Slip-ons vs complete system?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 340
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From: New Jersey
Slip-ons vs complete system?
I just completed my stage 1 upgrade on my 1200C. 3" Cobra slip-ons, Screaming Eagle air filter and XiEDs from DK Customs. I like it so far.
In doing my research I noticed folks recommending going with a full exhaust system vs slip ons. To be honest, I didn't consider going with a full exhaust system as I did this in stages and started with the slip-ons for improved sound.
Would I have gained anything going with a full system? I understand that the big twins have catalytic converters in the pipes, but the sporty does not appear to have catalytic converters at all, so not sure what is gained. Unless, of course, aftermarket pipes have a larger diameter.
Just looking to educate myself. Thanks.
In doing my research I noticed folks recommending going with a full exhaust system vs slip ons. To be honest, I didn't consider going with a full exhaust system as I did this in stages and started with the slip-ons for improved sound.
Would I have gained anything going with a full system? I understand that the big twins have catalytic converters in the pipes, but the sporty does not appear to have catalytic converters at all, so not sure what is gained. Unless, of course, aftermarket pipes have a larger diameter.
Just looking to educate myself. Thanks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Short of going with an expensive tuned 2 into 1 pipe I doubt that it would make much difference unless your drag racing it and one or two tenths in the quarter mile make the difference between winning or loosing.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 340
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From: New Jersey
I know I have read that, and I think mine should have a CAT (its a 2011) but I don't think it does. (Actually, it appears that it is in the header, not the muffler.) My understanding is that big twins have the CAT in the header pipes and Sportys are supposed to have them in the muffler. IF that is true, there wouldn't appear to be an advantage to a full exhaust system on a sporty.
I purchased my 2011 1200C used from the dealer. It had stock mufflers on it. I replaced the stock mufflers with Cobra slip-ons. I then replaced the Cobras with Screaming Eagle Street performance slip-ons (50-state legal.) I recently switched back to the Cobras when I did the stage 1 upgrade.
If the CATS are in the muffler, wouldn't the muffler be marked? Neither the stock mufflers nor the Screaming Eagle slip-ons have any markings to indicate they contain a catalytic converter.
I purchased my 2011 1200C used from the dealer. It had stock mufflers on it. I replaced the stock mufflers with Cobra slip-ons. I then replaced the Cobras with Screaming Eagle Street performance slip-ons (50-state legal.) I recently switched back to the Cobras when I did the stage 1 upgrade.
If the CATS are in the muffler, wouldn't the muffler be marked? Neither the stock mufflers nor the Screaming Eagle slip-ons have any markings to indicate they contain a catalytic converter.
Last edited by JerseyDoug; May 28, 2015 at 02:44 PM. Reason: added parenthetical statement re cat in header.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: New Jersey
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
Man, I don't know which is best, but I can tell you this: my Sportster has Samson rip saws on it and they are basically straight pipes and loud as hell. Its an 883 and it don't run that bad, but I wonder what it would have ran like with stock exhaust because my Dyna has stock exhaust on it and it runs pretty good. The Super Glide basically purrs on the highway at 70 and I can talk to my Old lady on the back. I think it is too quiet though, and will probably put slip ons on it. But in my case, I have two bikes, the Sportster was my first and has its fair share of chorme and loud pipes, stage 1 etc. I am basically using my Super Glide for two up trips and touring, so my upgrades to it right now are more for function than performance. Its a tough call, sometimes I think my 883 would run better with the stock exhaust because of back pressure, right now there has to be little to no back pressure because of the Samsons. And, like I sated previously the Super Glide runs really well with the stock setup.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Orlando, FL
Unless you want a specific look that is only provided by an exhaust system that requires to change the header pipes... nope, I would just get the slip-ons of your choice and be happy...
For Sportsters, I believe that the Catalytic Converters are on the mufflers for the 2015 models...not in the headers. I know for a fact that the Touring bikes have it on the head pipes (I removed them when I had the '11 RGC, '12 RGC CVO, now on my '14 RK CVO, and a friend's '15 RGC...)
For Sportsters, I believe that the Catalytic Converters are on the mufflers for the 2015 models...not in the headers. I know for a fact that the Touring bikes have it on the head pipes (I removed them when I had the '11 RGC, '12 RGC CVO, now on my '14 RK CVO, and a friend's '15 RGC...)
Last edited by wachuko; May 28, 2015 at 03:18 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Texas, USA
Depends on the year. The '14 and later XLs have the cat in the muffler. Header is wide open all the way through.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Southern Oregon
I know I have read that, and I think mine should have a CAT (its a 2011) but I don't think it does. (Actually, it appears that it is in the header, not the muffler.) My understanding is that big twins have the CAT in the header pipes and Sportys are supposed to have them in the muffler. IF that is true, there wouldn't appear to be an advantage to a full exhaust system on a sporty.
I purchased my 2011 1200C used from the dealer. It had stock mufflers on it. I replaced the stock mufflers with Cobra slip-ons. I then replaced the Cobras with Screaming Eagle Street performance slip-ons (50-state legal.) I recently switched back to the Cobras when I did the stage 1 upgrade.
If the CATS are in the muffler, wouldn't the muffler be marked? Neither the stock mufflers nor the Screaming Eagle slip-ons have any markings to indicate they contain a catalytic converter.
I purchased my 2011 1200C used from the dealer. It had stock mufflers on it. I replaced the stock mufflers with Cobra slip-ons. I then replaced the Cobras with Screaming Eagle Street performance slip-ons (50-state legal.) I recently switched back to the Cobras when I did the stage 1 upgrade.
If the CATS are in the muffler, wouldn't the muffler be marked? Neither the stock mufflers nor the Screaming Eagle slip-ons have any markings to indicate they contain a catalytic converter.