Though it's not at the top of my list, replacing the cat-equipped head pipe on my '10 FLHR is on my to-do list.
I hear good things about the Vance & Hines Power Duals. Any others I should consider?

 

I put on V&H dresser duals. I wanted more of that true dual sound. Don't think you can go wrong with any V&H pipes. I am really impressed with the chrome on mine. The shields hide the pipe much better than my stock headers did

 

I would consider the VH power duals like you said and the FuelMoto stainless 2-1-2 head pipe. I have direct experience with the VH and FM head pipe and believe that both are good in their own ways...

What I don't like about the VH power duals: The location of the rear O2 sensor bung. Wow talk about a detractor. Lose a little ground clearance with their Xover pipe. Installing the heat shields is a PITA. That big **** crome x next to m transmission! The clamps provided for that piece were not long enough and had to get some elsewhere. What I do like about them: The crome heat shields are much higher quality then the stock HD using double clamps etc, the crossover pipe and transmission mounts are better then stock IMO. It comes with gaskets etc. and the header with heatshields looks good (matter of opinion, my wife really liked it) on the bike.

What I don't like about the FM headpipe: It uses the stock crossover pipe and I find the gasket there lacking (not their fault), it uses the stock HD heatshields (they do fit fine) and I feel the stock heatshields suck quality wise. What I do like: Stainless Steel and very well built. Welds etc are very well done, stock o2 bung locations, keeps the stock look. Built in USA and backed by FM.

Others to consider, I think is maybe fulsac, but I don't know much about that option, and purchasing a take off from an 09 OR 10/11 (and removing the cat yourself).

So if ya want the big X and an o2 bung showing, go for the VH, if you want a clean stock look that does not reduce any ground clearance, go for the FM head pipe. BTW, FuelMoto sells both and I would not hesitate to do business with them. They have been more then helpful to me.

 

Glad I went with the FM setup. Very noticeable heat reduction and I think it looks good.

 

A lot of the TG guys also heat wrap the header pipe...makes a huge difference in heat redutction...on my to do list also...going with Full Sac, SE cleaner & TTS tuner

 

I have the dresser duals on my bike. I like the cleaner look without the collector on the right side. Take a look at my video.

 

Power duals, Monster rounds, A/c & PVC, call Jamie at Fuel Moto, it will haul ***, look good too.

 

got the true duals on my 2010 RG. looks good, noticable heat reduction and great sound. did not notice any reduction in ground clearance with running pipe under frame. heat shield are vast improvement over prior V&H's pipes. did not go with the x pipe look seemed to be too little for too much, maybe I am just resistant to change.

 

I'll keep an eye on this thread as I have been considering all the header pipes mentioned here....but to be honest in 3 days or riding I have not had any heat issues from the cat (yet)

 

I can't say that the heat is the issue for me as far as it being uncomfortable. More so that its an air cooled motor and that head pipe gets very hot especially at the cat. I have V&H Twin Slash Rounds for my slip ons and am putting on V&H dresser duals this winter. I heard this set up at Laconia this year @ the V&H booth. Very happy with Vance & Hines quality.