How do stock mufflers sound with catless header?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 17
From: Mid West
I replaced the stock head pipe on my 2012 RGU with a decatted head pipe, sound went up noticeably with the original mufflers, power to me went up with it or at least response did. Now have over 200 miles on it with no after effects, no odd feel or sounds from the engine and a lot less heat. Only on second tank of fuel to tell if any economy gain so not reporting there yet.
For me, yes, I am quite satisfied as to sound, response subtle changes in the bike. I wasn't looking for a major HP gain or fuel economy runaway gain just get rid of the heat and back pressure.
For me, yes, I am quite satisfied as to sound, response subtle changes in the bike. I wasn't looking for a major HP gain or fuel economy runaway gain just get rid of the heat and back pressure.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Sound is subjective. I thought the bike sounded decent stock, better with a tune, better with out the converter, and better with mufflers.
Were it me, I'd start with the tuner, as many/most people would probably be quite happy with the the way the stock bike runs and sounds when the motor's tuned right.
Were it me, I'd start with the tuner, as many/most people would probably be quite happy with the the way the stock bike runs and sounds when the motor's tuned right.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
This is what I did when I first bought my 2013. This is assuming the 14's have the same plug, which I believe they do. A simple hole saw and you can drill that baffle plug right out. I am hoping that when I decat my head pipe, install my A/C and tuning that I can reinstall my stock mufflers with that baffle plug removed and have a decent sounding exhaust. Like the O/P, I just like the look of the stock mufflers. They are a huge bunch of visible chrome, and that's always good.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
American Custom has some great sounding mufflers to match up with de-catted headers......and they are made from stock HD mufflers so they maintain the look of the factory exhaust. I had a set installed on my 2012 RK by American Custom last year in Daytona and love the sound and performance.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 285
From: Alva Florida
This company makes a line of replaceable baffles, and a head pipe. They are great folks to work with. You can use your original exhaust and change the baffles. Some times no baffles at all can be annoying on long rides.
http://www.fullsac.com/
http://www.fullsac.com/