General exhaust question
Moderator
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 107,687
Likes: 20,116
From: Ft. Worth, TX
I have a 2009 RK so no cat but I originally had Vance & Hines Ear-Bleeding-Super-Megaphone-Wake-the-Dead-Slip-Ons that I replaced with Kerker Stouts. Not too loud, not too quiet when you romp on it. Deep, throaty noise when cruising.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
That cracks me up! I am a hi tech guy, work with big computer systems. I am not very good I would think when it comes to this sort of stuff. I am certain most all of you could do this in a day. I think if I tried I would be trailering my RK to a shop for them to fix what I broke
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 682
Likes: 197
From: Raleigh, NC
Don't let your bike intimidate you.
Every complex problem can be broken down into smaller, more manageable problems. Just be willing to spend some time researching before you cut, and have plenty of beer handy for when you call a buddy over to help you un-bork those problems.
GM
Every complex problem can be broken down into smaller, more manageable problems. Just be willing to spend some time researching before you cut, and have plenty of beer handy for when you call a buddy over to help you un-bork those problems.
GM
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
You are all very kind. I have learned that research, research and then more research is very helpful. My neighbor is a DIY guy and has a 2012 RK as well. He has always offered to help out if needed. Maybe some beer and food will do the trick!
is on the Bike stock or modified. Then you will know what or where to start.
You will learn a ton of information on this Forum, most will be good. I would
first get rid of the Catalytic Converter. JMO
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Now your on the right track, have your Neighbor tell you what exhaust system
is on the Bike stock or modified. Then you will know what or where to start.
You will learn a ton of information on this Forum, most will be good. I would
first get rid of the Catalytic Converter. JMO
is on the Bike stock or modified. Then you will know what or where to start.
You will learn a ton of information on this Forum, most will be good. I would
first get rid of the Catalytic Converter. JMO
Agreed - I want to get rid of the cat. Based on my research thus far I know that I will likely need something whether from V&H's or xieds or someone to alter the fuel air mixture. At least that is what I gather from posts I have read and their websites.
Thanks again
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Ok everyone, need some help understanding which type of exhaust (header) that might be best
I take it there are 3 types
Power duals
Dresser duals
2 into 1
My Harley parts guy says the 2 into 1 is great and offers more performance then the other 2.
What are your suggestions?
I take it there are 3 types
Power duals
Dresser duals
2 into 1
My Harley parts guy says the 2 into 1 is great and offers more performance then the other 2.
What are your suggestions?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Every vehicle on the planet with two or more cylinders comes stock with an exhaust system that combines all the cylinders, in some way or other. That is simply because the system can be tuned so that each cylinder benefits from pressure pulses created by the others. Any set-up with separate pipes like true duals will give less performance than any other.
Power duals are essentially a 2-into-1 but with two tail pipes, so a well designed system with twin mufflers should work as well as a 2-into-1 IMHO. In fact it is an imaginative solution to the 'balanced' brigade who don't like a single muffler. Funny that, because that is how Harley V-twins started out!
I'm happy with my 2-into-1, which gives me almost identical numbers to a previous set of true duals, but around 15% more low/mid range torque, where I do most of my riding. I reckon a decent power dual set-up should be similar.
Power duals are essentially a 2-into-1 but with two tail pipes, so a well designed system with twin mufflers should work as well as a 2-into-1 IMHO. In fact it is an imaginative solution to the 'balanced' brigade who don't like a single muffler. Funny that, because that is how Harley V-twins started out!
I'm happy with my 2-into-1, which gives me almost identical numbers to a previous set of true duals, but around 15% more low/mid range torque, where I do most of my riding. I reckon a decent power dual set-up should be similar.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
So I am quickly learning about exhaust and systems - thanks everyone.
Please forgive my questions, but now that I understand more it seems there might very well be infinite combinations and I am a bit confused.
Thanks!
- So am I correct in my knowledge that the catalytic converter is in the pipe itself and not in the header pipes? (sorry - that may be real basic!)
- Also, if this is the case someone mentioned that I could cut that out and still use the pipes that are there. If I do this do I need to add baffles or something or can it be left free flow?
Please forgive my questions, but now that I understand more it seems there might very well be infinite combinations and I am a bit confused.
Thanks!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
1.) in the header pipe 2010 and up ( and also CA 2009 models- I mention this because some AZ dealers stock CA models
the header pipe is considered to be everything before the muffler- so that would include a collector if applicable.
2.) hacking at mufflers is 98% wasted effort on the way to buying a designed system.
exhaust systems are designed to control velocity, temperature and volume of gasses.
random efforts get random results.
you are dealing with physics
some of us have had problems specifically with the V&H power duals contacting the ground and relieving traction under certain conditions- rt turns, dip in the turn which compresses suspension- this is more likely on a lowered bike.
I almost crashed once, that ain't gonna happen again
Mike
the header pipe is considered to be everything before the muffler- so that would include a collector if applicable.
2.) hacking at mufflers is 98% wasted effort on the way to buying a designed system.
exhaust systems are designed to control velocity, temperature and volume of gasses.
random efforts get random results.
you are dealing with physics
some of us have had problems specifically with the V&H power duals contacting the ground and relieving traction under certain conditions- rt turns, dip in the turn which compresses suspension- this is more likely on a lowered bike.
I almost crashed once, that ain't gonna happen again
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Feb 13, 2015 at 10:09 AM.