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I was told by two different Harley dealers today that the D&D Boss 2-1 was the BEST exhaust for performance. They both said it had a real throaty sound too. It came HIGHLY recommended. But, they wanted $1,100 for the 2-1, and another $350ish for the dummy pipe!!!
I really like the look of a pipe under each bag on the touring models, so a dummy pipe is pretty much a must for me.
Any opinions on it being the best for performance?? And, where is the cheapest/best place to get one??
I felt the difference (loss of low end torque) when I put my CFR knock-offs on. They sound great, and look cool, but I want my power back - while maintaining the looks of duals. Is this the way to go?
I am going to assume that you were happy with the performance prior to the (knock off) CFR's. Is this so? The large baffle diameter of the CFR's reduces back pressure and consequently, a loss of low end torque. Has the bike been dyno tuned since the CFR's came on board? If not, perhaps that would be a way to go. I would talk to a reputable local tuner and see what he says. It just seems that all that $$$$ spent on a 2-1 to return what you already had is overkill. Another suggestion to get increased performance and keep the dual exhaust look is an x type collector header like the Full Sac or Fuel Moto unit. Your stock heat shields fit over them but will do much more than a stock header could. That still leaves you with basically the wrong mufflers (maybe). I'd start with the tuner guy and go from there.
I probably should, but I love loud!!! I got ear plugs :-)
Did you get the wrapped or unwrapped D&D FC performance baffle? I have had both and I really liked loud pipes. But I have to tell you that the unwrapped performance pipe was just "over the top", "wake the dead" kinda loud. Even I couldn't take it on rides for more than 20-30 mins which is saying alot.
You won't lose any power by going to the wrapped performance baffle but it'll tame the sound to a tolerable level. Its still loud and alot of guys with "delicate ears" still won't want to ride behind you, but the performance really is worth it. And the dyno confirms it.
Trying to swap out baffles is nearly impossible on the FC. It's very difficult. The easier but more expensive solution is to just buy a second "can" with a different baffle in it. This is what I did. I now have a muffler can with the unwrapped performance baffle (ridiculously loud) and a separate can with the wrapped performance baffle (barely tolerable loud). Switching out complete cans is a 10 min job vs the potentially hrs-long approach to swapping out baffles.
Good luck.
Last edited by Heatwave; Mar 16, 2013 at 11:18 AM.
I am going to assume that you were happy with the performance prior to the (knock off) CFR's. Is this so? The large baffle diameter of the CFR's reduces back pressure and consequently, a loss of low end torque. Has the bike been dyno tuned since the CFR's came on board? If not, perhaps that would be a way to go. I would talk to a reputable local tuner and see what he says. It just seems that all that $$$$ spent on a 2-1 to return what you already had is overkill. Another suggestion to get increased performance and keep the dual exhaust look is an x type collector header like the Full Sac or Fuel Moto unit. Your stock heat shields fit over them but will do much more than a stock header could. That still leaves you with basically the wrong mufflers (maybe). I'd start with the tuner guy and go from there.
I have a Power Vision from Fuel Moto. I used the autotune on that, and it did help, but the CFRs still reduced torque. I also have the stock head pipe, but gutted CAT.
But I don't think the D&D will just get me back what I lossed, I'm hoping it should return what I lossed + a lot more.
As far as the $$ goes, I got a nice used set coming for $850,.... Which is the price of any full exhaust system (ball park anyway).
As far as being happy before.... I was, kinda, but still wanted more. One reason I was kinda thinking of staying with the CFRs was the sound... I just love LOUD, and that they were...... But if I can get a great loud sound, with performance, and looks, than that's the ticket. I'm thinking these D&Ds are gonna do all that perfectly. - sure hope so anyway!!!
I have a Power Vision from Fuel Moto. I used the autotune on that, and it did help, but the CFRs still reduced torque. I also have the stock head pipe, but gutted CAT.
But I don't think the D&D will just get me back what I lossed, I'm hoping it should return what I lossed + a lot more.
As far as the $$ goes, I got a nice used set coming for $850,.... Which is the price of any full exhaust system (ball park anyway).
As far as being happy before.... I was, kinda, but still wanted more. One reason I was kinda thinking of staying with the CFRs was the sound... I just love LOUD, and that they were...... But if I can get a great loud sound, with performance, and looks, than that's the ticket. I'm thinking these D&Ds are gonna do all that perfectly. - sure hope so anyway!!!
The fatcat will give you way better numbers and a much smoother curve then the CFR's. You obviously love loud so I think you will be happy with the unwrapped baffle. I had that on my last bike but I went wrapped this time around to tone it down just a hair. Don't worry man you are all set.
