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Temperature after Baffle Install

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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 03:06 PM
  #1  
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Default Temperature after Baffle Install

I wanted to see if what I am experiencing is normal or not.
I bought a used 2013 FatBoy with Vance & Hines 2 into 2 Exhaust. Rather a loud setup. Finally realized it did not have Baffles.
I ordered BCT QQ Baffles and installed them. It made enough difference that my wife is okay with it now as far as the sound. I like the way it deepened the sound.

The problem is when I drove it for short distances (stop and go and up to about 60) local for about 45 minutes I would get home and the pipes were hot but I did not
really notice the heat against my Jeans when I stopped. I am 5' 7" so when I stop my leg is close to the pipes.

From the first ride after installing them which was only about 20 minutes maximum, the heat from the pipes when I stop is almost unbearable. When I get home my
jeans stay hot for 10 minutes or more.
My question is, can installing baffles cause more heat coming from the pipes on short rides? I did not know if the amount of back pressure could be doing it.

I would appreciate any advice from someone that has had the same problem or is familiar with it. I do have the shields back on.
I also double checked to make sure I did not screw up and put the baffles in backwards.

Thanks for any advice,
 
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 12:29 AM
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When you purchased the bike did you receive a fuel management device or tuner with it? It seems that from looking at the bike (if it's the one in your signature pic) it has a free flowing air cleaner and those V&H pipes installed which may have it running in an extremely lean condition which is going to generate a ton of excess heat on the right side.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2016 | 09:41 AM
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It has the FP3 tuner. It was set at a map with the proper Exhaust and no baffles. Which was correct.
I changed it to standard baffles when I put in the BCT QQ's. I emailed V&H's and the tech responded and said to put in the Quiet baffles and the engine would adapt after a tank of gas. Problem! These exhaust don't have a Quiet baffle option.
Once V&H's opens this morning I am going to call them for advice and see what they recommend. Maybe on top of that start Auto Tuning and see if that helps it adapt.
Haven't had a Harley in over 30 years so all this is new to me on a bike.
I think you are right about it running lean. Thanks
 
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Old Nov 29, 2016 | 11:28 AM
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The tech at Vance & Hines told me to leave the tune I had in the way it was.
Big Radius 2 into 2 with standard baffles. He agreed it was running lean.
He said to turn on Auto Tune and go for three 30 minute rides at city driving, country, and Interstate.
Flash each one as I did them. It should be fine after that. Then after that if I wanted to re-run auto tune longer for the fun of learning it I could.
After just two of the 30 minute runs I sat and flashed the second run and turned the bike back on and sat there for about five minutes and I could feel heat but not hot like the day before, so it did work. Went ahead with the third one and flashed. After that I turned on auto tune and am going to play with that for a few days.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 08:15 AM
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Well done, seems like you're becoming expert!
 
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 10:52 AM
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Sir Graham, Thanks for the compliment but rather than expert it was more survival of my right calf.


However, not having ridden in over 30 years I found it fun when I pushed myself back to the faster take offs and higher speeds. The last few weeks I have been riding it like an "Old Man". No comments.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by ttyndall
Sir Graham, Thanks for the compliment but rather than expert it was more survival of my right calf.


However, not having ridden in over 30 years I found it fun when I pushed myself back to the faster take offs and higher speeds. The last few weeks I have been riding it like an "Old Man". No comments.
I'm sure your right calf is grateful to you for your new skills.....
 
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