I know this topic has probably been addressed a million times before. So bare with me. Anyway, I just got my first Harley the other day. 2006 Softail Standard. My wife surprised me with it as a gift. Got home on Monday night and there it was. Totally unexpected.

So I have been trying to figure out what should be my first mod and I have a feeling it is going to be pipes.

So here's the question.. What brand would you recommend. Vance & Hines, Samson or other? I'm thinking about the Vance & Hines Straightshot HS. But I haven't totally made up my mind. Also, what fuel management system to go along with it?

This question may be alittle general. But I have to start some where.

BTW this forum is great!

 

If you're looking at Vance & Hines and want the straightshot look, have you thought about the Stepped Drag Pipe? To be honest, I've never heard them, never actually seen them on a bike but 3 inch mufflers, man, they gotta sound good.

I have an '03 Fatboy with the VH BigShot Longs and I love them. Nice deep sound. I like the drag pipe look or I would have gone for those Stepped Drags.

By the way, take a look at directparts.com. They have some good prices on pipes.

Congrats on the new bike, you're gonna love it....until it drains your wallet dry........and then you'll love it anyway....

 

Hi Chopper...Congrats on your new bike! Thats an awfully nice wifey you have there too. Better hug her a little tighter tonight As for pipes, have you thought about what your looking for out of them. There are so many different pipes out there that are all good but each has different benefits and performance data. I have heard the V&H Straightshots and they sound awesome to me. Very nice deep rumble. Really the type of pipe you choose is based on what your looking for out of the pipe. I would recommend however, that you also install a high flow air cleaner and either rejet the carbs (if it has them) or reflash the fuel injection. Together, all of these things will really make a big difference and you will have paid the so called Harley tax. If your dealer does the mods for you, it will not void the warranty. Good luck with the bike, welcome to the forum and post some pics!

 

One word: Thunderheaders! The sound mean as hell and when combined with a high-flow air intake like a Forcewinder, you'll add at least 10-12 horsepower. That was my increase on my 95 FXST.

 

All I can tell you is my own experience. I also just got a Fat Boy, '05. Three days ago I took it in for exhaust changeover. I decided on the Screaming Eagle II's, Stage 1 kit, and dyna jet kit for the carb. I giggled out loud all the way home and ever since while riding that crazy bike. I thought to myself, "Now, I'm hidin' a Harley!" I like 'em good.
BA

 

Damn, you've got a great wife! Personally, I'd listen to a few different pipes before you buy. Is your wife going to ride two-up with you? If so, you don't want a pipe that's too loud or she'll go deaf! You don't want to do that to such a great woman! See if the dealer has any used or new bikes with different setups. I have Vance and Hines Bigshots and love the sound, but after a few hours in the saddle my ears are ringing if I don't have a helmet on. I've heard the Screamin' Eagles and they sound nice and throaty without being too loud. Good luck and congrats!

Kurt

 

Howdy, congrats on the new Softail. I've only listen to two pipes V&H and SE2's. The bike that had the V&H I think were louder than the SE2's. When I got my Springer, I went with the SE2's and I like how they sound. They are just loud enough, in my book, to be heard without making the neighbors mad. I've heard louder and I've heard quieter, but I am happy with these. Good luck

 

Im happy with my 2 into 1 Hackerpipes. Dang, wana trade wifes. I'll give you a 48 ford panel for her.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Listen to this crap.

I just called my local HD dealer to order the screamin eagle 16 gage pipes for my new bike. They proceed to tell me that these pipes will not work on my bike because HD is now using an O2 sensor in the exhaust and that HD has not developed the screamin eagle pipes to recieve the O2 sensor. In addition, they told me that I would run ito the same problem with Vance and Hines and almost every other aftermarket exhaust. He also told me that if I bypass the O2 sensor it will void my warranty. ????? The best I could do would be to buy slip ons.

Oh ya, he tells me that it would probably be sometime mid next year before they have anything with the 02 sensor.

Is this guy on crack or what?

So, I go outside to take a gander at my scooter to see exactly where this O2 sensor is and to be honest, I do not think there is on on my bike.

So here's my question does this guy know what he is talking about?

If he is right, what is everyone else who has 2006 softail doing with the aftermarket exhausts?


Any help would be appreciated. I am very discombobulated.

 

What a great wife you have. Your dealer is correct if you have an '06. Thay have added an O2 sensor. The good news is that with the sensor the bike will remap itself when doing upgrades. The bad news is that for a while your choices will be somewhat limited.
As a Deluxe owner I can sympathize with the fact that HD does not offer much in the way of exhaust choices.

Mark