I have a Power Vision from Fuel Moto. I used the autotune on that, and it did help, but the CFRs still reduced torque. I also have the stock head pipe, but gutted CAT.
But I don't think the D&D will just get me back what I lossed, I'm hoping it should return what I lossed + a lot more.
As far as the $$ goes, I got a nice used set coming for $850,.... Which is the price of any full exhaust system (ball park anyway).
As far as being happy before.... I was, kinda, but still wanted more. One reason I was kinda thinking of staying with the CFRs was the sound... I just love LOUD, and that they were...... But if I can get a great loud sound, with performance, and looks, than that's the ticket. I'm thinking these D&Ds are gonna do all that perfectly. - sure hope so anyway!!!
A buddy of mine had a Fat Cat with the performance baffle, Zippers 575 cams in a 96" 09 Road King. I'll never forget the 1st time I heard that thing fire up in his very large, tall ceiling-ed garage. Sounded like start up at NASCAR! I've been around these things for some time now and I have never heard a Harley sound like that one. I don't think that baffle makes the most low end torque but I'm pretty sure it would help on the upper end. There are numerous baffle options available so I'm sure you'll find the right one. As far as wanting more goes, you may be limiting yourself with those 255's. There are what they are and there are lots better choices to take advantage of that new header. Time will tell I guess. Sounds like you are on your way to what you want. Congrats!
Did you get the wrapped or unwrapped D&D FC performance baffle? I have had both and I really liked loud pipes. But I have to tell you that the unwrapped performance pipe was just "over the top", "wake the dead" kinda loud. Even I couldn't take it on rides for more than 20-30 mins which is saying alot.
Trying to swap out baffles is nearly impossible on the FC. It's very difficult. The easier but more expensive solution is to just buy a second "can" with a different baffle in it. This is what I did. I now have a muffler can with the unwrapped performance baffle (ridiculously loud) and a separate can with the wrapped performance baffle (barely tolerable loud). Switching out complete cans is a 10 min job vs the potentially hrs-long approach to swapping out baffles.
Good luck.
I got them used, but I THINk it's the loud performance baffle. I hear ya on getting out baffles. I simply could not get out the ones of my rush slip ons - after 30 min of using liquid wrench, a sledge hammer, and ramming rod - Ridiculous!!!!
- is there a way I can look in the can and see which one it is???
I got them used, but I THINk it's the loud performance baffle. I hear ya on getting out baffles. I simply could not get out the ones of my rush slip ons - after 30 min of using liquid wrench, a sledge hammer, and ramming rod - Ridiculous!!!!
- is there a way I can look in the can and see which one it is???
Not really. There are 2 performance baffles that are essentially identical. One has a wrapped baffle and the other has the same baffle without the wrapping material. The sound difference is dramatic. Without the wrapping on the baffle, you'll definitely have a NASCAR engine sound. Very loud and really "raw". With the wrapping on the baffle, the exhaust will be somewhat deeper and alittle less raw without any impact on performance.
Both baffles will get almost everyone's attention when you start the engine. The unwrapped will even get lot's of stares when you pass a cemetery
The only way that I know to tell which baffle you have (if you're unfamiliar with the 2 different sounds) is to pull the baffle and see if it has the wrapping material or not.
As far as wanting more goes, you may be limiting yourself with those 255's. There are what they are and there are lots better choices to take advantage of that new header. Time will tell I guess. Sounds like you are on your way to what you want. Congrats!
I think you're right. The local HD had a special on 255s, and I did it. $1,000 for cam, install, adjustable rods, and their generic HD stage II map. When compared to others dealers $1,300, it was a very good deal. Hind sight, I wish I had ordered a full blown 107 kit from FM with 555 or 777 cams, .... But, the money is gone so I'll run my current set up til I get this bike paid off, then dump some $$$ in the motor. At my current rate, I should have 35,000 miles on her by the time the bank gives it to me..... I'll be ready for serious motor work by then....
I had it on my stage 2 103 on my last bike. It is a good pipe but expensive. I also thought the sound was a little off to me but that is a personal opinion. If I had to do it again I think I would of went with drago....
Got the Fat Cat on today..... and how come no one told me it was loud??
Someone said the sound was kinda holly and tinny.... they are a kinda right I think. I really like the sound, crazy loud, and mean sounding.... but not bassy like CFRs or Thunderheaders... or even Rush.... But, I still like it!!!
-And, the reason I wanted it, power!! My butt dyno did feel the difference!! I got a map from Jamie at FM, did a quick 20 minute autotune, and I like it!!
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