Fishtails on a Road King
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 538
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From: Charlotte, NC
Fishtails on a Road King
I like the straight pipe looks of the Samson fishtails.
I'm not as fond of the "rocket" tips.
I've researched the forum and most of the complaints are that they're too loud and/or performance suffers.
My question is, which brand of straight fishtails can have baffles in them?
And which ones don't kill performance?
I'm not as fond of the "rocket" tips.
I've researched the forum and most of the complaints are that they're too loud and/or performance suffers.
My question is, which brand of straight fishtails can have baffles in them?
And which ones don't kill performance?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
I've heard if you want performance, the only decent option for fishtails is the Vance & Hines verson. They don't come with quiet baffles but can be purchased seperately. Multiple sources have told me the rocket style Screamin' Eagle fishtails are restrictive, and aren't the best quality.
They apparently changed the design of the V&H fishtails recently, though. They used to be 2.5" straight back, now they are 3" back and neck down slightly before the fishtail tip.
Original style, still available from a few different vendors:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=320352979513
New style (fishtail II), a little more expensive, 3" outer:
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/450-624
I can't decide between those two. I am going to put a set of fishtail slipons on mine before the end of the year, curious as to the 2.5 or 3" version sounding better on mine since I'm stuck with the kitten in the exhaust.
I may still have to run baffles, as I don't like irritating my neighbors.
-Nick
They apparently changed the design of the V&H fishtails recently, though. They used to be 2.5" straight back, now they are 3" back and neck down slightly before the fishtail tip.
Original style, still available from a few different vendors:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=320352979513
New style (fishtail II), a little more expensive, 3" outer:
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/450-624
I can't decide between those two. I am going to put a set of fishtail slipons on mine before the end of the year, curious as to the 2.5 or 3" version sounding better on mine since I'm stuck with the kitten in the exhaust.
I may still have to run baffles, as I don't like irritating my neighbors.-Nick
The classic fishtails are Samsons. You can get them with or without baffles. Sweet look and sound. I've never put them up on a dyno, but I don't think all out performance is their thing.
One of my closest riding bros has them on his Evo Heritage Springer. No baffles. What a classic sound.
The slip on fishtails just don't have the look, in my opinion.
One of my closest riding bros has them on his Evo Heritage Springer. No baffles. What a classic sound.
The slip on fishtails just don't have the look, in my opinion.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 25
ive run straight fishtails on almost all of my bikes. many think that fishtails are basically straight drag pipes. not the case. the design at the end of the pipes is actually a baffling design and is what gives it that unique sound. i love them looks,sound and performance.
head
head
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 538
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From: Charlotte, NC
Mike,
Did they come that way?
Or did you have to add the baffles?
Have you noticed any difference in performance - especially in the lower end?
What year is your bike & is there a model number for the ones you like?
Thanks!
Did they come that way?
Or did you have to add the baffles?
Have you noticed any difference in performance - especially in the lower end?
What year is your bike & is there a model number for the ones you like?
Thanks!
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
I'm running the Samson Silver Bullet Fishtails on my '99 RKC. I like 'em a lot, & I get complements regularly.
The baffles are pre-installed, you cannot remove them unless you cut open the pipes. The performance is just fine (stock 88" motor) and I don't think they're too loud. Sure, if I yank on the throttle, they roar some, but when toolin' down the asphalt, they purr, and I can talk to the wife if she wants to...
The baffles are pre-installed, you cannot remove them unless you cut open the pipes. The performance is just fine (stock 88" motor) and I don't think they're too loud. Sure, if I yank on the throttle, they roar some, but when toolin' down the asphalt, they purr, and I can talk to the wife if she wants to...
Last edited by Roadking Cal; Sep 5, 2010 at 10:00 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Union,Ms
Samson makes straight pipes and muffled fishtails.I put them on.The muffled ones are about 100 dollars more than the straight pipes but you don't loose performance as with straight pipes.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Good info from, everyone. I ran Samson fishtails without baffles for a few years. Low end suffers a little bit, but that is all. Fit and finish was great. A friend of mine has the Vance and Hines duals with fishtails and wants Samson's now. Go figure. I ran mine without baffles which is the reason my low end suffered. But that sound is insane. Well worth the minuscule loss in my book any day. I can get you any of these at a great price. Pm or email me at DREW@DRVTWIN.COM for pricing.
Drew
Drew