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I installed RC Components Power Max pipes a couple thousand miles ago and have yet to scrape them. They have the true dual look but still have a baffled crossover chamber as well.
Ride it like you stole it! But....the V&H header scraping issue is known and well documented. Just know the limits I guess. Strictly theorizing here, but wonder if a touring shock raised a little would alleviate this? Like an Ohlins 13in vs a 12in...again, just thinking out loud.
Ride it like you stole it! Yep! Exactly my thoughts!
I rode the weekend with a group of BMW K1600 forum guys out of Iron Horse MC Lodge in Western NC. We divided in to different groups each day. I rode with the "spirited ride" group. About 15 bikes. At our first stop at lunch the first day, they were all coming up to me saying "Have you had some work done to that Harley? I've never seen one run like that, we've never had a Harley guy be able to keep our pace." On the tighter, bumpier roads, I could NOT keep pace, and it was because of the limits of my bike. And I realize that no matter what, the Limited is NEVER going to keep pace on all roads with that BMW, but I could get more out of it too with more lean angle.
Dragging the floorboards is expected. They give too. They're a good warning sign you're nearing max lean angle. The headers don't give so much.
Sorry to hear about the scraping header.
I have the V/H Power Duals on my '11 'King, and I have never had a scrape with them. In fact, the bottom supports of the foot boards scrape with an extreme lean, but nothing near the Header.
I have heard others in the forum talk about the header scrapes on the PD's, mostly Street Glides and lowered bikes, but sometimes others have it too. There must be something unique going on for this to keep happening, I just don't know. As I said, I can see the scrapes below my footboards, but the header stays unscratched.
Perhaps a rear shock change, rear height, or something could help with this, who knows.
Good luck!
CoachJR, I'll second the fuel moto headers (2-1-2) they will not scrape. Ran them on my '11 RGU and same exhaust on my '15 RGU CVO. Running boards on '11 scrape along with brackets that the running boards mount to. CVO has different brackets and studs to scrape before boards. Brackets on my CVO have not scraped yet! RGU's have inch taller shocks as someone mentioned. I promise, you do not ride anymore aggressive than I in the NC, TN and north GA mountains. Three things that will increase your "lean ability" Taller shocks, fuel moto 2-1-2 headers and CVO floor board brackets! But, remember you still will be riding a HD touring bike.
Oops, just noticed your ride is an Ultra Limited and not a street Glide.
Thanks! I'd heard about the V&H, but didn't think it would be THAT big an issue.
I have been posting about these since 2011 when I hit and the rear wheel slid out on me...the turn at the bottom of my street, hundreds of times, dozens of bikes.
Only once did I contact- V&H PD's on a 2011 FLHTK lowered 1" front and rear, there is a dip in the turn which will compress the suspension.
I suggest you remove the cover on the X pipe
at least whoever installed your crossover put the clamp on teh right way...one of my pal's his header clamp was installed with the unused threaded rod stocking forwards...it grabbed a speed bump and about pulled the exhaust off the bike- broke the oil pan at the bolt
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Apr 19, 2016 at 12:16 PM.
So I "built" my 16 Limited. You can see the details in my sig. It runs great. The HD shop told me I'd get the BEST HP/TQ out of a 2 in to 1. I don't like that look, and wasn't worth the added 3HP/TQ or whatever. I went with 2-1-2 V&H Power Duals. I like the look ok, but the header look, or that V&H heat shield isn't that big a deal. The real issue is they severely reduce lean angle on the right side. I don't mind them scratched up from cornering, but the difference from the right side to the left is noticeable. Moreover, when you get down on a floorboard, it gives...the header doesn't give so much. On roads that are not as smooth it hits hard at times. I'm afraid it's eventually going to leverage the back tire enough to induce a low side fall. Suggestions on another 2.1.2 brand of header that won't hang so low? Is there one?
I just finished a long weekend in the Western NC, E. Tenn. and N. Georgia mountains. 1400 miles plus. The bike came home with 2700 plus miles on it. The header heat shield already looks like what you see below. I guess I'll be replacing the heat shield soon unless I find an alternative header system.
My Dresser Duals have scrap marks too. Be prepared for sticker shock just for heat shields from V&H. Might as well buy new pipes.
Or if you want to spend less on a head pipe find a used one off of an 09 with out a cat sits up higher and doesn't catch like the v&h head pipe reason I didn't buy one when I did my sg. Build. Dino numbers were still great with the stock head pipe does the same purpose s any other head pipe will do flow.
I appreciate all the input here, and I know what I'd like to do, but I'm not quite sure I'm ready to add shocks and new head pipes too...another $1500+ with labor...geez!
I appreciate all the input here, and I know what I'd like to do, but I'm not quite sure I'm ready to add shocks and new head pipes too...another $1500+ with labor...geez!
I would go with the shocks first. At least then you can tell a difference in the ride.
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