'12 Wide Glide
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
'12 Wide Glide
After years of gawking, I finally pulled the trigger and picked up a Vivid Black 2012 Wide Glide about 3 weeks ago. I already pulled the reflectors off of it and plan to install the chopped rear fender brake/running light on it. My only real complaint is how quiet it is.
I love the look and sound of the v&h big radius 2 into 2's, however, I am not trying to dump a bunch of money in to this (like I did my Mustang). I guess I have a few questions before I decide on which route to go.
Is it absolutely mandatory to get the bike tuned if I put the v&h pipes on?
How much does slip-on mufflers affect a/f ratio?
While I am waiting to either get a set of slip-on's or the v&h exhaust, I am thinking about disassembling my stock mufflers and modifying them to get some more volume out of them. I understand that I can punch out the baffles with a piece of rebar or drill out the rivets and actually modify the guts. If I were to do this, would it cause any problems with the bike?
I do like the stock look of the bike, and $350 for a set of slip-ons seems to be a tad bit more responsible than $700 for v&h + a/c + tune.
Also, the bike has a catalytic converter built into the stock exhaust... I fired the bike with the top muffler removed and it was not dramatically louder than it was with the muffler installed. Granted, it was louder (and sounded more like a harley), but I am wondering how much that Cat is muffling the exhaust.
I love the look and sound of the v&h big radius 2 into 2's, however, I am not trying to dump a bunch of money in to this (like I did my Mustang). I guess I have a few questions before I decide on which route to go.
Is it absolutely mandatory to get the bike tuned if I put the v&h pipes on?
How much does slip-on mufflers affect a/f ratio?
While I am waiting to either get a set of slip-on's or the v&h exhaust, I am thinking about disassembling my stock mufflers and modifying them to get some more volume out of them. I understand that I can punch out the baffles with a piece of rebar or drill out the rivets and actually modify the guts. If I were to do this, would it cause any problems with the bike?
I do like the stock look of the bike, and $350 for a set of slip-ons seems to be a tad bit more responsible than $700 for v&h + a/c + tune.
Also, the bike has a catalytic converter built into the stock exhaust... I fired the bike with the top muffler removed and it was not dramatically louder than it was with the muffler installed. Granted, it was louder (and sounded more like a harley), but I am wondering how much that Cat is muffling the exhaust.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 72
From: Northwest Louisiana
I have Rush slip-ons on mine to maintain the stock look, but they definitely improved the sound (even with the cat in place).
And you don't really need a tune until you free up the intake side.
And you don't really need a tune until you free up the intake side.
The rule of thumb that many follow is just pipes is fine, just air cleaner is fine, but both is when you should tune.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 19
From: Savage, MN
I got good dyno numbers with my 2 into 2.
Sound like slip ons are what your after to the op.
Sound like slip ons are what your after to the op.
You can install just the pipes. If he is just after sound and not performance (which I'm sure he is since those pipes kill performance) you can just put pipes on and not tune.
The rule of thumb that many follow is just pipes is fine, just air cleaner is fine, but both is when you should tune.
The rule of thumb that many follow is just pipes is fine, just air cleaner is fine, but both is when you should tune.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
Thanks. This gives me back some of the confidence in what I've been taught over the past 5 years of cycleing.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Waco
Greetings! I've got 2 in 2 VH Big Radius pipes and a screaming eagle breather on my '12 WG. Sounds and runs great, but decel pops are a mfer. Was told I need a racing tuner to remove the pops. Good luck.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 16
From: Fort Myers, Fl.
You should start saving for a tuner of your choice, cause you're going to need it sooner or later. As for pipes, I'm kind of partial to the V&H big shots. They have a built in crossover to blend the exhaust from both cylinders, so they are similar to a 2 into 1 with the look of a 2 into 2. Seem to make decent power also. Congrats on the new scoot!
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