Darn Pipes, - it's confusing

[mikesth]

Ok, so it appears there are quality problems with V&H, Cobras aren't loud and Roadhouse is expensive and quiet. I always thought I wanted quiet pipes, but after hanging out with HD's I've gotten used to the noise. So, assuming you were going to hold off on the intake changes and just do pipes, here is my preference list-
#1, I want to make a deep throaty sound, not a shrill cackle.
#2 I want to be able to repack them when the packing wears out.
#3 Should have enough quality that I can put them on properly and won't ever have to mess with them (this includes heat shields, tips, etc)
#4 Be reasonable in cost
#5 **** Highly Preferred****, but I've never found any, how about in BLACK?

I figure SOMEONE in Palestine will have aftermarket pipes so I'll be able to compare a bit, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if I was a bit more focused.

Is anyone an expert at pipes for our shunned choice in bikes?

Frustrated...

[jack2]

I don't have and answer for you but I have asked those same questions and I too would be interested in any replies you receive.

[mikesth]

Crud, now I'm reading across the net that Roadhouse is basically out of business :-[

[tomk]

Mikesth,

I asked the same questions for a long time before I finally bought the V&H's for my Nad. Am COMPLETELY happy with them except: I keep playing with the baffles? My point is, I can.

Quality? The install was a bitch with the left muffler and header pipe -- solved that with a file (manned up and swore a lot -LOL). Could be better (faster and much easier) with the (now owned) Dremel tool kit (bought it for the Thunder kit install - for removing the crossover tube).

Breaking or cracking pipes? Not on mine. I have 30+ years in steel tubing and sheetmetal engineering in all kinds of different applications. They only crack when a bind or tension is created with the installation with constant vibration and temperature extremes. Install them without a bind and I imagine you will have no cracks.

Your choice but IMHO, don't be afraid of the V&H's for "quality issues." Also, JJ has the Cobra's on his bike and they were too loud for him.

Don't know if this confused the issue for you but just trying to help.

Not to beat a dead horse but did you try removing the stock baffles. Talk about a deep exaust note. On saturday I had my nomad ideling next to my dads 69 dodge charger (440 magnum) and the nomad sounded deeper than his hot rod.

[Top Cat]

I am with wolf on this one. So are many others on this forum that have tried it. Do the BD baffelectomy first. If you don't like it then move on to aftermarket pipes.
It sounds great and only cost the price of a hole saw and some black paint.

[ringadingh]

I would recomend the V&H, they do sound good and even though you may do a bit of grinding or filing to fit them I think they are a pretty good deal. Mine cracked after five seasons and 33,000 miles,but a decent patch job cured that problem. Very few seem to have that problem, considering all the systems that are out there over the years. You can do a few things with the baffles to adjust the loudness and tone of the pipes to suit your needs. I think most guys that have them are fairly happy with them overall. :)

[oldbiker]

I must be the only guy that likes the Cobra true duels. To my ears they sound great and I don't like real loud. If you want to try something cheaper go to a Harley shop a nd buy a pair of Road King Take offs. If they're not loud enough gut them. Gadgets GFix It OPage tells you how.

[rabbit]

I also have Cobra pipes and love them. They are quiet when you need them to be quiet and have a nice sound when you crank it up. Might be the DB's that we hear in our senior age, I'm 67 yrs YOUNG.

[dogdoc]

I have the V&H and love them. Have had NO problems with them.

[rlfaubion]

I have V&N on my Classic (1600). I ran them straight and with Big City Thunder Baffles. Both are too loud IMO. I've gutted my Nomad (1600) exhaust and its too quiet IMO.

You may not be happy to just buy new pipes. Gut your stockers first as mentioned, and then move on as you feel necessary.

If you like the sound of a Harley (and who doesn't) and strive to emulate it, I don't think you'll get there. Possibly, being water cooled prevents it.

I've removed the silencers and baffles in my stockers and will gut the goat soon. If not satisfied after wards, I will add tips of some sort. Most likely Harley. Like you, I don't want that tinny, flap, rap, pop kinda sound, and some after-market pipes sound that way to me.

Good luck with whatever decision you make. It's just a continual effort in progress.

[cactusjack]

This past Sunday, I went on a ride with my SCRC chapter. There were 2 other Nomads and a 1500 Classic in the group. One of the Nomads had V&H Baggers, the other had Cobra Slashcuts. These happen to be the choices I've narrowed my pipe search down to. I was able to ride near both of them and listen to them carefully. Unfortunately, this didn't make my decision any easier, I liked them both!

All things being equal, I'll probably go with the V&H because of the removable baffles.

So many different ways to go.

[mikesth]

Not to beat a dead horse but did you try removing the stock baffles. Talk about a deep exaust note. On saturday I had my nomad ideling next to my dads 69 dodge charger (440 magnum) and the nomad sounded deeper than his hot rod.

Thanks Wolfman, did that, not loud enough

[mikesth]

Ok, what I've learned so far - V&H may not be as bad as we have heard and I can control the outcome if I mount properly - they have the cores and are priced well.

I did send off a note to Hard Krome to see if they had any planned for 'nads, waiting on a return. Only reason was I had heard them on Stars and they sounded pretty good.

I was leaning toward Roadhouses with Sharkfins or slashes, non-serrated, but may just go V&H if I don't find a better alternative. Hopefully someone in palestine will have aftermarket pipes.

Thanks everyone for your input so far