Does everyone change their exhaust?

[Dave downunder]

G'day gang,

I bought my 2001 XLH1200 last month, it had straight thru pipes fitted. To get it registered I had to fit the factory pipes, fortunatey they were also supplied when I bought the bike. I now feel it is no longer a Harley, it's so quiet. I'm just curious and I think an interesting thread to ask how may Sporty owners still have the stock pipes fitted? I have to say I think the straight thru's are a bit too loud, almost get a sore right ear. I'll be putting them back on soon.

Have fun all...we own beautiful bikes...... Dave.

[PlanB]

Hi Dave!

I think there's quite a bit of discussion on pipes on the old XL Forum website...I'm pretty new as a Sportster owner, too, but I know the folks here will have lots of good advice for you...I went with the Screamin' Eagle slip-on mufflers, and they have baffles in them which I think keeps the noise down a little...I'm pretty pleased with them, and my neighbors haven't thrown anything at me yet, so I guess they're acceptable...the local police don't even blink even when I'm next to them at a stop light! There's so many to choose from now-a-days, so good luck!

[sportymark]

You really need that Harley sound I think, even HD themselves accept this (what other manufacturer offers so many aftermarket exhausts?). They only fit the standard ones to get through emmission & noise tests, apparantly the are 300% more restrictive(according to the tuning manuals)!

I have the SE 2's on mine, with the baffles in and it is just about right.

[dmraco]

When I bough my '05, the DEALER asked me is I wanted to order pipes and have them changed for thwn I pick it up. I declined because I did not want to pay the excessive dealer cost for install. When I got home, the 1st thing I did was install a set of BUB exhaust pipes. I let the dealer jet the carb. Runs and sounds great!!

Good Luck

[Broncodog]

Hey Dave, I'm with Planb...........SEII sounds great especially over time

[collinsb]

Dave, the two most important truths Harley boys and girls need to know about Harley ownership:

1. Your bike should never look exactly like every other Harley!
2. Your bike should sound exactly like every other Harley!

If one or both of these truths are not met, it could result in you being jerked off your Harley, while at a stop light, and pummeled within an inch of your life, by big burley "one percenters"!

This has happened to me on many occassions!
Billy

[883Hugger]

I have been running the stock exhaust with the baffles removed. It sounds great, but I am just not satisfied with it. I will be purchasing new exhaust soon. It is just a matter of deciding which exhaust I want...so many options.

[Luckymic]

Let's see some pic's of your exhaust too if you have aftermarket ones on.

[txsporty]

My bike had SEII on it when I bought it. Will be changing exhaust again after Conversion!!!

[skooter]

If your changing pipes you will be altering the efficiency of the exhaust system. In most cases your exhaust will be working better than stock. This will require you change your mixture settings in your carb as well or there will be no benifit to putting on the other pipes. A higher flow intake and a "Yost Power Tube Master Kit", "Dyno Jet" kit, or increasing the size of the low speed and high speed jets in the carb will be required. I found the "Yost Master Kit was the easiest to work with and do myself.

With the easier breathing pipes, carb kit and breather increased the performance of the bike noticeably not to mention the much better sound.