Help power duals
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
Update, new headpipe does not work, still leaks at the exhaust port. V&H tech support does not know what to do, they started talking about the exhaust ports being out of square, go figure. Am trying to get credit for dresser duals will wait and see, back to stock head pipe for now.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 338
Likes: 2
From: North Central CT
When you reinstall the stock head pipe, will you use the flat or tapered gaskets? Be interesting to see which you use and what the result is. If there is a tolerancing issue that affects the fit of the VH pipe, you'd think there could be a similar issue with the stock one.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Fairborn Ohio
The stock head pipe seals just fine. On another note I wonder how many people check for a leak at the exhaust port, would be interested in knowing this. I have read post of popping after installation.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
I pulled mine off when I replaced bars, needed new clutch cable and exhaust has to come off. I used HD tapered exhaust gaskets and got a good seal. They pipes were originally installed by the dealer at the 1K service so not sure what gasket they used. Getting all the old gaskets out was a bit of a pain, but I made sure the surface was clean. No leaks on mine. Maybe try the tapered gasket.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton, California
I say send the pipes back and go with someone else. The level 1 customer service army they have at V&H will just keep sending replacements until you actually get one that works. I would go with a company that actually cares about the craftsmanship of the pipe and not just good advertising and bubbly people on the phone.... You get what you pay for! You spent how much on that fine machine you got there, why compromise on the equipment you put on the bike???
I know I am about to get blasted by all the V&H sheep, but it's true. Capitalism! Low manufacturing cost, good advertising, and a ton of product. That will make you a bunch of money, but not necessarily put out the best product.
Here is the truth: The V&H pipes are thinner. They wear out quicker. They are made to be mass produced. V&H is probably happy to except that 20% of there pipes will be returned with flaws. They are checked by some minimum wage goof ball on the line.
Check out some of the true dual threads and you will find some top-notch pipes. Yes, you will pay a little extra. But here is the question: Is $100-$200 more worth the price for quality pipes with zero issues and realiability and overall better performance, sound, and longevity?
This is not an advertisement which is why I didnt put any brand names in here. Just a guy that does his homework. I suggest the OP does his instead of being forced to smile while V&H continually sends you subpar equipment.
Now, bring on the hate.....
I know I am about to get blasted by all the V&H sheep, but it's true. Capitalism! Low manufacturing cost, good advertising, and a ton of product. That will make you a bunch of money, but not necessarily put out the best product.
Here is the truth: The V&H pipes are thinner. They wear out quicker. They are made to be mass produced. V&H is probably happy to except that 20% of there pipes will be returned with flaws. They are checked by some minimum wage goof ball on the line.
Check out some of the true dual threads and you will find some top-notch pipes. Yes, you will pay a little extra. But here is the question: Is $100-$200 more worth the price for quality pipes with zero issues and realiability and overall better performance, sound, and longevity?
This is not an advertisement which is why I didnt put any brand names in here. Just a guy that does his homework. I suggest the OP does his instead of being forced to smile while V&H continually sends you subpar equipment.
Now, bring on the hate.....
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton, California
Like I said, I figured I would get some hate. You don't have to believe me, just look on this forum about the problems with V&H. Cracking, discoloration, fitment, etc... Sure there are many who don't have problems, but I would rather not play the guessing game. I would rather give my money to a company that cares about a quality product all the time and excepts nothing less.
Don't get all butt hurt about my post. But there are better options out there. JMHO.
Don't get all butt hurt about my post. But there are better options out there. JMHO.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Maybe it's different for touring header, but I used HD "tapered" exhaust gaskets on my 05 XL1200C when installing V&H SS's exhaust...is there any reason not to try the tapered gaskets??
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 32,562
Likes: 2,577
From: Shit Weather USA
I say send the pipes back and go with someone else. The level 1 customer service army they have at V&H will just keep sending replacements until you actually get one that works. I would go with a company that actually cares about the craftsmanship of the pipe and not just good advertising and bubbly people on the phone.... You get what you pay for! You spent how much on that fine machine you got there, why compromise on the equipment you put on the bike???
I know I am about to get blasted by all the V&H sheep, but it's true. Capitalism! Low manufacturing cost, good advertising, and a ton of product. That will make you a bunch of money, but not necessarily put out the best product.
Here is the truth: The V&H pipes are thinner. They wear out quicker. They are made to be mass produced. V&H is probably happy to except that 20% of there pipes will be returned with flaws. They are checked by some minimum wage goof ball on the line.
Check out some of the true dual threads and you will find some top-notch pipes. Yes, you will pay a little extra. But here is the question: Is $100-$200 more worth the price for quality pipes with zero issues and realiability and overall better performance, sound, and longevity?
This is not an advertisement which is why I didnt put any brand names in here. Just a guy that does his homework. I suggest the OP does his instead of being forced to smile while V&H continually sends you subpar equipment.
Now, bring on the hate.....
I know I am about to get blasted by all the V&H sheep, but it's true. Capitalism! Low manufacturing cost, good advertising, and a ton of product. That will make you a bunch of money, but not necessarily put out the best product.
Here is the truth: The V&H pipes are thinner. They wear out quicker. They are made to be mass produced. V&H is probably happy to except that 20% of there pipes will be returned with flaws. They are checked by some minimum wage goof ball on the line.
Check out some of the true dual threads and you will find some top-notch pipes. Yes, you will pay a little extra. But here is the question: Is $100-$200 more worth the price for quality pipes with zero issues and realiability and overall better performance, sound, and longevity?
This is not an advertisement which is why I didnt put any brand names in here. Just a guy that does his homework. I suggest the OP does his instead of being forced to smile while V&H continually sends you subpar equipment.
Now, bring on the hate.....
Just out of curiosity what brand of pipes do you like?