i found a used head pipe for a touring bike off a 96cc bike... i was just wondering if i could replace my pipes that have a catalytic converter with the 2009 pipes that do not?

 

If you don't need the o2 censers they will work.

 

how do i know if i need the o2 sensor or not? sorry for all the questions, i'm not mechanically inclined

 

The pipes will fit, however, unless you've installed an aftermarket product like a Power Commander that bypasses the oxygen sensors then you will need to use them or you could do damage to your bike and you'll probably get a check engine light that will stay on. In 2009 HD used the larger automotive style O2 sensors with the bungs in the exhaust very near the heads where the exhaust mounts to the motor. In 2010 they switched to smaller O2 sensors with the bungs located in the collector of the head pipe. Your best bet is to remove your head pipe from your bike and send it to a shop that will cut into the collector and remove the cat and then weld it back up. I think I've seen some that will do it for about $150 plus shipping. Do a search and you should be able to find someone to do this for you.

 

so...unless I'm mistaken, if one were to want to install a TMax w/ autotune on a 2011 or 2012 bike, one could get a set of 2009 head pipes and it would have the appropriate O2 bungs?

 

It's very simple, if your fuel management system dose not need the o2 censers like a PCV, you can use the 09 head pipe. Some fuel management system's need the o2 censers, I don't know if the Tmax is one of them or not. So all you got to do is find out if you need the o2 censers for your fuel management, if you do, then you will need all new head pipes with the 10 and up censers or you can gut the cat on your stock pipe.... Good luck.

 

the parts are out there to make the switch,and retain your 02 sensors,a bung adapter and to fit your smaller sensors and extended wires to reach the new location.

 

I used an 09 pipe by plugging the old 0/2 (09) sensors and welding in new small bungs in exactly the same place as the 2011 0/2 sensors. Re-installed the 2011 0/2 sensors. Works great.

 

if your going to use a thunder max it comes with the wide band bosch sensors yes the 09 exhaust will work on your bike. if they cats in them u will need to remove the cats. hope this helps.
Rick

 

If you use a TFI or a Gen3 from Dobecks performance, You don't Need the 02 sensors..

I unplugged mine and installed their inserts to FOOL the HD system that they are working fine...

I bought my 09 instead of the 2010 model FLHR sitting right behind it... No cats for me...

The Full stage one And TFI added, cooled the bike down a lot and put the seat of the pants further back into the seat.

Adding the SE 255 cams made a Huge difference in the 96" motor...

signed....REDHEAD