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I've run only 2 into 1 on all my bikes over the years, yet this year kept the stock headpipes and used slipons on my '09 flhx.
However, after spending tons of time with tuners; big motor builders; and guys who seek power, the following applies..in order...
1. Thunder Header 2 into 1
2. V&H HS Pro-Pipe (non BP)
3. D&D Fatcat
4. Rinehart 2 into 1
5. all others...
Not taking sound into consideration, these are my observations for power. They all may be very close, like the D&D and Pro-Pipe are almost equal, but V&H edges it out slightly. These are motors not exceeding 110" BTW. 88-110 these figures stick.
Sound varies too on these, but frankly if you're chasing just sound then you're not really into power.
Actually the Thunderheaders aren't that great for large inch motors (as in 110" and higher), they are actually restrictive once you get to that size. That said I love my Thunderheaders. I believe the FatCats are actually better once you get into the big inch motors. (Never looked into it much as I don't plan on going higher than 95")
Keep in mind that while on the freeway you're not going to hear much from the pipes. The wind is going to be what blocks your ability to hear the radio way more than most pipes! I think the T'headers have a nice deep rumble (not to mention a nice power curve). Haven't heard the FatCats yet, but they are supposed to sound good, and have as good a power increase as the T'headers. V&H pipes I never cared for the sound (just a personal opinion!), and the Rineharts don't sound too bad.
I have the V&H ProPipe and would do it again. The FatCat is a great pipe especially with the quite baffle, but the numbers are so close between the 2, for the money I'd hedge towards the V&H
I've run only 2 into 1 on all my bikes over the years, yet this year kept the stock headpipes and used slipons on my '09 flhx.
However, after spending tons of time with tuners; big motor builders; and guys who seek power, the following applies..in order...
1. Thunder Header 2 into 1
2. V&H HS Pro-Pipe (non BP)
3. D&D Fatcat
4. Rinehart 2 into 1
5. all others...
Not taking sound into consideration, these are my observations for power. They all may be very close, like the D&D and Pro-Pipe are almost equal, but V&H edges it out slightly. These are motors not exceeding 110" BTW. 88-110 these figures stick.
Sound varies too on these, but frankly if you're chasing just sound then you're not really into power.
Why would you choose the non BP versus the BP version?
Tom
I'm looking for a black 2-1 setup for my 07 FLHTC, already have the PCIII and the SE Stage 1 breather. I don't want something loud enough I can't hear my stereo, but also want to hear it more than the stock setup.
Right now the only real options I've seen in black are the Supertrapp and the Thunderheader. I understand the V&H Propipe will be available in black shortly.
Let me hear from those that have them as far as sound levels and the durability of the ceramic finish, tunability, etc.
Thanks
If the above are really your cirteria, then the Supermeg is the only tunable pipe out there. As everyone has already mentioned, the Fatcat, Thunderheader, and Supermeg all come in black. I have a black Bassani Road Rage and really like it. The finish from Bassani sucks though. I had to replace my first one (under warranty). Before I installed the replacement, I sent it to HPC to have it coated in their 1600 degree finish. It came out great, but added about $140 to the cost. Any of the 2-1 pipes are going to be quiet enough on the highway if you are leaving your motor stock. Once compression gets added though, some become VERY loud. The Thunderheader and Pro-pipe being the top of that list in my experience. As far as out of the box performance I would rank them this way:
Keep in mind the Fatcat and Road Rage are an equal length pipe design. The Supermeg makes up for that by being tunable. The Thunderheader and Pro-pipe are both older designs that are no longer top of the heap in terms of power makers.
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