My blog post about Dyno. tuning and a comment I got from Lady Ridesalot
( http://ladyridesalot.blogspot.com/ ) A.K.A. Glider Rider, inspired me to write this post about exhaust pipes.
( http://ladyridesalot.blogspot.com/ ) A.K.A. Glider Rider, inspired me to write this post about exhaust pipes.
Lady R. told me she was looking into possibly getting some new pipes in black, but she likes chrome too. She needs to ponder it awhile.
I commented back to her that as for chrome, vs. black pipes, I like both.
At the 2008 Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show I was looking at pipes that had black & chrome combined. Boy, were they cool. They were the best of both worlds. There were several different brands (I think). I know for sure there were Rineharts. Kind of spendy. I'm not allowed to so much as even think about new pipes. I just put Vance and Hines on about a year ago. I am happy with them though. They look sleek. Kinda quiet for me, but I get compliments on how they sound regularly. Maybe they are just quieter while I'm on the bike rather than what others hear while next to it.
My old pipes were not stock either, and were definitely louder than the new Vance and Hines I have now. People said my old pipes were loud, but I never heard anyone say how good they sounded. Maybe loud isn't always better. But I really liked loud pipes.
Can I find pipes that are loud and sound good at the same time?
Oh yea, I'm not aloud to look at new pipes anymore.
A friendly little reminder…
What ever you choose, your pipes should be about more than just looks and style. Each set of pipes will naturally change what kind of performance you can achieve mechanically. If you change you pipes, make sure to save some money for Dyno. tuning and a proper re-jetting if applicable. Call around your local shops to see who does the Dyno tuning, and what they charge. I found in my area prices varied from about $150.00 - $350.00. Yes the $350.00 was worth it. They did more as far as full cycle tuning. You need to figure this into the cost of changing your pipes, as baffles are different in all pipes, and pipe width, length, and curves all change backpressure, which changes everything as far as how your engine will perform.
If you don’t Dyno. tune, you can have the best high performance pipes in the world and actually decrease your performance. In worst case scenarios, actually damage your motor.
Mr. Motorcycle
Good advice Mr. M. As I said on my blog, I real happy with my new Vance & Hines Straightshots. They are loud, but a good loud. I agree that loud isn't always better, the loudness has to sound good too. I think I made a good choice.
ReplyDeleteAs far as black goes...well I'm just not into that. I love chrome. If it were not for bikes, you'd hardly see any chrome on the road anymore. But, I think it's great they are offering more black for the people who want it. That's the best thing about owning and riding a H-D. The potential for making the bike your own is nearly endless, and that's a good thing.
Ride Safe...
Joker,
ReplyDeleteAmen Brother.
Ah, the age-old debate between quality vs quantity (this time about sound). There is something about rumbling pipes that is music to your ears. Loud simply for loudness' sake is not necessarily a pleasing sound. It's the same with hot food. I am all about flavor, but things that are super hot just for the sake of hotness do not necessarily taste very good! (speaking of food, RC just put dinner on the table...and I am starving!)
ReplyDeleteMrs. RC, You couldn't have said it any better.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
I've got the Vance & Hines Big Shots. Yes I've heard louder but rarely have I heard better. I regularly get compliments from guys saying how good they sound and even get women who want to know what kind they are so they can have their old man get the same kind.
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of older bikers who are starting to switch over to black components instead though. They're getting sick and tired of cleaning all that chrome. As they say, "Chrome don't get you home."
Dean "D-Day",
ReplyDeleteIt appears as though Vance and Hines has a pretty good running going on somewhat loud but good sounding pipes. Appears as though they ar pretty popular too.
Glad you like yours, I like mine.
You should read Road Captains post about Blue Job regarding chrome pipes, if you have not done so already. It's a hoot. http://roadcaptainusa.com
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit again.
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