Pipes vs. Entire Exhaust

[Lone_Rider]

I am interested in getting either just pipes or an entirely new exhaust system and have some questions. The reason I want to do this in not really for looks but to get a deeper more throaty type of sound.

In order to get this sound, do I need to replace my entire exhaust or should I just get new slip on mufflers? If I do get an entirely new exhaust is the Power Commander REALLY required? I priced the Power Commander while i was there and it was about $350. Also they told me to install any pipes and new exhaust would take about five hours at $90 / hour. Does this sound right?

I checked out some of the catalogs while I was there and really could not find any pipes that look as good as the stock pipes on my '06 900 LT. What aftermarket pipes have you all put on your 900s? Both the service guy and the sales guy independently told me to avoid Cobra pipes. They said the quality on the Cobras are not as nice as some of the other manufacturers they offer. He said that Vance & Heins are nice but I should strongly consider DG Chrome. I have never heard of DG Chrome until now.

If you all have any pics of your aftermarket pipes and thoughts on them please let me know. My B-Day is coming very soon and my girlfriend is hooking me up. I want to get this done before I p*ss her off again and she changes her mind.

[trikebubble]

5 hours at $90 per hour? Holy cr@p, someone is trying to screw you badly.

Replacing the exhaust is a pretty basic Re&Re type of job. I would suggest that you consider doing it yourself, it's a great way to learn a bit about your bike.

No, you don't need a PCIII with either a slip-on or full exhaust replacement. Don't let the dealership convince you otherwise. If you decide to add and aftermarket airbox, then you will need to add a fuel mgmt. system such as the PCIII.

[trikebubble]

He means D&G Hard Krome. http://www.hardkrome.com/Metric/MetricCatalog.asp
I have their pipes (the HK 3" Big Straights) and love them, though they are very loud.

If you like the look of your stockers, then maybe check with Roadhouse. they make a lot of Slip-On's that sound pretty good, though not obnoxious, and look similar to stock.

I also had Cobra pipes on my Mean Streak, and they were top notch, never had any quality issues whatsoever.

[Lone_Rider]

I should have also mentioned that the five hours installation would include the pipes, exhaust, and power commander.

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by Lone_Rider

I should have also mentioned that the five hours installation would include the pipes, exhaust, and power commander.

That still seems excessive to me. Especially if you are buying the goods from them.
Again, don't worry about the PCIII unless you are also adding an aftermarket air intake.
In my opinion, I would get the pipes you want, then down the road if you think you need more power....then purchase a PCIII and aftermarket air intake.

And I still think you should consider installing the pipes, they are not that difficult to do, and you'll save a whack of $$$.

[art708]

You should be able to install a set of pipes in less than an hour.

[Lone_Rider]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

That still seems excessive to me. Especially if you are buying the goods from them.
Again, don't worry about the PCIII unless you are also adding an aftermarket air intake.
In my opinion, I would get the pipes you want, then down the road if you think you need more power....then purchase a PCIII and aftermarket air intake.

And I still think you should consider installing the pipes, they are not that difficult to do, and you'll save a whack of $$$.

When you say I should get the pipes I want, do you mean the slip ons or an entire kit with exhaust? Also, if I do just get slip ons will that sound as good as if I were to get new pipes and exhaust?

[mxerdad]

Have you considered debaffling your stock pipes? I have a guy I ride with that has a 900 and did it and it sounds good. Their are also many on here that have done it. I have the Cobra pipes and just sent my tips in for warranty and so far have had no problems with them and did I mention they are LOUD and I love it! Also have a guy that has the Roadhouse slip-ons and they also sound good. It's all a matter of opinion on what trips your trigger!

[Scruffy]

They'll sound pretty similar.

If you prefer a set of slip-ons, buy them, spend 20-30 minutes swapping them out in the driveway, and go for a ride.

If you opt for a full one piece ppe, same deal, just takes a couple minutes longer, due to 4 extra bolts and swapping the exhaust gaskets. Most exhaust gaskets are a one time install item, they take a set to your pipe and may not fit a replacement pipe.

