cowboy

1999 Softail FXST

What is a good set of pipes to increase performance.
The 2 to 1 are the best I hear, but I don't like the looks so
I'll have to stay with the 2 to 2. Looking for low to mid range.

Opinions ?

FatBoyRider

Cowboy, have you considered the Vance & Hines "Big Shots", or the Screaming Eagle "Double Barrels" (also made by V&H) ?. Also Python has a version of this same system made by V&H.

They have a "power chamber", a section that combines exhaust flow from both cylinders in the head pipes just before the baffles. They perform much like a 2 into 1, but retain the look of a 2 to 2 exhaust sysyem.

I have a set of the "Double Barrels" on my FatBoy and love them, I get lot's of compliments on the sound & look of them. I also removed the baffles and installed a set of "Thunder Monsters", they give the pipes a deeper sound.

Anyway something for you to consider....


FBR

fatster

You should do some research on Cycle Shack M pipes you will find that they look, sound, and produce good power for half the price than the pipes mentioned above. Unequal pipes steal power and big loud pipes steal power. They are good if you are going to run wide open. We put V&H pipes on bikes all the time and they sound good but if you dyno them they hurt the bottom end and mid range. Why pay all that money? Why modify a new pipe? The power chamber is like a crossover on a sportster it creates a little more bottom end but not much. Cycle Shack I think thru working with all the brands of pipes are the best if you not going to run a 2 into 1 system. The V&H and Python 2 into 1 systems are great but there big, short, long dont do it for me Samson pipes will kill you too both in power and money. I've run cycle shach on my bike for a long time and just switched to Bassani they are also a good pipe to check out look good and are steped to make good power. A little more pricy than Cycle Shack though.

FatBoyRider

I have always heard good comments about the Cycle Shacks. Good sound, good power, and a good price.

FBR

PHAT-BOY

Samson has a new series of pipes called the Caliber series. 2 into 1. Looks nice too. Check them out at SamsonUSA

harrigancan

I agree with you Cowboy. I like the looks of 2 -2 much better than 2 - 1. As far as power goes if you really want power it will cost you big bucks on a harley so I wouldn't worry about the little difference in most pipes. I would be happy with good looks and sound both of which are personel choices. Good luck on your choice.

FatBoyRider

What harrigancan said....

Lot's of people get hung up on Dyno numbers and all that....a stock Harley is a slug no matter what. A stage 1 upgrade will wake it up a bit for sure, but...it's still a slug. I have friends that have spent thousands on motor builds, and they still see nothing but the tail lights of some 19 year old kid on a 900cc crotch rocket....so don't get hung up on power numbers of a Harley...unless of course your only gonna race another Harley. Then it might mean something.....lol

I think you should just get the pipes that sound good, and look good to you.....and ride that puppy

My worthless .02

FBR

cowboy

Agreed,
Some carb work and a set of pipes aren't going to make it into a rocket but if you can get 10-18 hp extra thats a good boost.

p.s. I don't know if any H-D (unless its got 40k into it) will keep up with a Crotch Rocket..... but thats not what I'm after.
Just want a little more pep.

fatster

I've rode with the bassinis on for about a week and they look great and sound good but I have noticed the when I start off I've lost a little bottom end and I can really feel when the cam kicks in. The mid and top end are good but I havent figured where the bottom end went I'll have to play with the timing a little. But Besides looks the Cycle Shack pipes still out preform these and for less money. I wish that they would design different styles of M pipes. I could change out the baffles between the two maby I'll try that.