Hello,

Is there a trick to getting the left and right exhaust piping to separate where they connect directly over the starter? I've got everything loosened but can't get the two pieces to separate so I can remove them from the bike.

Shaun

 

When I pulled mine apart I had used penetrating oil on it the night before. Still was not easy, but it did come apart. Mine is a 99 ultra with 22,000 miles on it, so it was together for a while.
Sometimes a little heat from a torch would help too.

 

If you are putting a set of duals on or a 2-1, take a sawzall and cut it! If you are going to put the pipe back on, that of course is a no-no.

 

Its a major pain in the *** to pull those pipes apart. Probably the easiest way is to remove the left saddlebag, bag guard and the bag support bracket along with the left side plastic cover, which just pops right off. This will allow you to grab the muffler or pipe on the left side and raise and lower it to winch it off of the y-pipe. Use some wd-40 or other penetrate at the joint but it still is going to take some work. On the right side you can pull the remainder off as a unit if you are replacing the full exhaust. If you are putting on the Fullsac true duals then you have to use a heavy plastic mallet to drive against the angle of the y-pipe down at the right side of the transmission to get it to come off. You will dent the y-pipe but if you are planning to discard it then don't worry about it. Leave the support clamp on the front pipe where it attaches to the transmission support bracket when you drive off the y-pipe.

When you get that exhaust finally removed you know you have done something.

 

Takes some time and sweat for sure but I used penetrating oil and a hammer with a blunt end punch. That first little bit is 80% of the work, it will move a little more each time you push, pull, twist, curse, bleed a little, but it does come apart. Get it to move a little then reoil and find something else to do for a few minutes. Cover starter with a rag or something, ask me how i know... Hope this helps
Kris