Changing exhaust/adding fuel module

[Bossmant]

I'm sure that some of you have changed your exhaust by now, LOL Does anyone here have a particular favorite (or one that they DIDNT like)? Also, I guess that a fuel "module" like the Cobra or Dynojet is also in order. How complicated is it to install one of these...and do they work well? Thanks to all!

[Dalechris]

I initially changed my stock exhaust to the Cobra set up. I installed a TFI fuel management system and a K&N Air Filter at the same time.
The exhaust note was not only loud but it was obnoxious on an all day ride. I lost a lot of low end grunt. The tech center at Dobreck helped me with different settings to get the bike to run like I thought it should but I could never get the TFI system dialed in properly. To make a long story short. the main problem was with the pipes. I reinstalled the stock pipes and opened up the mufflers. The sound is low and mellow and the bike runs like a raped ape. No surge, no decel pop and all the low end that it had originally. The TFI unit works great with this set up and is very easy to install.
I hope this helps

[RED1DR]

I put Vance and Hines Bigshots on my 1800 along with Cobra FI 2000 and a K&N filter. Power increased and stopped decel pop. Made a huge difference.

[Outlaw1800]

I've got V&H big shots with quiet baffles, PC-111, Kury Hypercharger. I like this setup. V&H's have enough back pressure and a restrictor plate that makes them legal in most states. Had HardKrome pipes on this bike and an 1100 before. Too loud and tinny, no back preasure, lack of low end power. Got rid of them. There are various things you can do to the OME pipes to make them louder but, if you ever want to trade it in to a dealer, they really want the OME pipes in original condition to be able to sell it. I've known people with the Cobra pipes and the finish has been a constant complaint. JMHO

[lyster]

I owned a Harley with SuperTrapp pipes and an "open end cap" before I bought my VTX. I can't tell you how many of the people I ride with who have told me how much they appreciate my quiet pipes now that I have gotten rid of the Harley. My wife is especially appreciative, as are my neighbors. My ears don't ring at the end of the day. No, I don't want loud pipes again.

I would like more performance and lighter weight, however. I have a California model, and would like to keep the O2 sensor's functionality. (Perhaps I'll use the HPP fuel management system, if they ever bring out the new series.)

Any ideas? Airbox change could be in the "package" too. With that I definitely want to see an increase in performance, no problems in the rain, and no issues with the filter sticking out so far that it interferes with my leg.

[selled73]

I have a 2003 VTX. I have Vance and Hines Big Shots. Left the baffles in. At the time I installed the exhaust I also installed a DynoJet which I love. You can not beat the DynoJet. Spend the extra $100 and get a fully tunable fuel management system. I also have the Thunder MFG. Hurricane. Now my motor can breathe and good sound. This combination gives massive low end tourque, and sounds great-including the sucking sound from the air filter.

[Jrsess]

In 2003 I installed the Vance & Hines BigShots.I left the stock baffles in sound great to me! I didn't install any fuel management system,I get a small amount of decell pop I like it!! Fit and finish are superb! Ride Safe Jrsess :choppersm
2002 1800C

[Drywallman]

I too have the V&H Big Shots, but with Thunder Monster Baffels. Sounds great with good performance. I also have the PC III usb installed as a fuel manager, fully tuneable as mentioned before. I get about 40 MPG running around the streets and about 45 in the mountains. But when I use the wrist a little much I get around 38.
I have another ride bud that installed the Cobra fuel manager and was getting in the low to mid 30's and running to rich. He finally just turned it down all the way and eventually took it off. He has no decell popping with after market exhaust and Hypercharger installed. Of course it's De-Smogged and that alone makes a big difference.
I have come to the concluesion that an after market fuel management system is not needed to stop Decell popping, all you need to do is De-Smog, (unless you want to to add more fuel).
So go ahead and get you after market pipes and air intake what ever makes it breath better and sound better, but hold off on th after market fuel manager until your really want to burn more fuel. And if you want to burn more fuel get a PC III so that you can get it dynoed and tuned to your bike to get the best of both worlds, fuel miliage and performance.
My .02 worth,
opinions Vary.
Drywallman

[scjdeke]

I installed a set of Hard Krome 3-inch Staggered Straights on my 2002 1800R. These mothers are loud! They look great and took a few pounds off the bike too. With the new pipes, I also put in a Cobra Tri-pot fuel processor. Everything installed easily in a few hours. The biggest pain was taking off the OEM pipes.

