Another muffler thread! 
Mufflers Only
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I did just this on my 2013 Anniversary Road King. The bike is otherwise stock. I ordered a set of slip on fishtails and put my faith in the stock tune and the fact the catalytic converter was the needed back pressure to maintain the factory driving characteristics. I was amazed frankly. Other than the bike being louder, it runs just as it did with the stock mufflers. Of course a tuner would give me a little extra power, but for now, I have no issues at all.
Last edited by bikerlaw; Aug 14, 2013 at 06:02 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,306
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
As others indicate...pipe swap won't affect bike tune much so no problems w/ECM & tune. When swapping pipes, make sure to get a good seal on the pipe/header joint, to avoid leaks. I've used HT silicone (i.e. liquid copper) for many years and, to date, haven't had any leaks, or issues. Just run a bead along the "inner" flange of your pipe before slipping onto header and you're good. Also makes removal easier too b/c this probably won't be your last set of pipes. Enjoy!
Novice
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From:
I just took my 2013 RGC in for it's 10K service and also had the CAT removed. I noticed it to be a little bit louder after removal of CAT, especially at an idle. I have V&H 4" slip ons, which are not terribly loud but do have a deeper sound that stock pipes. I did not see any additional power after decatting but hopefully it will run cooler here in this Florida heat. I may at some time in the future go to a different breather and install a tuner, probably the Power Commander V with autotune. I really have no idea if that is the way to go or simply have the bike tuned by Harley. Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,449
Likes: 495
From: Port Arthur, Texas
I did just this on my 2013 Anniversary Road King. The bike is otherwise stock. I ordered a set of slip on fishtails and put my faith in the stock tune and the fact the catalytic converter was the needed back pressure to maintain the factory driving characteristics. I was amazed frankly. Other than the bike being louder, it runs just as it did with the stock mufflers. Of course a tuner would give me a little extra power, but for now, I have no issues at all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
Your gonna be pissed if you don't at least de-cat the header. All those $$$'s you've just spent on slip-ons and won't sound much different than stock. But at least it's a start in the right direction.
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