Why install custom pipes?
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From: BC
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From: Pennsylvania
Thanks for all the replies! Wasn't making a value judgment, didn't mean to put anyone on the defensive, although my post sounds like it I guess - my question was intended to be honest without being judgmental. There are lots of discussions here about replacing pipes, clearly lots of people like doing it and I was just wondering why, not in a "why in the world would ANYONE make such a goofy decision" but more of a "I'm new to this, help me understand why I might want to consider that." I appreciate the discussions about air intakes/tuners/exhaust systems, I don't think I'd thought about how those work together to impact the power output of the engine. And looks / sound are cool too.
Heh, I'm completely willing to pay a premium price for something I think is cool (I did pay a premium price for a Harley after all, could have spent way less for something else...). Thanks for explaining some of the benefits.
Heh, I'm completely willing to pay a premium price for something I think is cool (I did pay a premium price for a Harley after all, could have spent way less for something else...). Thanks for explaining some of the benefits.
Last edited by ewjax; May 16, 2012 at 06:30 PM.
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I guess the standard answer will have something to do with loudness. For me it wasn't necessarily louder noise, it was a matter of more character. I didn't object to the stock exhaust or its sound, I was just looking for more of the "Harley Sound" we all know and love. I wound up with Drag Specialties Pythons. I have a bit of a performance boost in the seat of the pants... and a hell of a lot more character now! 
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From: florida swamp
There are extremes to everything. Just because you change pipes doesn't mean they have to be ear splitting loud. It's more about less restriction. If you're happy with stock pipes, so be it.