heres my .01 on it, in theory the X pipe helps scavenge more exhaust out of the opposite pipe due to the flow and design of it has to where a H pipe just gives is less flow but still a bit better then just straight pipes alone. In the seat of the pants world of HP your never gonna feel it esp in a stock bike. Its more about looks at that point. Now if your building a full on dragster bike then there other options for that scenario.

Batman

 

Modern X pipes work almost as well as proper 2-1 pipes. H type "balance tubes" are band-aids for true duals.

 

I have a h pipe on my bike and there is more flow equally out of my pipes, a friend has the x pipe and u can tell the difference on the left side. More flow out of the left pipe with the H pipe. Thats why you dont get as much torque gains using the H then with the X pipe.

 

I'd just get the one that looks coolest, especially on a street bike that's not going racing. I personally have the S&S, and while it's a noticeable improvement over stock, I couldn't tell you if it's better or worse than the X pipe. Good bang for the buck as header pipes go IMO.

 

This makes good sense and it's the reason I went with the V&H Power Duals. I would have gone with the Fuel Moto head pipes since I got the air cleaner and the Power Vision from them. But I was also going for looks and the FM head pipe uses the same heat shields as OEM so it looks OEM. No way did I want to spend the money for a head pipe and not have it stand out. (Hear that FM?). I know I left a little bit on the table with the Power Duals but the damn thing is a touring bike, not a drag bike. As is, it does a good job hauling me, my wife and enough gear for 10 days travel. Plus is looks cool and with the Big Louie's, it sounds awesome.

David

 

Don't take this personally, but I specifically bough the FM head pipe because I wanted the stock look - I don't have to show off how I spend my money. I hope FM hears this side too...

 

NP. It doesn't bother me a bit. We both have an opinion. I do object to "don't have to show off how I spend my money". For me, it isn't showing off, it's about making my bike my own. If you want your bike to look like every other bike, have fun. FWIW, I wouldn't have a black bike either.

Ride Safe

David

 

The Rinehart Slimline Duals that I recently installed on my '15 RG are an H pipe design. Doesn't look to be nearly as efficient a set up as the Fuel Moto 2-1-2 headpipe I had on my '12.

 

I'm running the fulsac DX head pipe on my 2013 street glide, it made pretty good gains on the butt dyno. It came ceramic coated to. Really helps with the heat . I'm happy with it.

 

I would put the Cobra power ports against the V&H power duals...but I'd put fulsac DX or CX against them both.
length, dia. steps and bends...
just a question out of ignorance here. but since the grunt cams that one guy is slinging on here delays the exhaust valve to create a lil extra torque. Is the exhaust really scavenging when there is no way for it to pull intake air in? I guess the last pulse is tapered like a turd that keeps an *** hole from slamming shut.