Softtail pipe interchangability how-to info?
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 294
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From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Softtail pipe interchangability how-to info?
Hey Riders...
I have been riding my 96 Sporty for 6 years and love it. But just bought a 2000 Heritage Softtail Classic with a sidecar. I have searched the forums for TECH STUFF and not finding what I need... Searches of the forums didnt help. This is sort-of a general question that maybe I'm not the only dummy about...
I am thinking of getting quieter (possibly even OEM) pipes for the Heritage, as my 12 year old is right next to the exhaust outlet when in the sidecar, and these pipes are LOUD, even with earplugs.
What has me confused is sellers on the auction sites always state "taken off of a SOFTTAIL.... shiny, almost new, etc, blah-blah-blah..." they never state what other bikes they may fit. For a slip-on change (just the muffler) how much is there to worry about for interchangeability? How is a guy to know for the 2000-2006 model year, 88B engine, what pipes will interchange?
For instance, will pipes taken off of a 2000 FATBOY fit on a 2000 FLSTC? If not the headers, what about the slip-ons only? I can get (usually new) OEM pipes for a song (less than 1/8 of new price), but I have no way of knowing if they will fit my particular bike. How hard can buying exhaust be? Is this a lost-cause? I really dont want to buy brand new exhaust from a dealer if I can get the same thing used or nearly new for almost nothing. I once (on a whim) went to a dealer to ask about original slip-ons for my sporster, and they said they werent available anymore... HUH? Wow.
And, are FISHTAIL exhausts any quieter than most other aftermarket pipes? Dont want to spend money on those unless they would be significantly quieter...
I know that any changes in pipes will require a carb re-adjustment. Thanks for any clarifications... maybe I'm not the only one wondering this. I apologize if folks think this is a TECH issue, but it seemed general to "SOFTTAIL" to me, based on my attempts to find a suitable solution.
I am grateful for the help.
I have been riding my 96 Sporty for 6 years and love it. But just bought a 2000 Heritage Softtail Classic with a sidecar. I have searched the forums for TECH STUFF and not finding what I need... Searches of the forums didnt help. This is sort-of a general question that maybe I'm not the only dummy about...
I am thinking of getting quieter (possibly even OEM) pipes for the Heritage, as my 12 year old is right next to the exhaust outlet when in the sidecar, and these pipes are LOUD, even with earplugs.
What has me confused is sellers on the auction sites always state "taken off of a SOFTTAIL.... shiny, almost new, etc, blah-blah-blah..." they never state what other bikes they may fit. For a slip-on change (just the muffler) how much is there to worry about for interchangeability? How is a guy to know for the 2000-2006 model year, 88B engine, what pipes will interchange?
For instance, will pipes taken off of a 2000 FATBOY fit on a 2000 FLSTC? If not the headers, what about the slip-ons only? I can get (usually new) OEM pipes for a song (less than 1/8 of new price), but I have no way of knowing if they will fit my particular bike. How hard can buying exhaust be? Is this a lost-cause? I really dont want to buy brand new exhaust from a dealer if I can get the same thing used or nearly new for almost nothing. I once (on a whim) went to a dealer to ask about original slip-ons for my sporster, and they said they werent available anymore... HUH? Wow.
And, are FISHTAIL exhausts any quieter than most other aftermarket pipes? Dont want to spend money on those unless they would be significantly quieter...
I know that any changes in pipes will require a carb re-adjustment. Thanks for any clarifications... maybe I'm not the only one wondering this. I apologize if folks think this is a TECH issue, but it seemed general to "SOFTTAIL" to me, based on my attempts to find a suitable solution.
I am grateful for the help.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 54
From: Mansfield, MA
The general rule if you look at manufacturers is 84-06 softail pipes are interchangeable.
fishtails are typically louder than other pipes. You can baffle them, but even then they can still be loud.
I'm putting a sidecar on my 02 Softail.. I had the same thinking as you so I bought different pieces and created my own old school looking exhaust.
This particular slip on Fan tail is very well baffled and is quiet enough..
fishtails are typically louder than other pipes. You can baffle them, but even then they can still be loud.
I'm putting a sidecar on my 02 Softail.. I had the same thinking as you so I bought different pieces and created my own old school looking exhaust.
This particular slip on Fan tail is very well baffled and is quiet enough..
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 54
From: Mansfield, MA
Some of the older Rocket tips that Harley or Kerker were baffled pretty good and weren't that loud.
I pieced a few different things together and made my own.
These slip on fan tails are very quiet.
Paughco 2 in 1 headpipe.
V-Twin old school fan tail
Flex pipe covers
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/440-138
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330636926879
I pieced a few different things together and made my own.
These slip on fan tails are very quiet.
Paughco 2 in 1 headpipe.
V-Twin old school fan tail
Flex pipe covers
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/440-138
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330636926879
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