Fatboy with the Blues (pipes)
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 42
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From: St. Louis
Fatboy with the Blues (pipes)
I bought a new 2010 Fatboy about 2 months ago. In this part of the country, I didn't get much riding in before the weather (salt on the roads) made me put it away til spring. With only 250 miles on it, I have noticed my pipes have turned blue to dark purple almost the entire length of the header pipes. I asked the dealer mechanics if these header pipes had the catalytic converters and they said "no, that's just the touring models", so what's causing all the heat? I bought a set of Screamin' Eagle slip-ons and breather, but I hesitate to put them on as this might lean it out and worsen the condition. I would appreciate any and all serious suggestions.
My '02 Night Train was injected but it didn't give me this grief.
My '02 Night Train was injected but it didn't give me this grief.
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: St. Louis
The mufflers are fine and the heat shields over the headers are still good, but I don't think my "02 Night Train ran this warm in the summer. I also believe these header pipes are more discolored than the one on my 7 year old bike I sold last summer.
The newer bikes do run hooter than the older ones. I'd still say the dealer will say it's normal for it to look like that. As long as your slip on's are not discolored then adding others would not be an issue. There are things you can do to cool it down but that costs more money.
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: St. Louis
What things can be done. Excessive heat could end up costing a lot in the long run, so cost is really not the issue here. The real issue is solving the heat problem. What are you suggesting and what kind of costs are associated with these? I am all "ears".
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Rogers AR
One thing I would look into is the tuning...if its rich or lean that could cause the exhaust to be hot causing the pipe to turn color. When you get the pipes you want and air filter you will probably need a tuner for the fuel injection and guys in here know much more about that than I. I have the Harley race tuner on my 08 Fatboy. Then take it and have it dynoed and dialed in...I thought the sales guy that I bought mine from was BSing me but paid the money and had it done....it was like they put a new motor in it...starts better...and has better power...the fuel curve was lean so the tuning made a noticable diffrence....anyway just a thought
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: St. Louis
Thanks RobbAR !! I already have the pipes and air cleaner but I was afraid I might make it worse. I guess I'll put them on, pick up a tuner and set up a tuning session with the dealer for the dyno.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
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From: trivoli illinois
harleygoodies is right. the moco has been getting hotter/leaner every year to meet epa specs. especally since they went to the o2 sensor(s). can be made to run RIGHT, but you gotta throw some money at them. tuner for sure. i'm not up on all the little details. i'm still a carb guy. jump over to the engine/tuning section. the guys over there are really up on that ****. steve
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
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your pipes are gonna turn color! the exhaust is hot and thats it! that is the sole reason for the invention of heat shields-to hide it. look man Im not saying that the 96ers arent lean or hot but you spend all you want,put on spankin new pipes and look back there a few weeks later and guess what? purple and blue. Sometimes they say its normal cause it is.