Exhaust clearance issues
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
Exhaust clearance issues
Just installed my new MGS true duals. Have a couple minor trouble spots I still need to iron out. I talked to Mike at MGS a couple times, and he was as helpful as possible but I'm pretty much on my own from here. Two things:
I installed the supplied spacers for the rider floorboard and it was still too close for comfort. I added some more washers to gain a little more clearance, and right now I have MAYBE 1/8 inch between the floorboard bracket and the heat shield when the bike isn't running. I would still like to space it out some more, but I'm not sure how far I need to go. What is the minimum amount of space you think I need to be safe once you factor in the motor shaking and whatnot? I was thinking of getting the Soos extensions but I'm not sure which one. Right now that 1/8 clearance is created by about 1/2 inch of spacers. So if I spaced a total of 3/4 inch it would give me about 3/8 clearance. Is that enough, or should I go with the full inch spacer?
Next is the bend at the bottom of the front head pipe is very close (1/8 inch or so) to the bottom back edge of the rear brake lever. Not touching at rest, but it hits when the motor is shaking. I think about all I can do is remove the brake pedal lever and grind some metal off in the area of the interference. Question is, how much? Again, how much room do I need in there to allow for motor movement? Also anyone done this that could provide some tips for grinding carefully without damaging. I figured little at a time with a dremel maybe. It's really all I have that would work without taking it to someone. Last thing, once I'm done grinding, what sort of paint/finish could I put on the bare part to prevent rust. Doesn't have to pretty because it will be in an inconspicuous area, just a pretty close match to the chrome look it has now.
This is on an 04 Road King by the way. Thanks.
I installed the supplied spacers for the rider floorboard and it was still too close for comfort. I added some more washers to gain a little more clearance, and right now I have MAYBE 1/8 inch between the floorboard bracket and the heat shield when the bike isn't running. I would still like to space it out some more, but I'm not sure how far I need to go. What is the minimum amount of space you think I need to be safe once you factor in the motor shaking and whatnot? I was thinking of getting the Soos extensions but I'm not sure which one. Right now that 1/8 clearance is created by about 1/2 inch of spacers. So if I spaced a total of 3/4 inch it would give me about 3/8 clearance. Is that enough, or should I go with the full inch spacer?
Next is the bend at the bottom of the front head pipe is very close (1/8 inch or so) to the bottom back edge of the rear brake lever. Not touching at rest, but it hits when the motor is shaking. I think about all I can do is remove the brake pedal lever and grind some metal off in the area of the interference. Question is, how much? Again, how much room do I need in there to allow for motor movement? Also anyone done this that could provide some tips for grinding carefully without damaging. I figured little at a time with a dremel maybe. It's really all I have that would work without taking it to someone. Last thing, once I'm done grinding, what sort of paint/finish could I put on the bare part to prevent rust. Doesn't have to pretty because it will be in an inconspicuous area, just a pretty close match to the chrome look it has now.
This is on an 04 Road King by the way. Thanks.
I had the same issue on my '12 SG... Turned out the supplied L bracket that attaches the pipe to the stock trans mount bracket was on top and needs to be on the bottom of the stock bracket...after swapping I now have 1/4" space between the board and heat shield no rubs...check that...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 28
From: Living in open carry state :D
Try these. http://vtwingoodies.com/pages/driver.html
I bought mine from harley goodies but their web site now takes me to the Harley Davidson web site.
I bought mine from harley goodies but their web site now takes me to the Harley Davidson web site.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: West Point, VA
I went with the Pingel spacer for my passenger left footboard (1" spacer, I believe). Chris at MGS recommended that one, unless I had designs on some other alternative (like vtwingoodies). I didn't, so I bought the Pingel from MGS. Put in on a couple of days ago, worked like a charm.
I don't have the issue with the rear brake pedal and front cylinder pipe. It's tight, but after quite a bit of rocking in the cradle the last week or so there ain't any evidence that it's made contact at all.
The exhaust clearance issue I had to iron out was my right-side muffler and axle nut clearance. It was making contact at full shock extension. Those with shortened rear shocks don't seem to have this problem. I used 6 flat washers (3 on each screw) in-between the muffler hanger plate and the muffler. That provided enough clearance, so i did the same to the left side in order to even 'em out.
I don't have the issue with the rear brake pedal and front cylinder pipe. It's tight, but after quite a bit of rocking in the cradle the last week or so there ain't any evidence that it's made contact at all.
The exhaust clearance issue I had to iron out was my right-side muffler and axle nut clearance. It was making contact at full shock extension. Those with shortened rear shocks don't seem to have this problem. I used 6 flat washers (3 on each screw) in-between the muffler hanger plate and the muffler. That provided enough clearance, so i did the same to the left side in order to even 'em out.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
So what is the minimum amount of clearance I should be shooting for in my specific problem areas? 1/4 inch, more?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: West Point, VA
I can't say what the absolute minimum for engine-rocking clearance would be. I can say that I seem to have 3/16" clearance between my front head pipe and rear brake pedal, and I've no indications thus far of any contact.
Regarding the rider's right footboard...the MGS-supplied spacer on the rear bracket gives me 3/16" clearance between the front header and footboard.
I'm noticing a pattern...maybe 3/16" is the magic number? At least for my scoot...
Regarding the rider's right footboard...the MGS-supplied spacer on the rear bracket gives me 3/16" clearance between the front header and footboard.
I'm noticing a pattern...maybe 3/16" is the magic number? At least for my scoot...
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
Ok thanks. I guess I will shoot for about 3/16 or maybe 1/4 inch or so. It's kinda disappointing that I have to screw around with it this much to make it fit, but I guess the tolerances just aren't that exact or something. I do really like these pipes though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
The point is that the pipe touches nothing so therefor all is good. If you install your exhaust and nothing touches in normal operation, then leave it alone. Actual measurements don't matter as long as there is no interference IMO.