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Hey guys - Just bought a 99RKC and am loving it. There are a few aesthetic mods already, mainly paint and some chrome foot rests, etc. But I miss that beautiful Harley sound. I want a real nice loud, low rumble as I pass by. I am young and not at all worried about being quiet! That being said, I am new to the Harley game and am looking for some advice. I have been going over the search function for about 2 hours now and am having a tough time consolidating advice so:
1st - Would it make sense to get some Samson Ovals right now (money is an issue), then later when I can afford them get the V&H True Duals Headers?
2nd - Is this a good/typical first mod as this is most important to me right now?
3rd - Do most Harley riders install the slip-ons themselves, but get the headers done for them at the dealership? and is there a good website that have kind of how-to videos for this kinda stuff? I am decent with cars, but never worked with bikes before, don't think it would be too hard.
4th - Is there a good consolidated discount store online that Harley riders like to order from, do you guys order from your dealer, or just try to find the individual products from the original manufacturers?
Thanks guys - I know its a lot, but I wanna get those heads turning as I pass!
Welcome to the forum.
You can usually go with slip on mufflers and later add true duals.
This would be a popular first mod.
Usually true duals will make the existing mufflers a bit louder than stock pipes.
Mufflers are an easy mod , the pipes are a bit more involved , but common sense , good tools , and a service manual make it pretty easy.
If money is tight , keep an eye on the forum classifieds for some super deals on pipes,mufflers,seats,almost anything.
I got a set of V&H mufflers a couple years ago for $70.00 plus shipping in the classifieds.
Get to know your local dealer and keep up on any "open house" sales they might have.
My dealer knows me now and rarely need pre payment to order parts even though they require it.
Hang out ask questions and you'll learn some really valuable info here.
We'll even give you ideas on how to spend even more money than you planned on......
Mick
I would guess than a majority go slip-ons first so I would not worry about that. Then do headers later if you want to. I can't speak for "most" when it comes to install but I'm a big believer in doing most of the wrench work on my bike myself. Nothing to slip-ons and head pipes are only a touch more complicated. If you have any mechanical ability, you can handle both jobs.
I would disagree. Do it all at once. A stage 1 kit is all I have done to my 07 roadglide. It was bone stock for 2 years untill the warranty ran out and then I put vance and hines true dual headpipes, screaming eagle air cleaner, screaming eagle slip ons and a dyno jet controller. the only thing I bought brand new was the head pipes. I got great deals on "slightly used" stuff and saved a ton. I would advise, though, that if you go with dual head pipes do not stick with stock mufflers. I don't believe that anyone out there makes a download for stock mufflers. they are restrictive ( aka quiet ) and will make your bike run rich. Just my 2 cents, hope it helps. - Scott
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