New S&S headers and mufflers - what a rip off
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 317
Likes: 502
From: South Texas
New S&S headers and mufflers - what a rip off
So, when I purchased my 2017 RG, I was told about all of the EPA regulations that the MoCo had to abide by regarding exhaust systems and that installing one of the systems that was not EPA compliant would make the factory warranty null and void. I was also told that S&S was developing headers that would be EPA compliant and I should go with S&S slip ons that could be added to the headers once they were released to the public.
Imagine my surprise when I recently saw that S&S had indeed released the new headers for the M8 that are EPA compliant. I asked at the dealership if they could order a set of headers for me, but I was told that the old slip ons did not fit the new headers (the old slip ons are too big to fit the smaller header pipe).
I called S&S to find out if they were planning on releasing headers or a kit that would enable the slip ons to fit the pipes. Basically, I was told they could not do that since the catalytic converter was moved to the muffler and the only way to purchase the headers was to get the whole system, which costs about $1330 for chrome and $1400 in black. Bottom line is, my slip ons are not useful for the new system and I feel like the money was wasted.
I ended up telling the S&S rep that I would wait until Vance & Hines or other manufacturer comes out with a EPA compliant system and spend my money there. I feel like S&S let down customers who had purchased their slip ons, waiting for the compliant headers to be released.
There.......I feel better now.
Imagine my surprise when I recently saw that S&S had indeed released the new headers for the M8 that are EPA compliant. I asked at the dealership if they could order a set of headers for me, but I was told that the old slip ons did not fit the new headers (the old slip ons are too big to fit the smaller header pipe).
I called S&S to find out if they were planning on releasing headers or a kit that would enable the slip ons to fit the pipes. Basically, I was told they could not do that since the catalytic converter was moved to the muffler and the only way to purchase the headers was to get the whole system, which costs about $1330 for chrome and $1400 in black. Bottom line is, my slip ons are not useful for the new system and I feel like the money was wasted.
I ended up telling the S&S rep that I would wait until Vance & Hines or other manufacturer comes out with a EPA compliant system and spend my money there. I feel like S&S let down customers who had purchased their slip ons, waiting for the compliant headers to be released.
There.......I feel better now.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6,697
Likes: 774
From: Stuart, Fl
Its best to wait dont think others are getting the sound there looking for with this new motor its just a different beast if warranty is important to you i would wait. Plus that’s a lot money for something your not happy with.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
Likes: 7,961
From: In my head
So, when I purchased my 2017 RG, I was told about all of the EPA regulations that the MoCo had to abide by regarding exhaust systems and that installing one of the systems that was not EPA compliant would make the factory warranty null and void. I was also told that S&S was developing headers that would be EPA compliant and I should go with S&S slip ons that could be added to the headers once they were released to the public.
Imagine my surprise when I recently saw that S&S had indeed released the new headers for the M8 that are EPA compliant. I asked at the dealership if they could order a set of headers for me, but I was told that the old slip ons did not fit the new headers (the old slip ons are too big to fit the smaller header pipe).
I called S&S to find out if they were planning on releasing headers or a kit that would enable the slip ons to fit the pipes. Basically, I was told they could not do that since the catalytic converter was moved to the muffler and the only way to purchase the headers was to get the whole system, which costs about $1330 for chrome and $1400 in black. Bottom line is, my slip ons are not useful for the new system and I feel like the money was wasted.
I ended up telling the S&S rep that I would wait until Vance & Hines or other manufacturer comes out with a EPA compliant system and spend my money there. I feel like S&S let down customers who had purchased their slip ons, waiting for the compliant headers to be released.
There.......I feel better now.
Imagine my surprise when I recently saw that S&S had indeed released the new headers for the M8 that are EPA compliant. I asked at the dealership if they could order a set of headers for me, but I was told that the old slip ons did not fit the new headers (the old slip ons are too big to fit the smaller header pipe).
