One of the ongoing problems I have with my bike is the left-hand exhaust pipe. My system is a pair of Samson true dual headers, plus slipon S&S oval mufflers.

Why is it a problem? Because there is no support for that pipe, as there was for the stock system, and it is dependent on the head at one end and the muffler support at the other, to hold in place. It likes to take a rest every now and then on the top of the primary (there is hardly any clearance), which causes vibration. Although I retighten the exhaust nuts at the head end to hold it up, it soon gets tired and takes another rest!

Anyone had this problem and found a fix? The stock bracket goes nowhere near the danged thing and I no longer have it anyway.

 

If the head nuts keep coming loose, maybe replace them? My left side is the same way, with nothing but the head bolts and slip-on holding it on. No problems with it coming loose though.

 

Graham, I'm sure some sort of OEM bracket and clamp mount would work, but I know parts are inconvienant to get there and you don't have the originals anymore so you might try a "P" bracket bolted to the botton of the passenger floorboard bracket (or would that be the pillion floorboard?) Sorry, my English ain't too good That would get you some help, though a bit rearward of the original brace. They're cheap and would be easy to fit just to try... here's a pic of one and they do make them longer.

 

Graham - I run V&H Dresser Duals, probably very similar to your headers, and I was able to swing up my left-hand stock exhaust pipe bracket (the one that mounts to the front starter bolt, to support the rear cylinder header. That's probably a stock part. The 1991 and 1995 tranny housings may be different in that respect, though. I looked through my parts manual, but that little bracket doesn't appear anywhere. Weird...

Would some blue (or maybe even red) Loctite be a solution on an exhaust bolt?

 

Samson has sold many thousands of this system and the top tranny bracket should not be used. it is too close to the head and will cause breakage in time. i think your solution would be to use serrated exhaust flange nuts. they stay tight and will help keep your exhaust tight at the head. they are not easy to find but if you give us a call we will send you out a set for free. 888-5-SAMSON>
thank you,
JR

 

Class!

 

Chaps,

Thanks for your input. The nuts don't come loose, I reckon the exhaust gaskets give a little. I reckon the pipe and primary meet up every now and then due to engine shake, bearing mind there is very little clearance, and remember how great it was last time, so make music!

t150vej, bearing in mind we recently travelled through France, Belgium, Germany, Czech and Slovak Republics and Poland, your English is just fine! That P-bracket fires the imagination! I could probably do something with one of them. I'll have a look in the local car parts store for ideas.

Ken, that bracket is in my parts book, # 65645-89, fits on both starter bolts on my model. Never looked for it before. Hmmmm! One of them and a P-bracket....

 

To heck with your exhaust, I don't care - I just wanted to know if y'all call that a pillion foot rest or passenger floorboard...



PS, that photo was of a Sportster mount (year/mounting position unknown) but aftermarket offers the same in a number of different lengths and sizes

 

That's what I call GREAT customer service, guys!

 

Graham - are you using the much-better solid copper exhaust gaskets that don't crush? I am, and I love them. Those might fix your problem. They cost all of $10...