"Torque Cones"...not for me.
"Torque Cones"...not for me.
I noticed a drop in "perkiness" when I went from stock to my RC Components 4" slip-ons, so when I saw the torque cones on the Dennis Kirk website I thought it would be a cost effective way to get it back.
First the install...I am running 2009 stock head pipes, are the cones supposed to be used with stock head pipes? Of course not. The stock head pipes are concave at the end, I guess to seat better in the exhaust port, so they actually insert into the opening a little. Well, the cones sit flat against the opening meaning that about 3/8-1/2 inch of header pipe had to go to. Let the grinding commence!! Gnawed off enough to finally seat the pipes and connect/clamp the pipes in place.
The result...noticeable improvement in "perkiness", which I liked...unfortunately it was the only thing I liked about them...they killed the exhaust sound I had payed soooo much to get, there was almost no exhaust coming out of the left pipe at idle. I never felt an exhaust leak but the sound coming from the front of the engine couldn't be anything but...horrible sound. It sounded choked...I was honestly worried that they were creating too much backpressure and were going to blow out some gaskets or something. And finally, the retention of heat in the engine was insane! There was easily a 30* increase on my right thigh, very hot!!!
So with all that said...I took them out. Anyone willing to pay shipping can have them, slightly used, had them on for 5 days, maybe 100 miles.
First the install...I am running 2009 stock head pipes, are the cones supposed to be used with stock head pipes? Of course not. The stock head pipes are concave at the end, I guess to seat better in the exhaust port, so they actually insert into the opening a little. Well, the cones sit flat against the opening meaning that about 3/8-1/2 inch of header pipe had to go to. Let the grinding commence!! Gnawed off enough to finally seat the pipes and connect/clamp the pipes in place.
The result...noticeable improvement in "perkiness", which I liked...unfortunately it was the only thing I liked about them...they killed the exhaust sound I had payed soooo much to get, there was almost no exhaust coming out of the left pipe at idle. I never felt an exhaust leak but the sound coming from the front of the engine couldn't be anything but...horrible sound. It sounded choked...I was honestly worried that they were creating too much backpressure and were going to blow out some gaskets or something. And finally, the retention of heat in the engine was insane! There was easily a 30* increase on my right thigh, very hot!!!
So with all that said...I took them out. Anyone willing to pay shipping can have them, slightly used, had them on for 5 days, maybe 100 miles.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 20
From: Greater St Louis, MO
It is my understanding that they are not needed in the twin cams due to a redesign of the exhaust ports of the head. They do help with the evo. But I am not a mechanic, I just play one in my own garage.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: La Vergne, TN
I noticed a drop in "perkiness" when I went from stock to my RC Components 4" slip-ons, so when I saw the torque cones on the Dennis Kirk website I thought it would be a cost effective way to get it back.
First the install...I am running 2009 stock head pipes, are the cones supposed to be used with stock head pipes? Of course not. The stock head pipes are concave at the end, I guess to seat better in the exhaust port, so they actually insert into the opening a little. Well, the cones sit flat against the opening meaning that about 3/8-1/2 inch of header pipe had to go to. Let the grinding commence!! Gnawed off enough to finally seat the pipes and connect/clamp the pipes in place.
The result...noticeable improvement in "perkiness", which I liked...unfortunately it was the only thing I liked about them...they killed the exhaust sound I had payed soooo much to get, there was almost no exhaust coming out of the left pipe at idle. I never felt an exhaust leak but the sound coming from the front of the engine couldn't be anything but...horrible sound. It sounded choked...I was honestly worried that they were creating too much backpressure and were going to blow out some gaskets or something. And finally, the retention of heat in the engine was insane! There was easily a 30* increase on my right thigh, very hot!!!
So with all that said...I took them out. Anyone willing to pay shipping can have them, slightly used, had them on for 5 days, maybe 100 miles.
First the install...I am running 2009 stock head pipes, are the cones supposed to be used with stock head pipes? Of course not. The stock head pipes are concave at the end, I guess to seat better in the exhaust port, so they actually insert into the opening a little. Well, the cones sit flat against the opening meaning that about 3/8-1/2 inch of header pipe had to go to. Let the grinding commence!! Gnawed off enough to finally seat the pipes and connect/clamp the pipes in place.
The result...noticeable improvement in "perkiness", which I liked...unfortunately it was the only thing I liked about them...they killed the exhaust sound I had payed soooo much to get, there was almost no exhaust coming out of the left pipe at idle. I never felt an exhaust leak but the sound coming from the front of the engine couldn't be anything but...horrible sound. It sounded choked...I was honestly worried that they were creating too much backpressure and were going to blow out some gaskets or something. And finally, the retention of heat in the engine was insane! There was easily a 30* increase on my right thigh, very hot!!!
So with all that said...I took them out. Anyone willing to pay shipping can have them, slightly used, had them on for 5 days, maybe 100 miles.
So what are you doing about your boogered up head pipes, aftermarket?
It is some sales pitch, huh? Not trying to sale, just posting my experience with them. I have no problem tossing them out.
As far as the QQ baffles, too spendy for me. I will just suck it up until I do stage one and get it back from the front end.
There is nothing wrong with the head pipes, there is just a little less than there was. They still seat properly, seal perfectly and everything. I do want to get V&H Power Duals eventually.
As far as the QQ baffles, too spendy for me. I will just suck it up until I do stage one and get it back from the front end.
There is nothing wrong with the head pipes, there is just a little less than there was. They still seat properly, seal perfectly and everything. I do want to get V&H Power Duals eventually.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Torque cones are meant for drag pipes or any open, unbaffled exhaust system. Putting them in a system with baffles or mufflers such as yours will produce exactly the results you encountered. Not many touring guys will want them since so few of you guys run straight pipes due to the loss of low end torque (where a bagger needs it the most). Put them on ebay. Your ought to get most of your money back.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
Torque cones/power cones are a band-aid for a shity exhaust system, besides, the restriction needs to be at the other end.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
Unfortunately, even with a high quality stepped header pipe like the Vance and Hines Pro Pipe, you will lose some of what you are calling that low perkiness (Torque) on a simple stage one: Pipes, Air Intake and Tuner only once you remove the stock header. In the cat models it is more noticable, but the up side is that the bikes run soooo much cooler. The more folks I talk to with newer 96" baggers the more I hear about the disappointment. Thats why so many end up moving up to cams and other mods and are not satisfied with the simple stage 1 alone. I also noticed a loss of that snap in my 2010 FLHX but there is no more lean stumble, no more excessive heat and she has more than enough good roll on power. I accept the trade off.
Last edited by Rickr01; Jul 7, 2011 at 03:14 PM.