Question about head pipes?
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 379
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From: Southeast Texas
Question about head pipes?
So I'm in the market for some new exhaust. I've found lots of good deals on here but have a question... is there a difference between a gutted 2010 stock head pipe vs. An aftermarket head pipe? I'm not too worried about power gains but more about a truer/deeper Harley sound. More noise if I add some slip ins or a full stage 1 setup.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
an after market pipe may be somewhat better and probably cost 3 times as much, so that's your call.
For my $, I'd be putting along with a gutted H-D header.
some riders seem happy with the stock 2010+ muffler once the cat is gone.
true harley sound: one of these days I'll have to record my panhead- the noise from the valve train and the gear driven cam/idler/timing/generator is almost as loud as the pipes!
Mike
For my $, I'd be putting along with a gutted H-D header.
some riders seem happy with the stock 2010+ muffler once the cat is gone.
true harley sound: one of these days I'll have to record my panhead- the noise from the valve train and the gear driven cam/idler/timing/generator is almost as loud as the pipes!
Mike
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
Many prefer to swap the stock (cat) headpipes for after-market (non-cat) headpipes, so they can keep their stockers in case some new crazy emissions laws are enacted.
I personally swapped out the stock headers on my 2011 RGC for some True Duals for three reasons; (1) because I wanted take care of the heat issue, and (2) because I prefer the look of True Duals, and (3) because I like the enhanced sound that True Duals offer. You obviously have other after-market header options than True Duals, but the heat issue alone is a good reason to swap out the headers on newer HD's.
I personally swapped out the stock headers on my 2011 RGC for some True Duals for three reasons; (1) because I wanted take care of the heat issue, and (2) because I prefer the look of True Duals, and (3) because I like the enhanced sound that True Duals offer. You obviously have other after-market header options than True Duals, but the heat issue alone is a good reason to swap out the headers on newer HD's.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 488
Likes: 1
From: So. MD
I don't know what year your stock stuff is, but I have my complete 2011 exhaust I'll sell you if you want the header.....no miles on any of it, it was all removed and replaced before I took the bike home from the dealer.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
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From: Jayhawk Country
Just gutted my head pipe on my 11 RKC. Not for performance but the heat. There is a big improvement in sound with the stock mufflers just by doing this simple mod. Cost me $35 to have it welded and about $30 for new exhaust gaskets and muffler clamps.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Agreed, I think the sound is just about right. I'm not into loud so it's just about perfect.
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Joined: May 2006
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i have a 2011 sg with a stock head pipe.. i was thinking of gutting the cat..was it hard to do?..do i have to get it retuned afterwards.. ?. i already have a se stage one download on it with a set of se supertrapp slip ons
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Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Here
To answer the OP's question. I've been both route's with exhaust. If I were going to gid rid of the cat, I would spend the money and get a FuelMoto headpipe or Fulsac X-Pipe. There's been a lot of question's about Cross Talk between the 02 sensor's with the cat removed from the stock header. Plus you will gain maybe 5 HP with a tuned header. JMO
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 422
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From: Ivor VA
When I was in the same place trying to make a decision I had a Harley tech who runs his dealership's Nito drag Bike tell me that the after market head pipes are great but in all reality on a stock bike you are paying around $100 to $150 per Hp depending on what brand you buy; that sold me on gutting my Cat.