Cobra or V & H??

[Ramakill]

After extensive reading on the best setup for extra performance from our Nomads, I am now looking at a new exhaust for my Nad, but there seems to be many different opinions as to what is better; Cobra "True Duals" or V&H "Touring Duals".

I'm probably opening a huge can of worms here but have wondering what the forum thinks is better, Cobra or V&H?? Have read/heard all the issues with both: V&H seem to be most popular, but can have fitment issues (heat sheild too short) while Cobra have less baffle options. I know ultimately it will be down to $$$ of personal choice.

As for quietness, I've seen opinions going both way. Just thought I'd ask the question and apologies if it's been discussed before. Would welcome links to threads if this is the case.

Cheers everyone

[Monkeyman]

V&H look beefier and a bit less "sophisticated" but have more options for baffles. They also have an issue with one of the head pipes cracking. Doesn't happen to every one but has to be welded back up if it happens. I don't know of any fitment issues. The one short heat shield is made that way. You can see a tiny bit of the actual pipe as it crosses under the bike. The pipes themselves are going to blue, you can't avoid it so you see a bit of that. If you had a show bike, it might make a difference. For a daily rider, I don't think it does.

Cobras look sleeker but don't have the baffle options. If you're creative, I'm sure you could figure something out. (Anything's possible given enough time and money.) I've never heard of any cracking issues with the Cobras.

I have the V&H and like 'em. Either set will run you around $500US new. Sometimes you can find a good set used. I got mine when they were barely broken in and paid about 1/3 that.

[the Brus]

I have V&H's on mine, no cracking issues in three years and 20k. The only thing I did to mine was put a heat shield to face where the left pipe crosses in front of the rear tire. I noticed a little pitting and rust starting there after it's first winter storage. Problem solved.

[ringadingh]

You seem to be aware of the pros and cons already, so it becomes a personal choice. I have the V&H on my bike, they came with it when I bought it, but its also what I would have bought had I been given the choice.
My rear pipe cracked, but welding a patch over it made it stronger than new, and Ive never had a problem since.
I liked the fact that you have a lot of choices with the baffles on them as well.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Cobra isn't as loud but has more quality built into it. That would be my choice if I were buying. Vance and Hines finish doesn't hold up nearly as well as Cobra.

[markclark57]

I have the Cobra True Duals. They were really nice when they were new. I damaged them a little in a crash and then tried to modify the baffles, that damaged them some more. Then I adapted some modified "Hard Chrome" baffles. Now they sound nice, but the damaged areas can still be seen if you look for them. If I replace them it will be with the V&H

Also, the V&H can usually be found for le$$.

[cactusjack]

Cobra pipes don't have a history of breaking, either. That's enough incentive for me.

[blowndodge]

How would you rate your cobras Scott? the good and the bad?

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Cobra pipes don't have a history of breaking, either. That's enough incentive for me.

I guess it could be for a lot of guys, but when you have easy access to repair them yourself it doesn't make a great difference to me.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

How would you rate your cobras Scott? the good and the bad?

I liked them a lot. The only thing I didn't like, and it wasn't their fault, was that I scraped them up a few times after I put the car tire on going in and out of some steep driveways.

[darksider]

I just installed a set of Cobra slashdown true duels this past weekend, and they look & sound great . I looked at the V&H but chose the Cobra's for the simple reason that the pipe going in front of the rear tire looks alittle more complete , as you don't see the bare pipe ( that will turn blue soon ) . And being the fact that everyone seems to have V&H . As for pricing there was about $20 difference between the V&H and Cobra .

[danimal2]

Can't speak to the V&H. I've got the Cobras and like em fine. They're holding up well, sound alright. Personally I wouldn't change the baffling either way (quieter or louder). They're just about where I like em now. Finish is holding up well. The only problem I have with them is I've drug em going down a steep gutter/curb a few times and you have to keep this in mind in those situations. They've also drug before my floorboards in hard corners at speed. Seems to be just in the odd times when the corner would have a dip or bump in it though. Doesn't do it all the time.

I will say this. Cobra technical support is absoutely outstanding. I found it necessary to email back and forth with one of their TS guys and they were very quick to respond. Super helpful despite the fact I didn't buy the pipes from them (came on the bike purchased used). He knew this and still helped me all the way through my problem. Turned out the problem had nothing to do with the Cobra pipes (suspected it hadn't been jetted for the pipes but turned out it was), but without his help I couldn't have known for sure.

If for no other reason, I'd buy another set of pipes from them in a heartbeat because of their TS dept.

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by danimal2

Can't speak to the V&H. I've got the Cobras and like em fine. They're holding up well, sound alright. Personally I wouldn't change the baffling either way (quieter or louder). They're just about where I like em now. Finish is holding up well. The only problem I have with them is I've drug em going down a steep gutter/curb a few times and you have to keep this in mind in those situations. They've also drug before my floorboards in hard corners at speed. Seems to be just in the odd times when the corner would have a dip or bump in it though. Doesn't do it all the time.

I will say this. Cobra technical support is absoutely outstanding. I found it necessary to email back and forth with one of their TS guys and they were very quick to respond. Super helpful despite the fact I didn't buy the pipes from them (came on the bike purchased used). He knew this and still helped me all the way through my problem. Turned out the problem had nothing to do with the Cobra pipes (suspected it hadn't been jetted for the pipes but turned out it was), but without his help I couldn't have known for sure.

If for no other reason, I'd buy another set of pipes from them in a heartbeat because of their TS dept.

I'd love to get ahold of Cobra's TS guys. If you have a way to contact them please pass it along. I tried to find a direct link when I was messing with the baffles and only got dead ends.

[landman]

i have owned about 10 sets of cobra pipes on various bikes over the years and they work well for me.never had an issue with any of them.just be sure to get the tru-dauls with billet tips if you want to remove or modify the baffles.

[markclark57]

I got the Slash cut to the side. (see sig) Not easily modified.