So a couple of months ago I bought a set of Python fishtail exhaust from forum member Padge1984 (shoutout!).

I have a 2011 Softail Deluxe but the exhaust's fitment is for 2012 and up. (The o2 sensor bungs are two different sizes; 18mm for pre 2012 and 12mm for 2012 up.) No one jumped on his post so when the price dropped down to a certain point I felt like I couldn't let the deal get away, even if I had to do some modification. There are adaptor options on the market to go from 12mm to 18mm but nothing really for the other way around, so I had the idea of cutting the 18mm bung off my stock headers and having them welded onto the new headers. So that is exactly what I did.

After I bought the exhaust and examined the headers I found out that the placement of the bungs were also different on the newer headers. I guess Harley had to place the sensor further away from the cylinder due to the smaller o2 sensor (made to read differently). Anyhow, I just made the proper measurements, made my holes, had the bungs welded into place, and purchased plugs for the 12mm holes.

I have now had the exhaust on for about 2 months and have no exhaust leaks and am completely happy with how it all turned out. I love the pipes. They are made well and sound really good. I am also running them without the baffles.

If you have any questions just let me know. My next project is stretched hard bags. Stay tuned!

 

Nice job, I love the way the pipes look on your ride. I am looking to purchase longer true duals because I am also looking to install stretched bags on my 2010 Heritage. You did good...

 

Looks great!

 

Thank you gentlemen! I had fun with it. I think the length of the fishtail is gonna be perfect for the stretched bags. It should poke out just passed it, which is what I'm after.

 

alterations on the pipes.Good welding.Bike looks good.

 

Props to you for having the ambition to modify something that may or may not fit. I think a lot of guys miss out on either saving money or getting a certain appearance or performance because they don't have the talent or tools...or courage to cut into something they don't know for sure will work out or not.
Making something work that isn't supposed to work is a very satisfying thing, is it not?

 

You are absolutely correct, Mike. It is very satisfying. I'm happy I had the courage. The only thing that would have made it even better is if I would have done the welding as well. I don't know how to weld yet but will begin my welding class in August. Looking forward to it.

 

I have a 2013 Slim, I was thinking of doing something similar. (move and/ or weld in 12mm exhaust bungs).

I have heard there is ALSO a difference in the late model (2012 and up) where the head pipe meets the cylinder head. (This would be easy to verify by a photo comparing the lip of each pipe, I have NOT verified this rumor).

Does anyone know if there is a problem fitting an pre 2012 pipe on a late model head?

'Gzus, did you need a new exhaust gasket or have any fitment problem at the cylinder head?
Have you checked here for leaks? I assume it would cause "popping" if air was getting in on deceleration for eg.

Your bike looks awesome!

Thanks, Steve

 

Nice work. It's always better when you do it.

 

Well, from the research I did before installing the exhaust it is always recommended changing the exhaust gaskets when removing the headers from the heads.

I can tell you that the shape of the lip of the stock header and the python header were definitely different. The stock header lip tapered in where as the python header lip had no taper at all.

The exhaust gasket that I removed was the cone shaped style. I purchased new gaskets from a local indy and explained the difference in lip styles and I was told that the cone shaped gasket should work fine and is used on all new models. The other option was a flat style gasket that I was told is an older style.

Based on the non-tapered lip of the new header I thought the flat gasket would be a better choice but went with the tapered gasket based on the indy's suggestion. When I tried installing the gasket into the head port I ended up crushing/breaking the gasket trying to force it to fit. I decided to go back to the indy and buy the flat gasket and had zero issues from there.

I don't hear or feel any type of exhaust leak coming from the cylinder head; however, I do have a decel pop at the end of the exhaust, which, from what I read in the past, is completely normal for a long dual pipe without baffles. It sounds pretty cool anyhow and I find myself decelerating to a certain rpm just to hear that popping sound. Hopefully I'm not tearing anything up.

I hope some of this info helps you out.

And thank you for the props!