Do I really need to change the stock headers?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 121
From: Northern Illinois
I like my CAT. It ain't going nowhere! 
I have never noticed any extra heat over my 2002 RK, and my Fuel Moto Stage 1 kit runs like a dream. A bud who has dyno'd hundreds of bikes says the stock CAT header performs very well.
I have never noticed any extra heat over my 2002 RK, and my Fuel Moto Stage 1 kit runs like a dream. A bud who has dyno'd hundreds of bikes says the stock CAT header performs very well.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
I agree with Guntoter. Removal of the cat is primarily the result of a quest for less heat and better sound. If either of those reasons is not an issue, then keep your stock header.
I rode for two years with my stock header. I had a stock, de-catted header installed when I had my apes installed, since my indy had to remove the exhaust system anyway. For me, I wanted to reduce the heat, while improving the air flow!
From dyno numbers people have reported on in the past, there is virtually no performance difference between catalytic and non-catalytic in the same style pipe. I think the main advantage of its removal is sound and less heat. If those aren't an issue I would leave it, unless you like the looks of a different head pipe.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 464
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
My road glide come with Monster Rounds. I am a little disappointed in the sound myself. I am going to decat and see if that helps with the sound as well as the heat from the cat. I have also seen where others have removed the packing around the baffles. You don't have the change the headpipes, but don't be surprised if you are disappointed in the lack of sound.
Sound is subjective, just my $.02
Sound is subjective, just my $.02
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 4
From: The Great River Road, Wisconsin
My local dealer does this as a service. They offered it up to me after I had already removed on my own. Wouldn't hurt to ask.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 4
From: The Great River Road, Wisconsin
The cats are free flowing unless plugged from debris after many many many miles.
They do effect airflow, just due to the fact that they are in the stream, but you can see all kinds of daylight through them. Not sure if Fuel Moto has done side by side comparo of with and without, but I suspect someone has so you can get the "straight" scoop.
They do effect airflow, just due to the fact that they are in the stream, but you can see all kinds of daylight through them. Not sure if Fuel Moto has done side by side comparo of with and without, but I suspect someone has so you can get the "straight" scoop.
In order to "void the warranty" per the Magnusson Moss act of 1975, it is the burdon of the manufacturer to prove that whatever failure you are trying to get fixed under warranty is a result of whatever changes you made.
What, someone please tell me, can removing the catalytic converter do to an engine that would be a direct result of removing that cat, and cause a failure?
The dealers like to throw around that "void your warranty" **** to try and scare us, and many sheeple bite. I have done anywhere from simple SE slipons and intake with dealer download to full exhaust replacement with aftermarket parts and tuners and have never had an issue with warranty.
There's my 2 cents, and YMMV.
To the OP:
No, you do not "NEED" to change your stock headers. It is less expensive if you do not. I look at it as personal choice:
Is it more important to YOU to reduce the felt heat and get a couple of dB's...
or is the heat not an issue, and are you OK with gaining sound with slipons?
Either answer is right, depending on your point of view.
...and your wallet.
What, someone please tell me, can removing the catalytic converter do to an engine that would be a direct result of removing that cat, and cause a failure?
The dealers like to throw around that "void your warranty" **** to try and scare us, and many sheeple bite. I have done anywhere from simple SE slipons and intake with dealer download to full exhaust replacement with aftermarket parts and tuners and have never had an issue with warranty.
There's my 2 cents, and YMMV.
To the OP:
No, you do not "NEED" to change your stock headers. It is less expensive if you do not. I look at it as personal choice:
Is it more important to YOU to reduce the felt heat and get a couple of dB's...
or is the heat not an issue, and are you OK with gaining sound with slipons?
Either answer is right, depending on your point of view.
...and your wallet.
, +2
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 1
From: Southeast WI
My dealer doesn't do any decatting themselves (I don't think they have a welder and with shop rates they couldn't compete with wrenchers that do it), but they were OK with putting on the one I bought for $110 from the classifieds here The service manager told me my 7 year warranty would NOT be affected whatsoever so long as the header accepted the O2 sensors, which it did. So I'm good to go - LOTS LESS heat, so I'm very happy with the result. The bike runs great and it sounds better than with the cat.
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There has got to be a snip of the story missing...
Why did he have to remove the exhaust to install handlebars?
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A disclaimer used by the auto industry based on their advertised claims...
Used on the internet forums basically to say that everyone's outcome may be different.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 139
Likes: 4
From: Nags Head, NC
Dealer removing cat
The dealer I bought my bike from will remove the cat for $200. I bought one off eBay and had him install it. I kept the original incase my state everstarts emissions inspections I can put it back on.