I just purchased a 2014 Street Glide special and had the dealer remove the cat headers and install what they recommended as the latest and greatest from Vance and Hines "Power Duals (the ones that have an horizontal X shield on them) and retain the use of the stock mufflers. For that extra great low rumble I also decided to install the Reinhart 4" slip-ons and the bike sounded awesome at idle. At 3000-3200 crusing rpm's though the rumble was so bad I couldn't ride it! Could it be the Mufflers??? I decided to experiment a little before condemning the mufflers.

Just so you know up front, Ever since I have owned this bike with this header system on it I have had a ridiculous amount of exhaust noise (loud rumble) that started creating a problem with my already damaged ears, Tinnitus started getting worse and I thought that maybe I'd have to give up riding my harley.

So, I went to the dealer that I purchased my bike from and suggested that I suspected the header pipe was the source of the problem. I was offered an opportunity to ride a punched out 103ci road king with true dual cross overs and Reinhart pipes so I took them up on it. Unbelievably quiet! I asked them if they though the header could be the issue and of course I got the old, I think it might be, but of course I got the old "we cant guaranty anything" and so on and so on. They fought me so much on even trying to make an attempt to solve the problem that I decided to just purchase and install the true duals myself and keep the 4" Reinharts on the bike.

Happily I can say that this bike is so quiet I have to turn the stereo DOWN now when I ride. 3000-3200 rpms now there is absolutely NO exhaust resonance and I have no more irritated ears from that stinkin Vance and Hines header.

If you are having some issues with a loud exhaust experience with this "Power Dual" system I recommend converting over to a true dual header system.

~Peace~ (finally)

Stew

 

Stew, next time you are shopping, search the forums first.

The noise levels of the PD's ( and other systems) have been discussed a number of times over the years...some guys do like them, some guys hate the TD's .

Sound is so subjective it'd better to base pipe choice on hearing what other guys are using at dealer bbq, bike night or other event.
( cyclerides.com can help you find events in the PHX area)

let the forums chime in with their 2¢, it could save you $$$

other possible concerns with PD's are:
a.) the X pipe cover can hit hard enough to relieve traction on a right turn- more likely on a lowered bike, even more likely if there is a dip in the curve which would cause the suspension to compress.
b.) the clamp on the crossunder must be oriented so that excess threaded rod is not sticking down- if it digs into a speed bump, it can tear the exhaust off the bike, possibly damaging the oil pan.


the TD's you are now happy with have their own performance characteristics which some riders do not like.
you can read up on 2/1/2, 2/1 and TD systems and typical performance results if you like



mike

 

Hate to tell you but when those 4" Rineharts break in they are going to get a little louder. I've heard the power duals and thought they were quieter than a true dual, IMO.

Also Power duals have been out for a while, not really what I would call the latest and far from being the greatest. Again, IMHO.

Congrats on the new ride and exhaust.

 

I've got the Reinharts' and love the sound! Loud and strong when I'm slamming it but nice and rumbly smooth when i'm just cruising.

 

There's nothing to break in on a Rinehart. Solid 3.5" or 4" muffler can with a louvered baffle running through it and an aluminum tip. That's it.

If Rineharts had packing, then I'd agree with you.

 

Like Mike said , sound can be so subjective. The tone can irritate one person and not another.I'm glad you have your issue fixed and enjoying your ride.
I have power duals on my ultra and love them,and for the reason's that Mike stated, check your install.
Ride safe.

 

Your problem has nothing to do with the Power Dual header dude.
I'm sure Vance & Hines will be laughing their *** off if they ever read this.

Your problem lies in your muffler choice and your already damaged hearing.

Power duals are quiet, knock yourself out with the increased noise and reduced performance of your true dual choice.

Just saying.

 

I have PDs and supertrapp se mufflers on my current bike and have had the same problem, as it barks when I get on it and is so mellow at highway speeds that I have turned the radio down. Very happy with this set up

On my 08' I had TDs with the same mufflers before they were redesigned and that setup was like jackhammers to your ears on the highway.

 

So is this to imply that Power Duals are insane loud, and Dresser Duals are whisper quiet?
Hmmm...
I have heard very loud DD's, with the same slip ons compared to PD's.
I am diggin' my Power Duals.
I am thinkin' the problem was something else...

 

My hearing has been on the downhill since my 20's working as a wrench so I can relate to the tinnitus, ears ring incessantly 24/7. There was a step change around 18 years ago as I used ear plugs trying to save what I had, seems the plugs made tinnitus worse, confirmed that with a ENT specialist yet as she stated she had seen this more often than not she was considering it a component of age not so much the plugs. Even with the ringing I still maintain 65-70% hearing as it was 18 years ago.

I wear hearing protection all time on ride anymore, can't afford to be totally deaf. My ride has a catless HD head pipe and as such the OE mufflers are considerably louder to about where I want the bike for now.