Starting to get pissed - THUNDERHEADER
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Earth
Starting to get pissed - THUNDERHEADER
So after the recommendations of a friend and 2 mechanics at different dealerships, I chose to buy a set of thunderhead pipes. After all, I liked the way the looked.
I'm just about to my limit with these pipes. The first issue I had was wedging the mounting bracket wide enough to slide over the pipe. Then when installing the pipes the instructions say to install the O2 sensors prior to installing the pipes but there is too much interference and won't go on. After getting the pipes mounted on the bike, I now can't install the aft O2 sensor or can't tighten the lower exhaust flange nut. I'm also having a problem getting the sensor socket over the sensor to apply the correct torque values.
I am open to suggestions, but I don't think I will ever recommend thunderheader to anyone looking at new exhaust. I really don't want to go through the trouble of returning the exhaust, but maybe I should have gone with Vance & Hines 2into1.
I'm just about to my limit with these pipes. The first issue I had was wedging the mounting bracket wide enough to slide over the pipe. Then when installing the pipes the instructions say to install the O2 sensors prior to installing the pipes but there is too much interference and won't go on. After getting the pipes mounted on the bike, I now can't install the aft O2 sensor or can't tighten the lower exhaust flange nut. I'm also having a problem getting the sensor socket over the sensor to apply the correct torque values.
I am open to suggestions, but I don't think I will ever recommend thunderheader to anyone looking at new exhaust. I really don't want to go through the trouble of returning the exhaust, but maybe I should have gone with Vance & Hines 2into1.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
Sorry to hear that you're having install problems. I don't have any experience with the TH, but I'm sure that some one here will chime in.
I run the Propipe and had very minor install problems. It took me about an hour to install.
I run the Propipe and had very minor install problems. It took me about an hour to install.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 302
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From: Orange County Ca
Ill have a somewhat new vance and hines 2:1 blackout for sale. Probably ditch it for 100$. It's bad *** and I love the performance and deep throaty sound. I just ride too hard and the exhaust holds me back due to dragging.
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From: Earth
If I can find the charger for my camera, I will post a picture, but I only foresee 2 solutions.
1. its a manufacturer defect and they send me a new set under the warranty
OR
2. Have someone cut and relocate and weld the oxygen sensor bung.
I'm in the Navy and know a couple turd chasers that may be able to do the welding. I'm going to contact the seller and manufacturer both.
1. its a manufacturer defect and they send me a new set under the warranty
OR
2. Have someone cut and relocate and weld the oxygen sensor bung.
I'm in the Navy and know a couple turd chasers that may be able to do the welding. I'm going to contact the seller and manufacturer both.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 233
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From: Honolulu Hawaii
You dragged the blackouts in a turn? Wow mine are really high off the ground.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 379
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From: Huntington Beach, California
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 186
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Question: Are your O2 sensors stock or after-market wide-band sensors that came with a auto-tune ECM?
Wide-band sensors are longer and may not fit with certain pipes, including Vance & Hines!
Wide-band sensors are longer and may not fit with certain pipes, including Vance & Hines!
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Earth
I hadn't thought of that. They are the original sensors from when I bought the bike, but I bought it in used in 2008 with the short shots already installed. But to my knowledge they are the original sensors.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 855
Likes: 2
From: Bonaire, Ga.
My D&D Bobcat pipe was a challenge to install as well...as rwwhisen has asked, I too had to invest/use a crows foot to install the sensor. Be patient...as you are not the first to install the thunderheader - it will fit....