So last weekend I installed a thunderheader on my 02' FXDX. Replaced the gaskets and got everything mounted and it went really smooth. Took the advise I read on here about starting at the bottom of the motor and working the pipes up to the heads and it worked great. Anyway, I took it for a ride rechecked nuts and bolts and noticed an odd smell coming from the outside of the front pipe right where it bends down about 8 inches or so from the head. It doesn't smell like exhaust fumes so I don't think there is a leak coming from the head, but I don't notice it from the rear pipe. Don't know if there is something on the outside of the pipe thats just burning off or what? I don't have heat shields on it but I never noticed it from my V&H when I had them on the bike. Anyone else ever notice something of the sort from their TH? The pipe is the black ceramic or whatever they call it.

 

its just the coating burning in. my bike did it too. itds nothing to worry about. it goes away.

 

its just ceramic coat baking in , no worries

 

Ok good deal. I was worried because it was the first real project I've done on the bike and I thought I screwed something up. Thanks for the input guys I appreciate it.