Hey! I am a novice. Have had my '06 Fatboy for about 2 months. I can't take my loud exhaust anymore. No baffles and leaking slip-on point.

I have pretty much decided to install Vance and Hines, BP 2-into-1 pro pipe ($400.00 at J & P Cycles). I have watched the Fix-my-hog video on installing an exhaust and muffler. Doesn't look very hard. I think that I have to order and install replacement exhaust port gaskets and an 18 mm plug kit for an O2 sensor. So...my questions:

1. Has anyone else installed these on a fatboy? If so, how satisfied are you?

2. Can I use the flat exhaust port gasket or should I go with the cone gasket?

3. What is the deal with the O2 sensor? I understand that the motor has O2 sensors on the left side of the engine. But those are electrical components. Where to the O2 sensor plugs go? Do they somehow plug in to the exhaust or air intake?

4. Do I need to install a fuel injection control module? I don't know anything about those. I have watched the fix-my-hog video on installing a continuously variable tuner, but that looks like more than I want to tackle. Plus they cost $250 or more.

I appreciate any ideas you might have. What say ye? OneFour

 

I can't answer to the V&H exhaust since I've never used them. I have recently replaced the exhaust on my 06 fatboy with a Rinehart crossback model exhaust. The 02 sensor plugs are nothing but a hole on the inside of the exhaust for engines that have 02 sensors set up to run there. your fatboy should not have them so all you need is the plug that threads into that hole on the exhaust pipe itself to seal it. Most new exhaust should come with the plug already. As for gaskets, again a new exhaust designed to fit your bike should come with them, if not, just order the gaskets that fit your model. My new exhaust had them, but these look identical http://www.jpcycles.com/product/4400281
after looking on jpcycles, the gaskets should be with that exhaust but you will need the o2 sensor plug.

The only thing I needed to do when removing my old exhaust was to remove the retaining rings in order to reutilize the mounting ring that bolts to the exhaust ports on the engine. spent more time getting the chrome covers installed over the piping than I did doing the main part of the install.

you don't necessarily "need" a fuel injection control module but it would definitely be on my to do list soon if you don't have one. I use the Screaming Eagle Race tuner (there are tons of other options out there as well) and did it at the same time I added exhaust and a stage 1 air intake to tune it properly(I tuned on a dyno for mine). You can get away without it for now but you won't get the maximum performance of the exhaust upgrade without it and it may run a bit hotter which could lead to bluing the chrome if it's too much heat.

don't worry too much as it's an easy upgrade to do yourself and a great starter project if you're not used to doing your own maintenance.

One tip after install......if you are buying chrome.....make sure it's CLEAN before you start the bike. any fingerprints or whatever may get cooked in the first time you fire it up.

 

Your '06 does not have O2 sensors in the exhaust. Go with the stock gasket, not the Screamin Eagle. If your intake is a Stage 1 type open element, a tuner is a good idea to go with your exhaust. Most tuners are plug and play operations, such as ones offered by FuelMoto. However, if all you're doing to your ride is the intake and exhaust, a simple unit like the Dobeck DFO/TFI will work just fine for little $$$. I have no experience with the V&H Propipe, however, you can't really go wrong with one of their products.

 

OneFour,

I've owned and installed 5 different V&H exhaust systems. All were quality products and an exact fit. No modification were ever required. V&H does not include exhaust gaskets with their systems so you'll have to purchase them separately. The tapered cone shaped gaskets should work and are the better choice. Having said that, I once installed a set of Bassani's where the header pipe was a slightly thicker material forcing me to use the flat gaskets. You shouldn't have this problem with the V&H's. Exhaust gaskets are inexpensive and I suggest ordering 2 sets so you have spare for the future.

Header flanges are held in place with Snap Rings which become corroded and brittle from the heat. If you distort the shape of the ring during removal, you'll have a difficult time re-installing them. Consider ordering a new set of flanges and snap rings along with your pipes. Also inexpensive from J&P.

Your 06 Fatboy "Should Not" have O2 sensors. The V&H pipes for your model also should not have O2 ports on them but I recommend that you call J&P prior to dropping coin. J&P has a great Tech department and will verify this issue for you. If your pipes do in-fact has O2 ports, J&P has plugs for them.

As previously stated, clean the pipes completely after installation prior to firing up the bike. Finger prints can Burn-In onto the chrome. I use Brake Cleaner or even Windex.

 

Taken together, these replies pretty much address my concerns. Thanks everyone. One Four

 

your 2 into 1 is gonna be loud as hell.. and you stated you didnt like it loud...

 

All Propipes I've ever heard have been relatively quiet.