Feb 27
I have a 2008 Nightster Harley, and just installed some black Vance and Hines short shots exhaust with standard baffles, and I was wondering if they were illegal. I read up on them before purchasing, and did not see anything about them being illegal, I knew they were loud, but they seem too loud. Plus the Harley dealerships will put them on for you, it would seem that if they were illegal they wouldn’t be allowed to install them…
Does anyone know if they are illegal in the state of Texas?
Thanks for the responses, they do have baffles, but are very nonrestrictive baffles. I think I read somewhere that they sit at about 97db, which is very illegal, based on noise ordinances, but that is regional from my understanding.
The dealer will sell and install anything you want to part you from your money.Here in Tx they can get you for noise from un baffled pipes.And the way the EPA regs are going soon it will be illegal to have any pipes besides stock ones put on a bike.
Feb 24
from one and a half inches to two and a half inches
It all depends on the amount of flow, or more specifically, the lack of back pressure in the new pipes. Generally speaking, if you change anything involving air and the motor, ie exhaust pipes, intake, filter, etc, you need to adjust the computer or re jet the carbs. It is highly recommended that you alter the intake to make it more free flow and to adjust the computer.
Feb 24
The motorcycles military history dates back as early as 1913. In fact General John J. Pershing used a Harley Davidson motorcycle to pursue the famous Mexican bandit, Pancho Villa, in 1916. By 1917 roughly two thirds of Harley Davidsonâs production went to the military. World War 1 saw approximately 20,000 Harleyâs pressed into military service with that number rising to 90,000 in World War 2. These motorcycles played many parts in wartime, from mostly being used for communications, transportation, and limited combat to tactical assault missions in World War 2. This along with the regular wartime motor pool produced thousands of men trained as mechanics.
At the end of World War 2 a large number of these returning GIs went into business using their newly learned mechanical skills. Most went into the automotive repair business, however, a large group focused on the motorcycle side of the business. A lot of these returning soldiers turned to hot rods and motorcycles seeking the thrill they had experienced in wartime. The huge surplus of military motorcycles provided a readily available, and cheap, marketplace for these thrills seekers. From the very beginning these new bikers started modifying the big, heavy, utility oriented and styled military motorcycle, removing parts and accessories not absolutely necessary for starting, riding, and stopping the motorcycle.
Saddlebags, windshields, big bulky headlights, and mirrors were removed. The mirrors and lights were replaced with newer and sleeker styles. The old flat floorboards were replaced with forward foot pegs. Front fenders were removed and the rear fenders were either removed or cut down, leaving just enough to accommodate a passenger over the rear tire. The large, original front tires and gas tanks were removed and replaced with much smaller ones. Exhaust systems were replaced with straight pipes. All of this was done mostly to make the bike lighter for street and dirt racing. The big leather and spring suspended saddle type seat was replaced with a smaller padded seat to allow the rider to ride lower on the bike. The âsissyâ bar or custom backrest became standard equipment. The custom, and chopper type motorcycles, as well as, the biker lifestyle were born!
The end result of all of this modification of the military motorcycle was an entire industry catering to this phenomenon. Chop shops and custom bike builders sprang up all over the country. A person could bring in a stock Harley Davidson motorcycle to one of these shops and, depending on how much money they wanted to spend getting the desired look and style, ride out with a completely customized or totally chopped bike. All removable parts are removed, including the engine and transmission. The original frame is then cut, or chopped up, and welded back together resulting in a lower and longer frame. This method of customizing led to the bikes being called choppers. Chopper builders have in large part favored fat rear tires, a rigid looking frame, and an original or replica air cooled v-twin engine. Performance and custom, usually chromed parts, are then added. The chopper inevitably has a long, or raked, extended front fork. Springer and Girder front-ends were the forks of choice to accomplish this raked look. These front ends are still widely used. Although these bikes are somewhat less responsive to handling and have a heavier feel at slow speeds and on curves they actually handle better than their stock front-end counter parts at higher, or cruising speeds.
Choppers have maintained a loyal following and legends in the building of these motorcycles have evolved. One shining example is Jesse G. Jamesâ West Coast Choppers. Mr. James has been successful in producing, and branding, his own style of unique and very expensive chopper style motorcycles. Many chopper and biker related businesses have also came into being. These include everything from the merchandising of motorcycle riding apparel and custom parts and accessories to bars and clubs catering to the chopper and other biker enthusiasts
Bronnie Vaughn
http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/a-brief-history-of-the-chopper-motorcycle-693072.html
Feb 21
Can anyone tell me if they have installed a set of BUB Jug Huggers on a harley vrod. if so do I have to purchase a bracket seperately to attach the pipes to the bikes frame?
Everything should be in the package for a specific application.
Feb 21
I am considering Cobra and Vance Hines pipes. Prices is not a big consideration. Are there other companies with performance pipes that i should consider?
Vance and hines long shots sound pretty good on the 1100. They will also give you a modest performance increase.
Feb 18
Note…this will NOT work on California bikes, they have built-in Catalytic Converters that can not be removed.
You will need new exhaust gaskets for the cross-over pipe/exhaust bracket. I forget the actual size of the muffler outlet and don’t have a bike at home to measure, I think it’s either 1-7/8 or 1-3/4, this is the size hole saw you will need, and a can of WD-40.
With the muffler ON the bike, look at the muffler outlets, you will see where the baffle ASSEMBLY is welded in. You will need to cut through that weld with a hole on a drill, using LOTS of WD-40 as lube and coolant as you drill. Once cut through, remove the mufflers from the bike and use a long steel rod to beat the baffle assembly out, stick the rod in through the front of the muffler and drive it out the rear. Install new gaskets in the muffler for the cross-over tube and reinstall and tighten clamps.