1500 miles later, the bike is running great. I have had no problems with the fuel processor at all. The handy part about the Cobra processor is the ability to tweak (which I have yet to do or need to do) the settings without hooking it up to a PC or PDA. (Most/all V-Twins will experience minimal popping from time to time when decelerating. Minimal Popping=OK Backfiring=Not OK)

Go for it.... GitRDone

--SCJ

[Bossmant]

Thanks to all for your comments:) Real peoples' experiences are more valuble to me than advertisements...

[RedSled]

I just went to the HardKrome 2into1 Sideburners with the TFI. If you want, loud, mean and lean, go with the Hardkrome's. The TFI was really easy to install and I have a personal write up on it I could send you with pics. The only problem was figuring out which "brown" wire the instructions were referencing, but I've got it down. The TFI was cheaper than the others and on my 02 1800R it works great for a lot less $. Have no problems with it.
I've noticed better throttle response and the pipes, well, it sounds like a topfuel dragster. :hmm2: Just something to think of.

[Drywallman]

I just went to the HardKrome 2into1 Sideburners with the TFI. If you want, loud, mean and lean, go with the Hardkrome's. The TFI was really easy to install and I have a personal write up on it I could send you with pics. The only problem was figuring out which "brown" wire the instructions were referencing, but I've got it down. The TFI was cheaper than the others and on my 02 1800R it works great for a lot less $. Have no problems with it.
I've noticed better throttle response and the pipes, well, it sounds like a topfuel dragster. :hmm2: Just something to think of.
Make sure you run a hotter plug to prevent plug fouling. TFI only makes your bike richer that's it. Keep your eyes on your plugs. TFI and Cobra fuel managers are cheaper, but you get what you pay for.
Opinions Vary
My .02 worth

[RedSled]

Make sure you run a hotter plug to prevent plug fouling. TFI only makes your bike richer that's it. Keep your eyes on your plugs. TFI and Cobra fuel managers are cheaper, but you get what you pay for.
Opinions Vary
My .02 worth
How will I know if running the hotter plugs is making a difference... :hmm2:

Man I feel stupid sometimes...I just dont' have a clue on these issues, sorry.

[Drywallman]

How will I know if running the hotter plugs is making a difference... :hmm2:

Man I feel stupid sometimes...I just dont' have a clue on these issues, sorry.
The plug that came stock for the 02's are a colder plug then they are for the 03's. 02's have been known to foul plugs even in stock configuration. 02's also have been known to have grounding problems, to which there are easy fixes for. I have an 03 and I run Bosch 4419's in my bike and haven't had a problem.

[FL_VTX_GA]

I switched to Bosch 4418's at about 2,000 miles and never fouled a plug again.

[Drywallman]

I switched to Bosch 4418's at about 2,000 miles and never fouled a plug again.
I believe, that plug is a step cooler then the 4419.

[FL_VTX_GA]

The 4418 is cooler than the 4419 but doesn't foul for me. I use the coolest plug that won't foul. I'm sure that 4419 would work just as well.

[chazb458]

Why is cooler better?

[FL_VTX_GA]

"Hotter" plugs are longer than "cooler" plugs. They don't have a "hotter" spark. The difference is the electrodes actually project deeper into the combustion chamber. For a plug to function properly it needs to be deep enough to have the unburned hydrocarbons burned off but not so deep that the electrodes are eaten away by the high temperatures.

[chazb458]

Thanks. Makes perfectly good sense.

[WoodBrother]

I went with the V&H Bigshots, a modified stock airbox with K&N filtyer and the stock fuel module. Oh, I also desmoged. The preformance went up, crisper throittle response for sure. I love the way this bike pullls. I get some mild popping on decel but not enugh to warrent any real attention. The Bigshots sound great but might a little loud if you are trying to keep the neighbors happy while you leave the drive. But they get used to it it seems as I have had a lot of compliments from them. LOL But the real rush is doing 65 down some back road, dropping it in to 4th gear and passing the car in front. 65 to 110 mph plus like "right now" is a reality with this beast!

Wood