Please let me preface this as I am somewhat mechanically challenged. Is there a need to have a true dual system from a performance standpoint? Is it just cosmetic? If I felt I needed better performance or even to increase the value of my bike would slip ons do? Which ones? Reinhardt, Screaming Eagle? Vanes Hines? (I know that is a personal preference)

I guess I am trying to ask is a true dual system necessary? If so why? I have looked at few articles so I understand a little. I’m just trying to understand if it is better to have a true dual or 2/1 system why HD would still make their touring bikes with a crossover?

Any comments would be great.

 

You'd get better performance out of a 2-1 exhaust set-up...D&D and V&H are the top choices I've seen.

 

you get better performance and sound, if you are happy with your stock set up get slip ons, Harley stock systems are epa complaint, most after market are not, that is why Harley makes them the way they do, after market perform better

 

A good 2-1 exhaust like the D&D fatcat, Thunderheader, or V&H Pro Pipe will generally enhance low rpm torque. The Rinehart or Bub TD systems are also very good performers, and will often return better peak numbers. A crossover or balance tube is generally acknowledged to enhance mid rpm torque. There's a widespread belief that 2-1 always outperform every other type of exhaust, but it's just not that simple. There's a bit of a herd mentantality that sometimes takes over the forums, it frequently pays to remain skeptical.

 

Easy way to understand it if you had 2 bike both the same but exhaust systems. One with a 2-1 and the other with true duals at a starting line. The bike with the 2-1 system would take take off the line faster but the bike with duals would catch up and pass in a long distance(freeway) for short distance(street/race) the 2-1.

 

So there is value to having one header for each cylinder regardless if you are going 2 into 2 or 2 into 1? The crossover pipe serves no purpose?

I understand that 66% is going to the right side and the left is splitting its output because the back cylinder is going to both sides. Is that it, EPA compliance? Why does every other model (Sportster, Dyna) have one pipe for each?

 

pre-08 the right muffler is the epa unit.


Then we get into the aesthetic part....I prefer pipes under both bags and large ones. I think it looks lopsided without a pipe on the left.

 

They look and sound better

 

In the distant past, someone discovered that the crossover pipe gave a small increase in performance. For many years Harley claimed a little more torque for the dressers with that system than the other models. So there is a small benefit with the sort of systems Harley fit as stock.

Now think Buells! If you study the 2-into-1 systems on a stock Buell twin the pipes are equal length. There are serious benefits to be gained doing that, especially if the motor is designed from the outset that way. The early Buell models had an engine closely related to the Sportster, but giving substantially greater power and torque.

So if Harley could come up with a similar system we were prepared to buy, a 2-into-1 would give a serious increase in Harley performance! In the meantime, a well designed after-market 2-into-1 system will give better performance than any other.

I love true duals. The same sound comes out of each muffler and the effect is great! If your bike is not highly tuned they will give good performance and sound. If you want a more highly modified motor they will be less suitable with a small loss of power and torque over both a crossover system and 2-into-1.

 

The answer is no to your questions
A lot of us just likes to type LOL

If you are happy with your exhaust keep em because it will very little to the value