Just got me a new set of some Samson true duals with fish tail pipes for my softail deluxe. Here is my Question. How difficult is it to install them. I'm getting different responses from different shops. Harley-Davidson people tell me is a piece of cake. What do you all think?

 

anyone? Thanks.

 

Not dificult. Should take you about an hour. Get some new sceamin eagle gaskets.

 

One thing Ive learned over the years with anything mechanical,
"peice of cake, one hour" = TWO HOURS AND LOTS OF PATIENCE IF YOUR LUCKY, BUT YOU CAN GET'ER DONE.

"could take some time and know how" = ALL DAY EVENT, SEND THE WIFE AND KIDS OUT ON THE TOWN AND ASK THE NEIGHBORS NOT TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOUR THROWING THINGS AND SAYING WORDS NOT YET DISCOVERED BY RAP ARTISTS.

"yeah thats a big job, allow several hours and special tools" = YOU DONT BELONG IN THE LAND THAT YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO TRAVEL TOO, STAY AWAY, TURN AROUND AND PAY OUT YOUR *** TO HAVE IT DONE, SO YOU DONT RUIN YOUR BIKE.

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In my experience, pipes from any big name manufacturer are a piece of cake. If you are half way decent with wrench, you should have no problem. Good luck.

 

I just intalled new exhaust on my bike and it took about 2 1/2 hours. This is my first Harley and the first time replacing a exhaust. Just take your time and you should be ok.

 

Ok, I had those true duals on my old 90 heritage and I did not install them but I did remove them when they were showing some real age.

Here's the deal, the front pipe will be a piece of cake.. It's a header and one bend.. You'll either have to cover up the floorboard or remove it.. Most times if you're careful and play with the angles you can do it without removal by wiggling the header onto the head bolts.. Careful not to scratch stuff. The rear pipe can be a pain or not.. Be patient and careful with the job. From memory (and my memory is shot so..) You have a short header and a turnout that goes back through the bike. There's a connection to the pipe on the other side that rolls over top of the primary. The fun part will be the pipe clamp right behind the cylinder.. It's a tight fit. Those pipes are kinda old school with pipe clamps everywhere and heat sheilds instead of full coverage sheilds.. Expect some bluing to be visible.. oh well. Fishtails are COOL!

I would recommend this.. Consider wrapping the pipes with something dust free and protective to prevent scratches.
Have the right tools for getting a hex head around the pipe clamps, if samson still uses them. Try to think ahead on placement so you can get a hold of the clamp but not be too visible when looking at the bike.

I would imagine, their instructions will have you start from the headers and install your way to the mufflers.

In all the swaps I've done on the new bike and the swap from those true duals to VH longshots, it's the one mod I can do in my sleep now, but I'll admit, the first one (first bike, first time wrenching) scared the crap outta me.. Have a little pocket knife or tiny screwdriver to delicately take out the old header gasket.. It's all black up there so good lighting or a flashlight to get your bearings will help.

With me, I'm slow because I usually clean up stuff that I can get to better with the pipes off around the bottom frame and cam cover.. I'd estimate it would be about a 2 1/2 hour or about a 4 beer job, depending on how hot it is. hehehe

 

Babs, Thanks for the details. Everyone, thanks. I think I can do it. I'm used to rebuilding VW engines. There are similarities. I just wanted to get some advice. It is kind of scary working on a twenty thousand $ bike. But what the hell, I'll give it a try. Now, will I be able to install the DFO or DFI for fuel injectons? Do I need a lap top? I don't want to f@#% this up.

Thanks,

Chilango

 

how did it go? got any pics?

 

also the rear pipe that goes over the primary and next to the oil tank.be careful the pipe doesn't rub the oil tank.some people had this problem.i didn't.get all the pipes where you want them and where they belong then tighten all connections,remember change the shift lever rod first