracked the heat shild on his side shots when he scraped. I even scraped the mufflers on the stock pipes. I guess it just depends how hard you ride you bike through the twisties.
By the way one of my bros has a pro pipe bp on his dyna. That thing sounds bad a$$ when he ripes the throttle.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: The Dirty South
Y'all sound like some exceptional riders. I ride pretty hard - and I do scrape my pegs, but y'all sound like a whole-nother-level.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 61
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From: NSW - AUSTRALIA
Fat Bob V&H 2-1
Some real good advice here from the members above.
I've had the 2-1 on my Fat Bob for a while now. Good sound, no clearance problems and (IMO) suits the look of the bike.
One thing though...checking the oil with the engine hot is tricky.
The quality of the V&H is very good and the finish is as good as the dayI fitted them and I live near the beach.
That's my 2 cents worth.
Enjoy your Fat Bob mate.
I've had the 2-1 on my Fat Bob for a while now. Good sound, no clearance problems and (IMO) suits the look of the bike.
One thing though...checking the oil with the engine hot is tricky.
The quality of the V&H is very good and the finish is as good as the dayI fitted them and I live near the beach.
That's my 2 cents worth.
Enjoy your Fat Bob mate.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
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From:
Vh br
Get the Big Radius. Good quality and good sound. I took the baffles out for a while which about blew the windows out of my garage when I first started it. I since have put the baffles back in and enjoy the toned down but crisp sound. I did install the Xied which took some of the decel popping away and engine runs cooler. Still have some decel popping but am not worrying about it. Good luck with your FatBob.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 117
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From: San Carlos Ca
Big Shot Staggaered for me w/ Quiet baffles sounds perfect and with the power chamber on these pipes it's like having a 2 in 1 exhaust system 
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