Hard Krome 3" Big Straights

[Big-X]

I bought the Hard Krome 3" Big's in 2004, so far...2 years later the chrome is perfect, no blueing, no pealing, and they look great! The sound from the is LOUD but nice, just plan on having a loud bike if you get these pipes. Personally these look great with the retro, fits that long fender perfect.

Install: Install is simple, the only difficult part is getting a wrench to the bolts to tighten them. I finally went to Auto Zone and bought a 12mm flexable wrench with a ratchet built in, amde the install a snap.

Notes: Make sure you always install new gaskets when removing and installing pipes. To tone down the sound a little I installed the Thunder Monster (http://www.bigcitythunder.com/) baffles, improved the sound, tones it down, and made it have a deeper sound...great addition!!

Below is a photo of the pipes on my bike, sound waves to follows as soon as I have it on the road.

http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/data/501/1new_covers_2.jpg

[Retro Rich]

Yep, I just put them on mine a little over 300 miles ago; agree they look great on the Retro/Spoke models and they are LOUD; I have the stock baffles that come with them. Plan on looking into Thunder Monster baffles as well to tone them down a little and give them more rumble. When you crack the throttle open with these pipes, most cagers roll their windows up and a lot of other riders back away from you (possibly knocked backward by the sonic boom you create).

Tough to get to the mounting studs/acorn nuts on install due to the size and proximity of the heatshields. Using a flexible wrench like Big-X did, or a 12MM crowsfoot (which I ultimately ended up using on a couple of them with the torque wrench) made life a lot easier on the install.

[sailor44]

guys, If you want great pipes that are not loud, I suggest the roadhouse long. It sounds like the old glas pacs, and looks just like stock. Great addition!

[4inchpistons]

HG HardKrome pipes are guaranteed not to blue because the chrome you see is only a sheild. The actual pipes are underneath, unlike Cobra and many other brands which have no shield.

[ibified]

I have to chime in here and say that i LOVE my Hard Kromes. Only had them on the bike for a couple months now, but i love the look, the sound, etc. Mine are the K2's, but I'm sure that the big straights are nice as well.

[Green Ghost]

Well said Big-X, I love the way my Big 3s look and sound. I've had mine going on two years and they still look like the day I got them. I will be looking into the Thunder Monsters. A deeper note is always a good thing. I droped the right floor board and removed the rear master reservior to install mine. Did cut off an old wrench to help with the lower front bolt.

[mscales]

I am looking at the HK Sideburners 2 into 1. HDL has a sale going so now is a good time to buy. I have been searching for a sound bite but with no luck. Anyone know how these sound?

[tenn.vtx]

:choppersm hey, rich getting ready to put 3''HK on my 06 1300R , do i have to jet,if so what jet size it good.i've been told by friends it does'nt matter. thought i'd ask some one that knows what he's talking about.

[Retro Rich]

tenn,

Responded to your e-mail earlier. If you don't change anything at the airbox, should be ok overall. If you get a lot of decel "popping" and don't like it, do a PAIR valve removal using block-off plates. If you get any backfiring on hard deceleration, then you may have leaned up a little and would want to shim the needle utilzing the "Scar" method (carb tuning talked about in the Upgrade/Modifications section of this forum). It's cheap, don't need to re-jet at all and very easy for the DIY'er.

Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions.

RR

[atgk12]

I installed a new set of HK 3" Big Straights I picked up off ebay that were returns and they look good (One small dent). Problem is the lower pipe is approx 3/16 to 1/4 inch longer. Everything looks plumb and seated properly (no exhaust leaks). Question, has anyone else seen this? It doesn't look normal but I can't tell for sure. Thanks for any input from someone more knowledageable.

atgk12

[Big-X]

Yes, mine are slightly off like that also.

[mscales]

I bought mine used and they line up OK. I have hte slash tips on them and I just turned then 90 deg. so the slash faces out and not down. Looks better to me. Now for the REAL NEWS... I just picked up a NEW set of the HK 2 into 1 Sideburners. I will keep you posted. I love the sound of the 3" BIGS but they are LOUD and on the 1300 they sound like a LOUD H-D and at idle they just lope like a big block chevy. I hear the S/Bs are lOUD but have the best tone to them. We will see.

[Retro Rich]

Yep, my big 3's are off some as well at the tip. When i first installed, they were about 1/4" off, adjusted them a little at the head and got it down to about an 1/8" or less. Nature of the beast in most cases. I've read about some people that are fortunate and they line up straight. 'Bout a 50/50 mix out there from what I've seen thus far.

