Exhaust System Topics New and old exhaust system discussions. Fitment issues to sound bites and suggestions. Post them here.

Beginners Exhaust Question...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 12:01 AM
  #1  
abqjim's Avatar
abqjim
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From:
Default Beginners Exhaust Question...

OK, after all the serious in depth discussion about exhaust systems, performance mods and the like, this question comes from one who is clueless about the more basic issues of the STOCK Harley exhaust system. I am speaking about a stock 2005 Ultra Classic here guys, and I'm looking for straight answers.

Why does the rear cyclinder split and go to both mufflers and the front cylinder go only to the right side? Doesn't this make for some sort of imbalance in the entire exhaust system? Is this the reason so many of you change out the pipes and mufflers?

Serious answers only, please. I'm trying to get educated; not flamed.

 
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 09:01 AM
  #2  
tripl8's Avatar
tripl8
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 564
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood WA.
Default RE: Beginners Exhaust Question...

Harley wants to balance back pressure..but its not neccessarily correct...True duals are a much better way to do it...where that pipe forms a Y..itll crack on ya anyway.
 
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 02:31 PM
  #3  
vernh59's Avatar
vernh59
Supporter
20 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 11
From: Ozark, AL
Supporter
Default RE: Beginners Exhaust Question...


where that pipe forms a Y..itll crack on ya anyway.
Never heard of a crack at the crossover.

The crossover is intended to allow the pressure to escape the rear cylinder at the same rate as the front cylinder similar to an "H" pipe in dual exhaust on a cage. The MAIN reason for using the "True Dual" type of exhaust is the looks and the difference in sound you get when you have each cylinder firing into it's own exhaust. The downside is, IMHO, most "dual" exhaust systems have a flat spot in the tourqe curve right about where a bagger cruises. If you want performance the 2 into 1 pipes seem to have the advantage over 2 into 2 systems. Most exhaust changes are all about looks and sound. my .02 cents.[&:]
 
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 04:43 PM
  #4  
Gunkholes's Avatar
Gunkholes
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
Default RE: Beginners Exhaust Question...

Based on many posts from those that seem to know (and a few that don't), I tend to agree with the theory behind the crossover. I think a lot of research and engineering has gone into it. I believe that it would be less expensive for HD to go with true duals IF they provided better performance. A fellow rider, however, did have the experience of the crossover pipe cracking right at the "Y" on his RK Classic, so it is apparently not unheard of. I'm also considering the V&H true duals to go with my Ovals for the look and sound, accepting the potential fall-off in performance.

-vic
2006 RK Classic
 
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 04:59 PM
  #5  
wingt50dw's Avatar
wingt50dw
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa, AL
Default RE: Beginners Exhaust Question...

I have always been a tru dual and straight pipe man, However, after much contemplation and a lot of help from the forum, I went with a v&H 2-1 pro pipe. I can't afford the dyno and all of that, but I got a real good seat of the pants performance gain and an awesome sound. A 2-1 is not the most common exhaust you will see on a bagger, so it usually gets some good looks from other bikers.
 
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2006 | 07:21 PM
  #6  
vernh59's Avatar
vernh59
Supporter
20 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 11
From: Ozark, AL
Supporter
Default RE: Beginners Exhaust Question...

I have always been a tru dual and straight pipe man, However, after much contemplation and a lot of help from the forum, I went with a v&H 2-1 pro pipe. I can't afford the dyno and all of that, but I got a real good seat of the pants performance gain and an awesome sound. A 2-1 is not the most common exhaust you will see on a bagger, so it usually gets some good looks from other bikers.
I like the look of your bagger. That is a sweet ride. I'll bet it sounds good too.[8D]
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
White Glide
Exhaust System Topics
13
Jan 27, 2022 03:42 PM
balloo
Softail Models
4
Oct 8, 2018 09:19 AM
tee895
Touring Models
2
Dec 23, 2011 09:40 PM
rbig
Exhaust System Topics
2
Oct 22, 2006 08:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:09 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE