Pipes are on! (Tips for Installing V&H Baggers?)

[superduty]

Update 11/07: I got the new pipes on tonight. Took about 2.5 hours. Man, do they seem loud to me! I might have to investigate some methods to quiet them down. Mrs. SuperDuty might veto riding with me in the future. I did a quick 15 mile ride to check them out. I hope I don't have the neighbors outside with pitch forks! :)

I didn't have to cut or grind anything, and I'm glad of that. These were manufactured 10/08, so maybe they've changed them a bit. The mufflers would slide in quite a bit deeper than needed to line up the mounting holes.

Is there a recommmended torque for the acorn nuts holding the headpipe on? I just got them "Good and tight" using a 1/4" ratchet. I'm kinda prone to overtightening things, and don't want to hose anything. Got a few pops between shifts, but nothing serious.


**********

Hi All,
My new exhaust should be here this evening or tomorrow. I've downloaded the install instructions from the V&H website so I can read ahead on the steps.

Does anyone have any tips for install? I've never put an exhaust on before, but am not too shy about diving into these things.

Thanks,
SuperDuty

[redjay]

Hi, From what I have read on here the Vand H baggers might need some work before the install. If I recall correctly something about weld inside the head pipes at the muffler joint. Also leave everything loose and get the whole system on before tightening anything. New gaskets at the heads. Someone who has actually fitted them will probably chime in.

[bobzinger]

I cut 1/4" off the left side muffler so it could slide on far enough to bolt up.

[Blue Rebel]

Same here, the left side usually will need to be cut at least 1/4" to 3/4" in order for the mounting bolts to line up. The cross-over pipe should be OK, but the muffler pipe will need to be cut.

Also, as Redjay mentioned, mount everything first before tightening. Good luck and enjoy.

[dkdixie]

Guess I lucked out and did not have to cut exhaust pipe. You probably will have to grind/file a little on the weld.
Make sure you have new exhaust gaskets. Some use Harley gaskets which are a little thicker.

+1 on mounting everything before you do final tightening.

[nomad561]

I had to cut mine also. Might have gotten by with grinding but i didn't have my Dremel at the time.
You are going to love the Baggers on your bike.

[spirello]

Mine to I had to grind the tip of the muffler down so it would fit inside. The right one went on smooth as butter but that left one what a pain. Whenever I have to take that side off for any reason I take the thing off in one piece. You think they would have fixed this problem by now. Oh well a little bit of extra work is worth the vrooom... good luck to you.

[dogdoc]

NO cut here. Just had to grind off the inner weld inside the front end of the mufflers.

[nomad]

spirello, thats a sharp bike.

[VulcanE]

Superduty, The torque values for the head pipes and muffler mounts is 18 ft lbs., and congrats on the new pipes. You will get used to the sound. To keep it from popping between gear changes, block off the hose that goes to the reed valves with a marble, or anything else that'll plug the hose.

[spirello]

Thanks nomad you should put some picts of your ride up.

[spazz]

Well, I guess I must be real lucky then. I did not have to do anything to either the right side or the left side during installation. I just had to give a little shove.

[claybuster]

Originally Posted by superduty

Update 11/07: I got the new pipes on tonight. Took about 2.5 hours. Man, do they seem loud to me! I might have to investigate some methods to quiet them down. Mrs. SuperDuty might veto riding with me in the future. I did a quick 15 mile ride to check them out. I hope I don't have the neighbors outside with pitch forks! :)

I didn't have to cut or grind anything, and I'm glad of that. These were manufactured 10/08, so maybe they've changed them a bit. The mufflers would slide in quite a bit deeper than needed to line up the mounting holes.

Is there a recommmended torque for the acorn nuts holding the headpipe on? I just got them "Good and tight" using a 1/4" ratchet. I'm kinda prone to overtightening things, and don't want to hose anything. Got a few pops between shifts, but nothing serious.


**********

Hi All,
My new exhaust should be here this evening or tomorrow. I've downloaded the install instructions from the V&H website so I can read ahead on the steps.

Does anyone have any tips for install? I've never put an exhaust on before, but am not too shy about diving into these things.

Thanks,
SuperDuty

TO ALL.
Best way to fit the new V&H Baggers.

A riding buddy changed his stock pipes to V&H Baggers. He said he sanded the inner pipe to allow the muffler to slip into the head pipe or vice versa. He went to Home Depot and bought a barrel type sander (only a couple of dollars) that has an arbor (shaft) on it, just put it in the drill chuck of an electric or battery drill so you can sand off any material that interferes with a good slip fit. The sanding disc are removable to replace as needed and come in various grit sizes. I'm a machinist and this is the simpliest and cleanest looking way to go. Hope this helps
Glenn (Claybuster)

[mikesth]

Yet another owner here that cut the back end of the rear (left) header pipe.

Install was actually easy after I decided to cut ... I wouldn't ever go back - like the sound

[radco]

Havent changed the pipes yet on The NOMAD,,BUT I was told when I did my HONDA to Torque in 3 stages the first time,, ,,IE: 9/12/18ft lbs or something like that..TRY and CRUSH the GASKETs as even as possible.. DONT tighten 1 side all the way then the other.slow and even to torque specs,Get bike HOT,or Ride a day.. Cheack torque,, in this case 18ft lbs,,no 3 stages needed,,,,,,then your set...NEVER lost a NUT yet,,only lost a nut in my DIVORCE