Cobra Exhaust

[jpvtx05]

I stopped by the dealer last night to ask about an exhaust upgrade. I asked him about the Cobra Speedster Slashdown exhaust b/c I really liked the look of that system. He told me all Cobra exhausts have a lot of problems with discoloration, general quality, and require a jet kit which he also did not recommend doing to my vtx1300c(shorten the life of the engine). He recommended the V&H Big Shot Staggards since they were much better pipes and did not require any sort of jetting. (They were my number 2 choice)

Does anyone have experience with the Cobra exhaust system on their 1300, or heard any stories about them?? Thanks.

[Mer]

I don't have the full exhaust system, but I do have the Cobra Slashcut Slipons. (no rejetting required) As far as the quality goes, it is top notch! I've had them close to a year now with no discoloration. They still look as good today as the day I had them installed.

Most of the full exhaust systems will require a rejet and I've never heard that it can shorten the life of the engine, maybe if it was not correctly jetted. Not sure though.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[VTXcitable Boy]

Had them on my 750 Shadow. If they are Fiberglass. packed[ Don't know about the new ones], After awhile they will burn out. My experience was bluing. Did not like that, even though they look good. I bought HD Hardkomes for my 1300. Love em.I had to rejet because I put a K&N airfilter on mine. Goodluck and do your homework before you buy. Greg....

[vtxrider]

I have Hardkrome drag slip-on, on my bike for over a year now, no carb rejettin, no discoloration and the sound is awesome. new from Hardkrome around $300.00 but I got mine off ebay for about half that price

[Gaboy]

I had the same question prior to purchasing the Vance and Hines. The reason I didn't go with Cobra was the poor quality and they tend to rust. The chrome on the Cobra Pipes just isn't that great. I reasearched a great deal on the internet, and and ask some people that knew about Cobra, everyone said go with Vance and Hines.

I'm very happy with the Vance and Hines bigshot pipes. I did have the carb rejected, as it was recommended. I added horse power and the bike sounds great. I did have the standard baffles sent with the pipes, and purchased the quite baffles just in case. I kept the standard baffles, as they have a nice sound and aren't that loud. The chrome is great on the V&H pipes.


Hal

[TONYTAS]

I had Cobra HOT ROD SPEEDSTERS put on, they have not discolored yet after about 6 months, but I guess time will tell. My Honda dealer picked them out for me as part of an insurance claim from an accident I had. I trusted their technicians judgement, he's seen more then I have.

I also had a hypercharger and jet kit installed at the same time, there was no mention of the jetting causing engine problems.

[jpvtx05]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I am going to a different dealer this weekend and will ask them what brand they recommend and if rejetting will be required. I know V&H makes great stuff. I had their SS2R slip-on for my FZR600R when I owned that. I like the looks of the BigShot Staggards, but from the pictures I have seen on the internet, I think I liked the Cobra just a shade more. However, if the chrome and quality aren't there, I'll go for the V&H.

Thanks again.

[Memphis Fats]

I guess I'm a cheapskate, but I like to tinker, so I followed a suggestion from another vtx owner and drilled 7 holes in each rear baffle using an extended 1/2-in. bit. The results is that deep rumble that I wanted without the ear-shattering noise. At idle, I can hear the single crank lope. If I get on it, the rumble turns into a roar, but not obnoxious.....and I got to save all that money while using the superior quality of the stock pipes.
Don't think I'll need to re-jet either.....but the dealer's shop will let me know soon.

Since you are getting ready to lose the stock pipes with new Cobra, V&H or whatever, why not try the drill? If you don't like the sound, insert 1/2" bolts to fill the holes and buy the loud pipes. You're out a couple of bucks, then another $500.

[VTXcitable Boy]

Hey memphis, it ain't about the sound. It's about gas , intake, exhaust and tuning. You likes the noise? you can get that by drilling alright. It's about finding the sweet spot. Most pipes you buy are set up to be tuned., except the stock ones. they are set up for the EPA. These buggers are manufactured to produce more than that. Me, personally believe that you get what you put into it. Pipes are just the beginning of the proccess. the carb, the air intake and the ballance are the rest.You want more thunder at the top end? buy a longer pipe with diameter. You want more git through the gears? Buy a middle rangr pipe. More back pressure? shorter pipe? More ass on the bottem end. If you buy a pipe and don't tunr it to your carb or efi you ain't getten what you paid for. The drill game is o.k., but even that is only as good as your tune to it. If you open your exhaust and don't open your carb you are reducing your backpressure. If you do this you need to increase your air and gas to compensate. otherwise you lose your balance and power. IOW Lean condition or sluggish performance or even backfire condition. I personaly like to be a little more on the rich side and a bit more air. You are right though, you don't have to spend big bucks to get what you want. Just gotta spend the time and effort to find a good medium. When you get it right you and your friends will know. That mother will scream! JMO Greg....

[chazb458]

I just don't know enough about the mechanics to even pick the right stuff. I need an honest mechanic who can help me figure out what enhancements I need to make to get what I want out of the bike. I'm still trying to figure that one out. Going through these post gives me so many ideas my head spins.

[jpvtx05]

The dealer where I purchased my VTX recommended any Cobra pipe that has the wrap around chrome heat shield which surrounds the actual pipe. He said stay away from the pipes that have the chrome directly on the pipes themselves. Also gave a thumbs up to the V&H Bigshots. He also said to put a DynoJet jetting kit on since their tuning recommendations were very accurate.

I asked about a K&N filter and He said not to put on. I'm not quite sure I understand his logic as to why, so I won't repeat it here, but he kind of mentioned that it is too hard to rejet with one on. He did say that he would charge $200 for a pipe install and rejetting. Not bad, but I think I would attempt to put the pipes on myself and have them rejet.

Has everyone here done the pipes themselves, or do you think $200 is worth not having to hassle with it?