catalytic converter
Novice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: North Georgia
I recently drilled out most of the cat, and took different shaped steel rods with bends in them to knock out the remainder. It is very diffecult to get it all. I got at least 90% out. Does anyone have an opinion that leaving small remnants to the side wall would have a negative effect on the end result, which is better sound, lower heat and hopefully a little more power
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
From: Jaw-Jaw (Near The BIG Chicken!)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I did the same, got mine free from a friend. If you do this, don't forget to get 18mm o2 censer plugs for the head pipe. My bike runs cooler and a bit faster. I got my pre-mapped PCV, air kit and the o2 plugs from Fuel Moto. Fast shipping and great customer service.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
I recently drilled out most of the cat, and took different shaped steel rods with bends in them to knock out the remainder. It is very diffecult to get it all. I got at least 90% out. Does anyone have an opinion that leaving small remnants to the side wall would have a negative effect on the end result, which is better sound, lower heat and hopefully a little more power
Much cheaper to remove the CAT out of the head pipe than buy a whole new head pipe. Plus there is very little performance advantage if any by going to an aftermarket head pipe. The Harley 2 into 1 into 2 is a very good design, the CAT just kills it. I will be removing mine soon before summer gets here.
Last edited by skratch; Aug 2, 2011 at 08:02 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
I can tell you for sure that removal of even just the CAT improves the sound of the bike. I just recently went from a completely stock set-up to adding just V&H Powerduals. That alone made the bike run with a deeper tone and the mufflers were just a bit louder and had a better tone.
This week I'll be swapping the stock air cleaner for a SE Ventilator stage I. I already have a PC-V in it. The right side feels cooler for sure without the CAT.
This week I'll be swapping the stock air cleaner for a SE Ventilator stage I. I already have a PC-V in it. The right side feels cooler for sure without the CAT.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Mass.
This may be true as far as actual dyno numbers are concerned . But IMHO there feels to be definite "percieved " performance gains . without a doubt there is less " Lag " upon acceleration and there is an obvious reduction in backpressure noticed both during acceleration and decelleration ...HP and Torque numbers aside , IMHO there is a very noticeable difference in how the bike " performs "
Last edited by Tele00; Aug 2, 2011 at 08:28 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
From: Jaw-Jaw (Near The BIG Chicken!)
This may be true as far as actual dyno numbers are concerned . But IMHO there feels to be definite "percieved " performance gains . without a doubt there is less " Lag " upon acceleration and there is an obvious reduction in backpressure noticed both during acceleration and decelleration ...HP and Torque numbers aside , IMHO there is a very noticeable difference in how the bike " performs "
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 722
Likes: 2
From: Deep south in a bunker
Thier is another pic on this forum of cutting a door in the cat and removing stuff,that way your length stays the same,you will have a problem if its not welded xact the other way,it might be too short...i cut door in mine....no problems
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Mass.
It looks like your bike is pretty much set up like mine, except I haven't done the head pipe (cat-less) install yet. Have you found any need yet to do anything else, ECM wise, other than the Stage I download? Happy with the results as it is? I'll be happy as a clam if I can get the heat reduced on the right side and so will my wife... This RKC is the first bike she's ever had anything to say about the heat on her leg.
I just wakled out and pulled the plugs because you got me curious ...here is whet they look like at this point .
Last edited by Tele00; Aug 2, 2011 at 09:26 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
From: Jaw-Jaw (Near The BIG Chicken!)
I am Very happy with how the bike runs after the Cat removal. I was a little hesitant to do it at first because I had JUST had the SE a/c and Stage 1 download done during my 1000k service and it was running GREAT ....but the heat was really bothering me ...so I went ahead and did it . The bike still runs GREAT and feels more opened up . I have since put 600 miles on it on highways, backroads and everything in between and it has been great and MUCH cooler on the rt calf/thigh.
I just wakled out and pulled the plugs because you got me curious ...here is whet they look like at this point .
I just wakled out and pulled the plugs because you got me curious ...here is whet they look like at this point .
Well, you've helped me to confirm that my decision is the right one and I really appreciate that! Found 2 sites with instructions on the Cat/head pipe replacement, got my anti-seize, exhaust gaskets and blue loctite ready. The pipe from American Custom is supposed to be be delivered Friday. I know they'll give me a refund of $130 if I send it back, but something tells me I ought to hold onto it in case a warranty problem arises OR (God forbid) they start checking for exhaust emissions on motorcycles around here.