[whowhy]

I just bought some HK big straights! Don't even have them in hand as of yet! But I was wondering about the Thunder Monsters? I havent done anything to my bike yet. I am mechanically inclined, but have no idea about any of this stuff! How hard is it to replace the baffles with the monsters, and is there a benefit to replacing them before I install the new pipes? I bought the HK's because of the look, and feel that the Thunder Monsters will give me the deep sound that I want. Thanks in advance for everyones help!

[Big-X]

I have them in mine, helped deeped the sound and helped with the "blat-blat-blat" sound also. There is a video in the exhaust sounds section where you can hear them.

[toasted_3111979]

Ok I've got the HK 3's on thier way, but was wondering which Thunder Baffles I'd need to get. I'll be getting new tips and the baffles at a later date.

Thanks for the info. :cheers:

[mscales]

Ok I've got the HK 3's on thier way, but was wondering which Thunder Baffles I'd need to get. I'll be getting new tips and the baffles at a later date.

Thanks for the info. :cheers:

I would try them the way you get them. They sounded great on my bike. Very impressive. The thing is, here in CA we have to wear helmets so I wear a full face so while they sound good, and I had a friend ride the bike so I could hear it as it went by, it was not as loud for me as it will if you don't wear a helmet.

[Retro Rich]

Yep, Thunder Monsters do sound good. Another option are the HK 3" Resonator Baffles that there is a thread/write-up in this section about. I've got them on mine and really like the sound. There are not really a "baffle" per say, just a piece of flared tubing that replaces the stock baffle. They're very cost effective as well.

[Green Ghost]

Yep, Thunder Monsters do sound good. Another option are the HK 3" Resonator Baffles that there is a thread/write-up in this section about. I've got them on mine and really like the sound. There are not really a "baffle" per say, just a piece of flared tubing that replaces the stock baffle. They're very cost effective as well.
Outstanding Buy!! GG :D

[jandersen]

Bought a 1800, awesome bike! Has 3 inch HK pipes, a little loud for me, have read about the different baffle systems, but have not seen any comments on the Smartpartz HK baffles, look really easy to install. Anyone out there try these? Also, BIG problem, my girlfriend when riding has a tough time keeping her foot ( only size 6 1/2) off the top HK pipe. Not much clearance between the foot peg and pipe, and the bags on the bike don't allow her to put her foot any farther back. Any solution besides going to a Vance and Hines or other exhaust that wraps around the front of the clutch cover? If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

[whowhy]

OK, I got my HK 3" BS's, they were EASY to install myself! I was wondering about the Thunder Monsters or something to that effect before I installed the pipes, but after getting them installed, I LOVE THEM! I don't believe I am gonna change them at all!!!! I also saw something about some peoples pipes not lining up right??? Mine didnt want to line up at first, but with very little messing around before I completely tightened everything down, I got them to line up perfect! I couldn't be happier with the looks and the sound is just fine by me!:choppersm

[Big-X]

Also, BIG problem, my girlfriend when riding has a tough time keeping her foot ( only size 6 1/2) off the top HK pipe. Not much clearance between the foot peg and pipe, and the bags on the bike don't allow her to put her foot any farther back. Any solution....


Get larger rear pegs. My wife has some larger Kury's and really likes them, she wears a 9 and has never touched the pipes.

[ck76]

I've had the big 3'''s for about a year now, and yes they are as flawless as they were when i bought them... here's my question!!!!! Is there any down side to removing the stock baffles in them??? besides a possible citation from the boy's in blue!!!!! because to me they are loud but I could take it up a notch w/o any complaining... removing the baffles only affects the sound right?? no more rejetting or anything like that??? so I just remove the tips and the inside bolts and they slide out?? and if it's too much I can put them right back in ???? thanks fellas for all the input on my questions.........

[Hanger]

I agree with everyone above, I really like these, and no regrets about dropping the $$$ for the HKs!!!

[floridatank]

I have the HK 3"'s on my 1300R with the Smartpartz HK baffles. Bought a 1800N yesterday, ordered the same HK 3"'s for it also. Need the Smartpartz baffles in my neighborhood....too many windows to rattle....

[Osidevtx]

I have them in mine, helped deeped the sound and helped with the "blat-blat-blat" sound also. There is a video in the exhaust sounds section where you can hear them.

Hi Big-X. Have you installed a power commander or anything? I've heard differing stories: Some say that that they have run HK Side Burners without a change to the FI. The shop says "no no..." :nope: But I know what their motivation is.

Just trying to get different opinions.