Scotrod
04-20-2008, 10:01 PM
I wanted something a little different than 'the norm' in regards to an aftermarket exhaust system for my 2006 1800 "C". A Slip-on was debated,,, but personally, I'm not much for the 'big can' look of the stock system. I figured I could live with a Roadhouse shorty or a Jardine if I had to,,,.
Still looking at 3+ Bens for a slip on,,, grrr,,,
Researched the forums, and it was mentioned that some pipes actually cost you HP/Torque instead of gain,,, {the heck with that!!}
The V + H and the Jardine drags were 2 of 4 (+ Super Trapp and Muzzy) that were said to increase both HP and Torque. I personally wanted and believe that a crossover helps with this in a 2 into 2 system.
Anyway, E-bay has had an auction for Jardine Rumblers exhaust w/tapered tips for what seems like a couple months now. (Sell a set, run new add, sell another set, run a new add, etc etc) Most sets were going for less than 300, some in the low 2's,,,, Yes, I know they are not 'drag' pipes, but they do have my 'precious crossover'.
I posted a thread here, inquiring if anyone had experience with Jardine Systems. Not one reply from anyone who had them on an X. (No disrespect, Trail Boss! I appreciated your input!)
Nomad Ghost gave me a 'Head's up that Dennis Kirk had the slash cut Rumblers on close out for $212.68 delivered. At that price, I jumped. (Thanks, Nomad!)
Got 'em. Tried 'em, Like 'em!
Sound clip #1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcZzHFjPNf8
Sound clip #2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sino1j6tPGU
Clips are clips, and everything sounds a little different in real life. These do have a 'small block Chevy' sound at WOT that is perhaps somewhat comparable to the tone of a sideburner soundclip. Perhaps not. Opinions will vary!!! The WOT tone is deffinately different than most "HD" dragpipes. It really makes you feel like you are hearing a V-8 and not a 'twin'.
Pros:
1. PRICE!!!! I got a smokin' good price, and DK currently has no more, BUT, I just checked E-bay,,, Yep, another set of tapered currently on auction, Bid stands at 175 right now, (expect to pay 250 to 300 plus 45 ship. Item number: 230239676331).
2. Install was pretty easy. New exhaust gaskets required, not included.
3. Another 'Pro' for me was that I was able to change the look of my bike, and get away from the 'mega-can'.
4. Heat shields (included) hide bluing.
Cons:
1. Initially a little loud, but compared to factory, anything is loud!
2. Upon initial cleaning, One of my heat shields had a small area where the chrome flaked off during cleaning. DK is exchanging the sheild for me. I cannot say how the E-bay vendor would handle this.
3. The Heat shields work, but the pipes are not as heat 'shielded' as the OEM system. The shield only exists to let you know there is something hot there, and you'd better eventually think about moving you leg before your britches start smoking! My lower leg will get (too) hot if I ride with it against the sheild, and my inner thigh gets (too) hot standing at stoplights. The stoplights are more of a 'pain' than the riding by far. Kinda gotta get a little bowlegged if the light is a bit long!
TIPS:
1. Some sites indicate that this system will fit "C" and "F" models. Nomad Ghost has an "F" and purchased this exact system and indicated that only 1 of his 2 bolts aligned at the rear muffler support bracket. MY "C" bolted up just fine. (OEM Muffler Brackets are different between a "C" and an "F")
2. Remove the front peg, brake cylinder assembly as well as the brake fluid resevoir. Keep 'em off till 100% done.
3. Test fit the front to rear pipe connection before assembly. Mine needed a little tough love to even begin to fit. (I used a hammer handle inside of the pipe to help spread it open.)
4. Use new gaskets, no exceptions. Go to an Auto Parts store:
Midas part (new #) 521817 (old #) EN1837
Napa/Victor F12329 or F7283
Felpro 60569
Cheaper than the stealer by far. DO NOT WAIT till the 11th hour to go get these! Most Auto Part stores do not stock these or will only have 1 available! I paid $26 for 2 at the stealer bc I waited. Less than $10 for 2 at most of the auto places.
5. Test fit your FRONT heat shield prior to tightening any of the system. Instructions say to initially leave the shields off. OK. I thought I had everything together fine. Tightened all the pipe connections, cleaned system, fired it up, GREAT! no leaks! Went to put the shields on, and it appears that I did not get the front pipe slid into the rear pipe exactly far enough as the 'notch' in the shield for the crossover doesn't quit line up when the sheild is attached to the front pipe. I was too lazy to unbolt everything , replace the gaskets and then slide the two together more. i just slightly 'over notched' the heat shield and went with it!
PERFORMANCE:
No official Dyno runs, No re-mapping done. SOP Dyno seems to indicate a stronger run / more 'pull' when WOT is applied at highways speeds in 5th. Absolutley no noticable loss of power. (Didn't figure there would be!) No decel backfiring, and no PAIR mod. (yet) I did test-plug the PAIR system with a #000 rubber plug, and noticed a slightly lower tone at idle w/o the 'burble' the PAIR system induces. Will eventually PAIR it when I pull the tank to check the valve clearance.
