I know some of this has been discussed before and I'm not looking for specific recommendations (found pages of those in other threads) but I could use some general info.

I have a '13 SG with a stock (for now) 103, stock AC and ECM, and Rush slip-ons. I want to go with true duals as part of my late winter mods. Will probably be going for a new AC and TMax as part of this upgrade, but my damn head is swimming with all of the options out there.

Need opinions of what to look for and what to avoid when shopping pipes. I'd like to keep my existing slip-ons, but the head pipe choices are crazy. What are your thoughts on ceramic coated pipes, straight vs kinked, pipes that cross under the frame, etc? Will just about any set work as well as another? Or am I overthinking this?

Thoughts, opinions? Thanks!

 

Yup, overthinking! I never paid attention to ceramic or kinked or anything like that, but there IS one thing that I found once, that I didn't like. I had some Rinehart True Duals put on once, and they came out of the rear jug & right down to the left side. Too hot & didn't like it. I prefer going under the frame. I have Vance & Hines Power Duals on mine, and like 'em.

 

I have the S&S Power Tune Duals and like them. I like that they go under the bike, less heat on my left thigh. Ceramic will make a small difference in heat. I had some Drago ceramic true duals but the rear pipe still baked my left thigh.

 

+1 on the V&H Power Duals. I am very happy with em.

 

So the ceramic coating reduces heat but not enough to ignore the rear pipe routing? Good info, thanks. I hate getting baked (by the bike) when traffic clogs up.

Appreciate the input.

 

If your happy with your Rush mufflers check out there HO ceramic coated pipe.

http://www.rushracingproducts.com/highoutput.html

I did my share of research and now I'm waiting for my HO pipe and Big Louie mufflers to be delivered.

 

+1 on the S&S Powertune Duals....great pipe, paired with the S&S stealth air cleaner... Decent gains with and upgrade your gonna do anyway...

 

If you're not stuck on duals, or true duals, but still want enhanced performance, then you may want to consider the X-pipe option. Fuel Moto and Fullsac are popular options - and they work with your stock heat shields.

 

I agree - I had to have an x-pipe - the performance gains for real-world riding are well known, both on bikes and cars.

 

Yeah, I read about the performance gains, but I just can't warm up to the 'lopsided' look on a bagger. As much as I hate to say it, I'll sacrifice a bit of performance to get the right look and sound.