I called S&S to find out if they were planning on releasing headers or a kit that would enable the slip ons to fit the pipes. Basically, I was told they could not do that since the catalytic converter was moved to the muffler and the only way to purchase the headers was to get the whole system, which costs about $1330 for chrome and $1400 in black. Bottom line is, my slip ons are not useful for the new system and I feel like the money was wasted.
I ended up telling the S&S rep that I would wait until Vance & Hines or other manufacturer comes out with a EPA compliant system and spend my money there. I feel like S&S let down customers who had purchased their slip ons, waiting for the compliant headers to be released.
There.......I feel better now.
If it eases the pain, Rinehart Slimline headers fit the stock slip-ons which mate to a stock header. So your S&S slip-ons would work with a Rinehart header (catless).
Last edited by Oldskewl; Oct 25, 2017 at 09:26 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
So, when I purchased my 2017 RG, I was told about all of the EPA regulations that the MoCo had to abide by regarding exhaust systems and that installing one of the systems that was not EPA compliant would make the factory warranty null and void. I was also told that S&S was developing headers that would be EPA compliant and I should go with S&S slip ons that could be added to the headers once they were released to the public.
Imagine my surprise when I recently saw that S&S had indeed released the new headers for the M8 that are EPA compliant. I asked at the dealership if they could order a set of headers for me, but I was told that the old slip ons did not fit the new headers (the old slip ons are too big to fit the smaller header pipe).
I called S&S to find out if they were planning on releasing headers or a kit that would enable the slip ons to fit the pipes. Basically, I was told they could not do that since the catalytic converter was moved to the muffler and the only way to purchase the headers was to get the whole system, which costs about $1330 for chrome and $1400 in black. Bottom line is, my slip ons are not useful for the new system and I feel like the money was wasted.
I ended up telling the S&S rep that I would wait until Vance & Hines or other manufacturer comes out with a EPA compliant system and spend my money there. I feel like S&S let down customers who had purchased their slip ons, waiting for the compliant headers to be released.
There.......I feel better now.
Imagine my surprise when I recently saw that S&S had indeed released the new headers for the M8 that are EPA compliant. I asked at the dealership if they could order a set of headers for me, but I was told that the old slip ons did not fit the new headers (the old slip ons are too big to fit the smaller header pipe).
I called S&S to find out if they were planning on releasing headers or a kit that would enable the slip ons to fit the pipes. Basically, I was told they could not do that since the catalytic converter was moved to the muffler and the only way to purchase the headers was to get the whole system, which costs about $1330 for chrome and $1400 in black. Bottom line is, my slip ons are not useful for the new system and I feel like the money was wasted.
I ended up telling the S&S rep that I would wait until Vance & Hines or other manufacturer comes out with a EPA compliant system and spend my money there. I feel like S&S let down customers who had purchased their slip ons, waiting for the compliant headers to be released.
There.......I feel better now.
They for a fact know that any EPA compliant headers could possibly mean the cat is moved to the slip ons. They do this with the SE exhaust system with the two options they offer. Just plain slip ons with the stock head pipe that contains the cat, or a different head pipe and different slip ons that contain the cat within the slip ons.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
Likes: 7,961
From: In my head
If you're expecting some huge improvement with an S&S header in sound then you'll be even more pissed after you spend the coin to find out it's not much different than what you have now. Plenty of exhaust threads on here will tell you that the new heads keep the exhaust note to a minimum despite having a header.
If you're looking for the roar, a cam and full exhaust will make it happen. Other than than, rip out the baffles and richen up the bike. Best advice I can give ya.
If you're looking for the roar, a cam and full exhaust will make it happen. Other than than, rip out the baffles and richen up the bike. Best advice I can give ya.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,589
Likes: 98
From: Port Orange, Fl
SE makes the same type open header with the cats in the mufflers. It's an idea for those wanting to keep it epa real but....well ya know.
I don't think you're going to see any epa catted exhaust much cheaper than the $1200 or so it costs now. That little Cat is pricey.
I don't think you're going to see any epa catted exhaust much cheaper than the $1200 or so it costs now. That little Cat is pricey.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
I never heard a full SE system when I bought my bike. I did hear just the SE slip ons, so I cant say how the full system sounds.