Muffler alignment?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
Muffler alignment?
I just had the dealer install a stage one kit using V&H Monster Ovals. Looking at it from the rear I can see that the lest muffler is about 2 3/4" from the fender and the right one is 2" away. Is there enough play in the hanger mounts under the bags for me to even them up or is there something else out of whack? Of course, I could go back to the dealer and complain but if it's easy I'd just as soon do it myself. Thanks.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
All you need is a ratchet, 1/2" socket to loosen the rear bolts under your bags and a deep 9/16" to loosen the clamp at the front of the muffler. Adjust the muffler to where you want it, tighten the clamp first the the rear bolts. Before you put your bags back on, check the alignment of both. You may need to adjust the other side also.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 383
Likes: 1
From: Boston & thereabouts
Monster Ovals
I just put Monster Ovals on my 2004 RKC - love the sound.
They have to be aligned two ways.
1) They have to be hanging off the back the same length. My left one wanted to be about an inch further aft than the right one. It took some loosening, wiggling, and twisting to get the left one all the way forward. Some WD40 seemed to help.
2) They aren't round. So put a straight edge across them and twist them so they both look level when viewed from behind. It's easy to get them right for/aft and have one or both appear twisted. After you get them for/aft, make sure those squared ovals both look level.
When you get them looking good, clamp them down. Then, take the bike for a short ride and re-torque the clamps. They seemed to loosen up after a few heat cycles.
Nice pipes!
Enjoy!
JR
They have to be aligned two ways.
1) They have to be hanging off the back the same length. My left one wanted to be about an inch further aft than the right one. It took some loosening, wiggling, and twisting to get the left one all the way forward. Some WD40 seemed to help.
2) They aren't round. So put a straight edge across them and twist them so they both look level when viewed from behind. It's easy to get them right for/aft and have one or both appear twisted. After you get them for/aft, make sure those squared ovals both look level.
When you get them looking good, clamp them down. Then, take the bike for a short ride and re-torque the clamps. They seemed to loosen up after a few heat cycles.
Nice pipes!
Enjoy!
JR
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
Do you have the standard headers on yours. Are the mufflers straight. My left one is at an angle so I would be interested if there is enough play in te header link pipe to get the left muffler straight
Last edited by shari; Oct 12, 2009 at 11:47 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 383
Likes: 1
From: Boston & thereabouts
Monster Ovals
I have the stock headers and slip on Monster Ovals. Getting them level is easy enough, just loosen the clamp at the front of the muffler and twist the muffler into position. Step back, and see if it looks right with a straight edge across the top of the two mufflers. It helps if you have the bike vertical rather than leaned over on the stand.
JR
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 99
From: Merrimack NH
Ummm...not sure who your asking, but I'll chime in.
I have the stock headers and slip on Monster Ovals. Getting them level is easy enough, just loosen the clamp at the front of the muffler and twist the muffler into position. Step back, and see if it looks right with a straight edge across the top of the two mufflers. It helps if you have the bike vertical rather than leaned over on the stand.
JR
I have the stock headers and slip on Monster Ovals. Getting them level is easy enough, just loosen the clamp at the front of the muffler and twist the muffler into position. Step back, and see if it looks right with a straight edge across the top of the two mufflers. It helps if you have the bike vertical rather than leaned over on the stand.
JR
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Mine aren't perfectly aligned either.
