Headers or Slip-ons
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 3
From: Woodstock, GA
Headers or Slip-ons
I have a 2019 Road King Special - I want louder pipes, so was considering slip-ons - but I've also noticed several posts where people have gone to the Bassani Down Under Headers - are headers really worth the extra money? What benefit do you get from them - I guess louder pipes, less heat? Thanks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,468
Likes: 2,519
From: Lititz Pa
Like I said before M8 sounds like ****. I have a 114 sounds like ****, put headers, slip ones sounds like **** just now don't smell as much .I herd them with cams in them too sounds like ****.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,804
Likes: 7,431
From: OH
So , youre saying it sounds like a herd of *****?
Last edited by eighteight; Jun 21, 2020 at 08:19 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 99
Likes: 13
From: Hampton, GA
So since you are considering headers i assume you don't care about HD warranty. Having said that. i believe you'll be better off getting the OEM header de-catted and spend the money on some 4 1/2 inch slip ons. RCX, S&S MK45, Reinhart new 4.5's, etc. You should definitely tune it once you do. You should be getting a lot of opinions soon. And go...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10,790
Likes: 19,651
From: On the move
If you don't care about your factory warranty then replace your header while doing mufflers.
Just so you know pretty much every slip on muffler will kill your tq and even a good tune and a map won't bring it all back. That's reality. The M8 doesn't really wake up until you do a cam swap. I went with fuel Moto and tunable inserts were a must if you're expecting performance and not just sound.
If just doin
Just so you know pretty much every slip on muffler will kill your tq and even a good tune and a map won't bring it all back. That's reality. The M8 doesn't really wake up until you do a cam swap. I went with fuel Moto and tunable inserts were a must if you're expecting performance and not just sound.
If just doin
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 37
Likes: 9
From: Ohio
I just had the following work done, after that list I will call my my observations:
1. Bassani headers
2. Tab Bam sticks 4.5" with Zombie baffles
3.Harley Torque cam
4. Screaming Eagle Tuner and tune... sort of.
Bike sounds great, I think. Heat was really bad on the right side but new headers fixed that issue
HOWEVER I HAVE ISSUES NOW -- I was getting a really loud pinging noise on acceleration. The tech had to back off the tune. He said the issue is that there is not enough back pressure and it was causing a vacuum and putting pressure on the exhaust valves.
The tech HATED that the dealership sold me the Bassani pipes, not only sold them but recommended them.
So to fix the issue, I hope... I ordered a set of Tab 2.5" baffles; to add some more back pressure. If that fixes the issue, I will have the tech add some tune back in.
All this to say watch out on too much free flowing pipes. But again, I think it sounds really good.
1. Bassani headers
2. Tab Bam sticks 4.5" with Zombie baffles
3.Harley Torque cam
4. Screaming Eagle Tuner and tune... sort of.
Bike sounds great, I think. Heat was really bad on the right side but new headers fixed that issue
HOWEVER I HAVE ISSUES NOW -- I was getting a really loud pinging noise on acceleration. The tech had to back off the tune. He said the issue is that there is not enough back pressure and it was causing a vacuum and putting pressure on the exhaust valves.
The tech HATED that the dealership sold me the Bassani pipes, not only sold them but recommended them.
So to fix the issue, I hope... I ordered a set of Tab 2.5" baffles; to add some more back pressure. If that fixes the issue, I will have the tech add some tune back in.
All this to say watch out on too much free flowing pipes. But again, I think it sounds really good.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, nc
the sound of the 107 just doesn't compare to the 103.... feeling like I made the wrong choice lol
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
Did just RCX-haust Torx 4.5 mufflers only on my 114. Sounded ok, not impressed. Did RCX-haust Tormentor headpipe and RS468 cam with a PV canned tune from Fuel Moto. Now it has the rumble it should and the torque is much improved over stock. It will slide your *** back in the seat when you twist the happy grip. Zero issues with their tune.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,468
Likes: 2,519
From: Lititz Pa
Did just RCX-haust Torx 4.5 mufflers only on my 114. Sounded ok, not impressed. Did RCX-haust Tormentor headpipe and RS468 cam with a PV canned tune from Fuel Moto. Now it has the rumble it should and the torque is much improved over stock. It will slide your *** back in the seat when you twist the happy grip. Zero issues with their tune.
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