Exhaust For Dummies...
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 117
From: NW Georgia
Exhaust For Dummies...
Kind of a long post...but I have faith in my fellow "HDForumers." I am not mechanically inclined and I don't do tools (a safety and sanity issue if you get my drift). I need instructions to drive a nail...but I love riding my Road King! It's a 2011 RKC, with a Stage I and Screamin' Eagle add-on mufflers. I traded a 2008 Softail Deluxe with V&H True Duals and Fishtails, and although the exhaust note was a little on the "cracking" side, it sounded and ran super.
I've tried to glean what knowledge I can from different exhaust posts on the forum, but honestly I'm just not getting it. I apologize for being so dense, but I just don't understand all the exhaust talk, i.e., header pipes, O2 sensors, etc. I really want to make my RKC runs as well as it can, but need help to understand what needs to be done. Do I buy a full exhaust system such as the V&H Dresser Dual system? Do I then need to replace the SE mufflers I have? Will the bike sound like a Harley really should after I do this (I don't really like the sound now...kind of a stifled sound with the SEs)? After installing the exhaust, do I need to re-map the SERT?
I know this will cost me some scratch, but am willing to put the money into it as I plan on keeping this motorcycle for many years. Can some of you please enlighten me? I'd really appreciate it, and thanks for the help.
I've tried to glean what knowledge I can from different exhaust posts on the forum, but honestly I'm just not getting it. I apologize for being so dense, but I just don't understand all the exhaust talk, i.e., header pipes, O2 sensors, etc. I really want to make my RKC runs as well as it can, but need help to understand what needs to be done. Do I buy a full exhaust system such as the V&H Dresser Dual system? Do I then need to replace the SE mufflers I have? Will the bike sound like a Harley really should after I do this (I don't really like the sound now...kind of a stifled sound with the SEs)? After installing the exhaust, do I need to re-map the SERT?
I know this will cost me some scratch, but am willing to put the money into it as I plan on keeping this motorcycle for many years. Can some of you please enlighten me? I'd really appreciate it, and thanks for the help.
Last edited by HaydenHeywoodHayes; Feb 28, 2012 at 04:44 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I'm kinda like you, so this'll be the blind leading the blind, but here goes nothin'! If you do the Dresser Duals (or any duals), you can do any slip-on pipes you want --- you don't have to keep what you have now. OR, you can keep the pipes if you still want them. I have V&H Power Duals on my 103 Ultra, with Rush slip-ons. It'll definitely still sound like a Harley --- it all depends on the slip-on pipes you use. Also, if you ask (on this forum) what are the best-sounding pipes, lookout! Sound is pretty subjective, and you'll get a hundred different answers. Go to a dealer on a nice Saturday morning, or go to a bike night. Ask people to fire 'em up for you. (They will. No problem.) When you hear something you like, you'll say "that's what I want, right there." That's what I did when I got my 1st Harley in 09. Heard something else last summer, that I liked even better, so I'm changing out to them this spring. Hope it kinda tells you what you want! I'm not a pro by any stretch. Just a few things I've "learned" along the way!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
It's a 2011 RKC, with a Stage I and Screamin' Eagle add-on mufflers.
I've tried to glean what knowledge I can from different exhaust posts on the forum, but honestly I'm just not getting it. I apologize for being so dense, but I just don't understand all the exhaust talk, i.e., header pipes, O2 sensors, etc. I really want to make my RKC runs as well as it can, but need help to understand what needs to be done. Do I buy a full exhaust system such as the V&H Dresser Dual system? Do I then need to replace the SE mufflers I have? Will the bike sound like a Harley really should after I do this (I don't really like the sound now...kind of a stifled sound with the SEs)? After installing the exhaust, do I need to re-map the SERT?
I've tried to glean what knowledge I can from different exhaust posts on the forum, but honestly I'm just not getting it. I apologize for being so dense, but I just don't understand all the exhaust talk, i.e., header pipes, O2 sensors, etc. I really want to make my RKC runs as well as it can, but need help to understand what needs to be done. Do I buy a full exhaust system such as the V&H Dresser Dual system? Do I then need to replace the SE mufflers I have? Will the bike sound like a Harley really should after I do this (I don't really like the sound now...kind of a stifled sound with the SEs)? After installing the exhaust, do I need to re-map the SERT?
Sounds like you have hi-flow mufflers, air and a SERT. The header pipe is the exhaust from the motor to the mufflers, on yours it will have a catalytic converter in it. Don't worry about the O2 sensors right now, just know they are there for the ECM. You can replace the head pipe with one with no "cat" in it, different mufflers will get you different sounds. If, by the Harley sound, you mean the sound of the old days, that ain't happening on these new bikes, you can make them roar, but you can't imitate the shovels and pans of days gone by. My advice is to hang around other bikes, talk to the guys, see what sounds good to you, then get a plan. Once you decide on head pipe and mufflers, make the change and get a good dyno tune. Then you're done until the next change .... and the next change ... and on it goes.
This is pretty much right on. Listen to some systems to see what sound you want. If it is power you're after, the MGS True Duals produce a 12 ft lb increase over stock, and sound great. Either way, you will need a good tune after you are done. Get a K&N type air cleaner and do yourself a favor and go with a full system instead of just slip-ons, you won't be sorry. Good luck, and feel free to call us at the shop for any advice.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
Also, when listening to other pipes at bike nights or Saturday mornings at the Dealer (great advice, that's why it's used so often), make sure you ask about motor work as well. Cams, higher compression, big bore kits all will affect the sound.
There are a million options out there, and it keeps growing. I'm kind of an exhaust junkie. Always have been on everything I've owned. I like my set up now, but I always keep my eye out for something I may like more.
Good luck on your quest. Take your time.
There are a million options out there, and it keeps growing. I'm kind of an exhaust junkie. Always have been on everything I've owned. I like my set up now, but I always keep my eye out for something I may like more.
Good luck on your quest. Take your time.
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