Aside from the O2 sensor bungs, what has possibly changed between these years to have the '03 dropped from so many products? There aren't that many design changes between those years to effect the fit of exhaust, especially the shorter pipes. Has anyone compared the difference in how the two years mount? I'd like some V&H Big Radius on an '02 1200 but need to know who has bought pipes and found they fit on years not listed. Anyone?

 

For 2004, the Sporty was completely redesigned, down to and including the frame. There are very few compatible parts between 03 & 04 models.

 

The biggest thing regarding the pipes is that in 2004 the motor was rubber mounted, so the pipes are mounted only to the vibrating motor instead of the motor and frame.

 

On the V&H site...I do not see a V&H Big Radius that fits 2003 or earlier. It is listed for 2004 or later. I am sure you can mod to make it fit but it does not appear that it is available for earlier model. Could be wrong...just indicating what was listed by V&H.

 

Yes this is the case for every exhaust manufacturer there is. A friend of mine has a 2012 Custom 1200 and I've never noticed any great difference that sticks out. I haven't googled any pictures of each year but I plan on doing so. The jugs are the same so the exhaust ports aren't an issue. Perhaps the rear master cylinder is a problem? I do know that many parts interchange, even though Harley says they're no longer available.

 

Harley continues to make it's bikes look as if nothing has changed in decades, despite all the actual development and changes they have made. To the casual observer the '03 and '04 bikes may look alike and, just like the big twins when they went from solid to rubber, features like exhaust ports are unchanged. I'm sure with a little effort that a pre-rubber mount system could be made to fit a rubber mount and also the reverse, but they won't bolt on.