Been around bikes my whole life, now im realizing how really intense perfecting new bike is getting this week. Been studying next move and have these ideas but want comparisons with the rest of you fanatics out there.
Want the extra power with the deep loud pipes.

I was thinking of the vance and hines pipes, definitely the duals but not sure which ones, opinions greatly appreciated...

Then either the vance and hines fuel pak, or the power commander 5, again opinions greatly appreciated heard good things on both, curious if its worth going pcv...

Then I was thinking either Arlen ness big sucker a/c or se a/c.

All opinions are again greatly appreciated and any alternatives welcomed,
Thanks

 

The Ness costs less ( under $120 on ebay from easternpc) than the S/E, that is with the chrome backing plate which matches the motor- the S/E is cast grey
also has a reuseable, washable, oiled filter - not disposable
and easier install as the gas tank and throttle body brace stay in place.

For "just" a stage 1, many of us are using the nightrider.com xieds at about $120

you can get a more complex tuning device, but complexity is not always better.

pipes; get what you like the sound of... but if you plan on touring, loud pipes are a bummer 3 hours into an 8 hour day...with another 8 hour day to follow...or if you like the stereo.

My riding Pal has the V&H power duals ( 2-1-2) with Monster Ovals. Either he follows or I drop waaay back if he leads. To a following rider they sound tinny and I don't wanna listen to that all day.

the power duals may scrape on right turns if the bike is lowered- the cover on the X pipe can hit HARD and relieve traction from the rear tire. ( I about wrecked his bike on the curve at the bottom of my street...which I have taken thousands of times on various bikes).
if installing PD's make sure the clamp on the crossover is not protruding down- the excess threads can catch a speed bump and tear the exhaust off the bike.


mike

 

For my denim black 2011 FLHX 103, I went with V&H Dresser Duals (black), V&H Blackout Rounds, Kuryakyn Hi-five Mach 2 (9554), and the new LCD V&H Fuelpak. Looks good, sounds good, runs good, reasonable cost (about $1200).

 

I have the power duals, and kuryakyn crushers, sounds great, and they do not scrape.

 

For me I did V&H True Duals with hi-output slipons, HD Stage 1 air cleaner, and TTS tuner.

 

I love my Bub true duals. They are pretty loud. I started my 2010 with a SE heavy breather took it off after riding through hurricane lee a few years back. I then went to the Ness Stage 2 and recently removed it for the SE AC. I am happy with the SEAC. Thats what I was going to do 2 years ago, could have saved my self some money.

On ECMs, I have been running the PCV with Auto Tune for over 35K miles. I am pretty happy with it. I would take a good look at the power vision if I were going to replace the PCV.

 

If I had the chance to turn back the clock on my upgrades...I'd go with MGS & their performance package bundle.

http://www.mgscustombikes.com/mgs-performance-packages/

 

As others have said, if you plan on touring then I would suggest staying away from the louder pipes. I'm running the 4" Rinehart TD Extremes on my 2010 SG and I log about 8k per year on this bike; strictly touring. At cruising speed (3k rpm) the sound mild. I have Dragula's on my 2012 SG 120R Procharged build and my ears bleed from the sound, but I need them for perfromance.

 

I have the V&H PD's mated to the CFR's there loud but at cruising speeds they mellow out quite nicely. I also have the S/E Heavy Breather which is most likely more "fashion" than "function" with the PCV... I like this setup and the throttle response in Awesome!! Take your time and try to listen to other bikes to find the one for you...It could become a costly adventure.... Holla

 

his is the same setup I have. Love it.