You "can" get away with no remapping with JUST this change, but it is HIGHLY recommended to add a hi-flo air cleaner and remap the injection. If you change the air cleaner, you HAVE to remap. You will get MUCH, MUCH better performance, and the bike will run cooler.
There is not enough room here for me to add my suggestions for tuning…..email me through my profile here with your regular email address and will can tell you more…..
PROPER TUNING IS ESSESNTIAL FOR TWIN CAMS……ESPECIALLY THE 07-UP O2 SENSOR CONTROLLED INJECTION!!!!!
Feb 18
V&H has an 800 # call them and ask
Feb 17
Are you a biker? Do you own a Harley? Ever met with a motorcycle accident on the road? Do you have proper pairs of boots to protect your feet while you’re motorcycling on the freeway? Buy one, because safety comes first.
The better the pair of motorcycle boots, the better the chances of keeping your feet intact, since accidents can lead to severe injuries to the feet and possible amputations.
Harley Davidson motorcycle boots come in varying designs and types and are made out of the best quality materials and have the highest standards. The feet are well protected from any accident when you wear the boots. We guess you’d rather wear the boots rather than lose that foot of yours!
The Harley Effect
Harley Davidson’s a fashionable brand that can always make heads turn on a normal road! These boots are stylish, trendy, and a sure attention grabber! If you’re looking for comfort and style, Harley Davidson motorcycle boots are the perfect companion while driving. They look wonderful, and they are thick enough to save your feet from the super-hot exhaust pipe! If you’re driving in the summer, these boots will help you keep them away from the wrath of the sun! Professional bikers and Harley Davidson owners usually advise bikers to wear these special boots. Boots are available for both women as well as men and if you go online to the Harley website, you’ll have a large variety.
We’ll tell you what safety features you can expect in Harley boots:
ÂThey are for rough use and are very tough
ÂThey provide a really safe protection for your feet during accidents.
ÂAre long lasting
ÂHave soles that never slip and have good ankle protection and support
ÂHave toe sliders that help you while putting on the shoe
ÂAre for aggressive riding purposes
ÂGreat styling, unequalled quality and superb performance
ÂAvailable at great prices
Harley Davidson motorcycle boots are a great add to your set of clothes and are a must buy if you own a Harley Davidson motorbike. Enthusiasts have been satisfied by this product and are always in great demand, and can be found in several colors to match that bike of yours!
Harley Davidson Boots: Safety Features and Importance
These boots not only act as a shield, shielding your feet from injury, but are usually comfortable enough to wear all day and are very durable as well.
Most Harley Davidson boots are waterproof and can be worn while riding the bike even in rainy weather. This waterproofing helps the feet from getting wet or developing fungal infections of any kind. The boot also helps keep the ankle in one piece by having plastic pads and padding to keep the anklebones intact incase you fall over in the plight of an accident. These anklebone pads add to the comfort and are flexible so that you can adjust it according to the comfort you want to have while driving.
Remember, Harley Davidson believes your feet are more expensive than those bikes! That’s why, Harley Davidson believes in protecting the feet from any ill effects of motorbike accidents. So next time you are going biking, don’t forget to don your brand new pair of Harley Davidson motorcycle boots and maybe a stylish leather motorcycle jacket so you’ll look like a biker dude! After all, happy feet are all we need!
Dona Rosa
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/benefits-of-harley-davidson-motorcycle-boots-715911.html
Feb 15
hi i am part way through building a harley chop, and am wondering if i need a front fender and baffles in the exhaust, i know that i don’t need indicators, does anybody know where i can get what a 1980 bike requires for mot, thanks in advance
JULES
for an MOT the basics required are that the following IF FITTED need to be working.
lights ( optional for a day time MOT)
suspension (optional if it is a rigid)
Speedo ( not a requirement but if fitted MUST WORK inc the odometer)
LEGALLY required
Road legal TYRES
Road legal EXHAUST
a Constant HORN
SADDLE
FOOTRESTS for the rider
( if a dual saddle is fitted then footpegs for pillion required)
Mudguards (can be short and vestigial)
Chain guard
BRAKES working and functional
WHAT YOU DON’T NEED FOR AN MOT is an ENGINE!!!!!
seriously if you read the letter of the law nothing says the engine has to be present.
I’ve actually seen rolling frames taken in for an MOT so that one can be given and the bike insured and Taxed before it is even finished such that the bike can literaly be ridden out of the garage ( or show) on to the road once finished..
The basics are that if there is any space large enough to get a tennis ball into between mechanical moving parts it will fail, so if you intend to go fender less you will need the minimum of a fork brace over the front wheel preventing anything getting trapped between the wheel or frame.
On scooters you do not have to fit front mudguards if the body work extends over the wheel enough to prevent entrapment
Feb 15
EDIT…To add to "Just Me"’s response….to SOME degree, he has some vaild points,…."punching out" baffles, as he said, sounds like crap…HOWEVER….the STOCK HD exhaust system, with CUT out baffles, is actually one of the BEST performing exhaust systems on the market!!!!……and they do sound great, low RUMBLE at idle, nice BARK when cracked open…
Email me through my profile here with your regular email addy and I will tell you specifically HOW to PROPERLY remove the baffles and what else need done….this IS done commonly with good results.
Include year and model of bike…is it a CALIFORNIA bike???…..Cali models CAN NOT have the baflles removed….built in catalytic conveters.