In conclusion, I hope this review helps anyone who is considering a Jardine system.
I believe most will like the sound, the look, and especially the (current) affordability.
RIDE ON and BE SAFE!!!
Still looking at 3+ Bens for a slip on,,, grrr,,,
Researched the forums, and it was mentioned that some pipes actually cost you HP/Torque instead of gain,,, {the heck with that!!}
The V + H and the Jardine drags were 2 of 4 (+ Super Trapp and Muzzy) that were said to increase both HP and Torque. I personally wanted and believe that a crossover helps with this in a 2 into 2 system.
Anyway, E-bay has had an auction for Jardine Rumblers exhaust w/tapered tips for what seems like a couple months now. (Sell a set, run new add, sell another set, run a new add, etc etc) Most sets were going for less than 300, some in the low 2's,,,, Yes, I know they are not 'drag' pipes, but they do have my 'precious crossover'.
I posted a thread here, inquiring if anyone had experience with Jardine Systems. Not one reply from anyone who had them on an X. (No disrespect, Trail Boss! I appreciated your input!)
Nomad Ghost gave me a 'Head's up that Dennis Kirk had the slash cut Rumblers on close out for $212.68 delivered. At that price, I jumped. (Thanks, Nomad!)
Got 'em. Tried 'em, Like 'em!
Sound clip #1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcZzHFjPNf8
Sound clip #2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sino1j6tPGU
Clips are clips, and everything sounds a little different in real life. These do have a 'small block Chevy' sound at WOT that is perhaps somewhat comparable to the tone of a sideburner soundclip. Perhaps not. Opinions will vary!!! The WOT tone is deffinately different than most "HD" dragpipes. It really makes you feel like you are hearing a V-8 and not a 'twin'.
Pros:
1. PRICE!!!! I got a smokin' good price, and DK currently has no more, BUT, I just checked E-bay,,, Yep, another set of tapered currently on auction, Bid stands at 175 right now, (expect to pay 250 to 300 plus 45 ship. Item number: 230239676331).
2. Install was pretty easy. New exhaust gaskets required, not included.
3. Another 'Pro' for me was that I was able to change the look of my bike, and get away from the 'mega-can'.
4. Heat shields (included) hide bluing.
Cons:
1. Initially a little loud, but compared to factory, anything is loud!
2. Upon initial cleaning, One of my heat shields had a small area where the chrome flaked off during cleaning. DK is exchanging the sheild for me. I cannot say how the E-bay vendor would handle this.
3. The Heat shields work, but the pipes are not as heat 'shielded' as the OEM system. The shield only exists to let you know there is something hot there, and you'd better eventually think about moving you leg before your britches start smoking! My lower leg will get (too) hot if I ride with it against the sheild, and my inner thigh gets (too) hot standing at stoplights. The stoplights are more of a 'pain' than the riding by far. Kinda gotta get a little bowlegged if the light is a bit long!
TIPS:
1. Some sites indicate that this system will fit "C" and "F" models. Nomad Ghost has an "F" and purchased this exact system and indicated that only 1 of his 2 bolts aligned at the rear muffler support bracket. MY "C" bolted up just fine. (OEM Muffler Brackets are different between a "C" and an "F")
2. Remove the front peg, brake cylinder assembly as well as the brake fluid resevoir. Keep 'em off till 100% done.
3. Test fit the front to rear pipe connection before assembly. Mine needed a little tough love to even begin to fit. (I used a hammer handle inside of the pipe to help spread it open.)
4. Use new gaskets, no exceptions. Go to an Auto Parts store:
Midas part (new #) 521817 (old #) EN1837
Napa/Victor F12329 or F7283
Felpro 60569
Cheaper than the stealer by far. DO NOT WAIT till the 11th hour to go get these! Most Auto Part stores do not stock these or will only have 1 available! I paid $26 for 2 at the stealer bc I waited. Less than $10 for 2 at most of the auto places.
5. Test fit your FRONT heat shield prior to tightening any of the system. Instructions say to initially leave the shields off. OK. I thought I had everything together fine. Tightened all the pipe connections, cleaned system, fired it up, GREAT! no leaks! Went to put the shields on, and it appears that I did not get the front pipe slid into the rear pipe exactly far enough as the 'notch' in the shield for the crossover doesn't quit line up when the sheild is attached to the front pipe. I was too lazy to unbolt everything , replace the gaskets and then slide the two together more. i just slightly 'over notched' the heat shield and went with it!
PERFORMANCE:
No official Dyno runs, No re-mapping done. SOP Dyno seems to indicate a stronger run / more 'pull' when WOT is applied at highways speeds in 5th. Absolutley no noticable loss of power. (Didn't figure there would be!) No decel backfiring, and no PAIR mod. (yet) I did test-plug the PAIR system with a #000 rubber plug, and noticed a slightly lower tone at idle w/o the 'burble' the PAIR system induces. Will eventually PAIR it when I pull the tank to check the valve clearance.
In conclusion, I hope this review helps anyone who is considering a Jardine system.
I believe most will like the sound, the look, and especially the (current) affordability.
RIDE ON and BE SAFE!!!