Just over a month ago bought a 2011 EG Ultra Limited, 103, with 20k on it from local dealer. I'm thinking it was one of their rentals b/c it was in showroom condition and (the big tell) it was still stock (I mean who buys an HD, puts 20k miles on it and leaves it stock).

Ok, all I've add are slip-on V&H rounds. About to add a better AC to let her breath (will install myself); then I'll take her to the dealer for a full dyno tune.

For now the only other thing I want done is to remove the cat. Can this be done while keeping my stock pips? Or will I have to buy pips? If I can remove the cat and keep my stock pips...how the hell do I do it?

 

Do the search "remove cat", there is a few posts with pics that show you how to do it yourself.
For sure without the cat, a big reduction of heat on the right side.
I've never done this, but it appears simple to me.

 

I have to add, CAT removal is the way. Did it to my '11' Limited when I first got her; big difference.

 

I bought a headpipe with the cat already removed from off ebay for $150 so I could keep my stock pipe - just in case. Big reduction in heat on the right side. Slight increase in sound with the stock mufflers and intake. Haven't noticed any change in performance otherwise. Got mine from this guy: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wild-Pig-Hea...#ht_500wt_1169

He'll refund $50 of your purchase price if you send back the stock pipe. The shipping fee pays for both ways as he includes a prepaid return shipping label.

 

This photo is from another thread here on catalytic converters. And while I'm sure they still flow they look amazingly restrictive.

 

I dont recomend cutting it in half but cutting an access panel out of the outter side then welding it shut. Im actually interested in a gutted headpipe for a touring bike with the 18mm bungs by the exhaust port. My 2011 pipe has the smaller bungs down by the area in front of where the cat used to be. Why your prob wondering? I would like to implement an Auto Tune to a soon to install PCV and it needs to have the 18mm bungs and its more acurate closer to the exhaust port. It will have to be my next
project as well as replacing the primary auro adjuster with an adjustable one. Sorry didnt mean to hyjack the thread by going into a tangent.

 

I cut an access panel in mine and it worked like a charm. Took my 4 1/2" angle grinder and cut out a window in the side. Removed the cat material which was the hardest part of the whole operation, that cat material is stubborn and difficult to get out. Then used my mig welder and welded the panel back in. No leaks and worked like a charm. It reduced the heat and made it sound a little better. A few weeks later, I used a hole saw and cut the baffles out of my mufflers.....damn thing sounds great now and didnt cost me a penny. I will buy a performance head pipe and mufflers eventually but for now this made it sound nice and opened up the exhaust flow.

 

I used a spade wood bit and extension, no cutting or welding required, it will all come out .