I used to be in the industry. I have Cobra pipes on my Vulcan and my wife's Intruder, but only because both bikes were bought used, with the pipes already on them. If I was spending the money for a set of pipes, I'd go Hard Krome, Road House, one of Samson's metric variants, Morton's, or Vance and Hines. In that order. Some people like them, but, I've found Cobras (mine and customers') to be a waste of perfectly good chain link fence post, steel wool, and sub-par chromium. Straight up junk.
-Scruffy

[Desoto]

I just got some Cobra pipes for my Nomad and the chrome is flawless and they sound awesome. Throaty but not too loud. I don't remember who posted that but someone gave a link to a company who made blacked out exhaust foe the 900. They really look great. And don't spend the $450 the dealer wants to install you a set of pipes. Even if you're not too mechanicaly inclined, it shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours to install on your own.

[10-55]

if you do full pipes you might want some one to help you as the length can make them a little awkard. buy a case of victory beer and save the other 425 for your air kit.

[Easyrider32]

Damm I work very slow as I am not a pro. I could install pipes in 2 hours. The PCIII is a 1 hour job tops including installing the Maps. Maybe they ment 5 hours with Dyno tuning?

[Easyrider32]

Do you mean these?
http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/...Code=1810-0891

Originally Posted by Desoto

I just got some Cobra pipes for my Nomad and the chrome is flawless and they sound awesome. Throaty but not too loud. I don't remember who posted that but someone gave a link to a company who made blacked out exhaust foe the 900. They really look great. And don't spend the $450 the dealer wants to install you a set of pipes. Even if you're not too mechanicaly inclined, it shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours to install on your own.

[woodchucks800]

If i'm not mistaken the 900 is running a one piece pipe ? slip ons will require taking the pipes of and cutting the mufflers off first before installing the slip ons? Not a hard job for somone thats mechanically inclined and has the tools available to do it. That might be some of the dealer cost to install them. $90 an hour is still high though considering the wrench doing it is only getting $10 to $12 an hour for the job.

[Rainbow]

hey there lone_rider,

Trikebubble is right on the mark with his comments about needing pc111 only if u change air filter as well. You can change just the pipes on their own and do nother else if you want and that is ok to do. I can't comment about labour costs as I don't know what charge out rates are like over in your country but it sure sounds high to me.

It took about 2 hours to change my Meanie's stock pipes for Cobra Slashdowns. And that was just taking it slowly. They sound awesome. Nice deep throaty sound. The finish on my pipes are fine. I can't see any problems with them so far. You will need to put new gaskets in though. Don't re-use the old ones.

Feel free to talk with others on the forum and do your research without rushing. Also go down to some local shops and see if there are any bikes with the pipes you might be interested in and hearing them run. Or any local clubs or riding groups might give you the same chance as well. Good luck.

[Classic]

One of the best resources for seeing what pipes or anything else looks like and for what the owners have to say is Cruiser Customizing. If you've never been there, log in with your pertinent info and it'll do most of the work for you. You can then select the type of accessory, read reviews from owners or your type of bike and see their pictures.

www.cruisercustomizing.com

[cruznut6]

Just a couple of reminders, whatever way you go; have someone give you a "hand" with the install. If you slip or drop a wrench while trying to mount the pipes or slip-ons, you could permanently scratch the chrome on them. It's easier to have someone hold them in place while you get the hardware started. Make sure you don't re-use the exhaust gaskets, get new ones. The most complaints about replacing exhausts is "backfiring" , caused by exhaust leaks. It's a cheap part,so replace them. Torque all the bolts to specs. Make sure you REMOVE ALL FINGERPRINTS before getting the pipes hot. If you don't, you'll have smudges they can't easily be removed. After running the bike, re-check the tightness on all the bolts. I would do this several times. Neither job of slips-ons or pipe replacement is difficult if you take your time and follow the mfgr's instructions. God bless and good luck!

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by Lone_Rider

Also they told me to install any pipes and new exhaust would take about five hours at $90 / hour. Does this sound right?

You've gotten lots of advice already, there's not much to add. But, to give you an idea and keeping in mind that this was the first time ever that I replaced pipes, it took me about six (6) hours to:
-replace the entire pipe system including the gaskets,
-remove the reed valves and all the associated controls, hoses, etc. and install coaster plates,
-remove the stock air crossover tube (required intake manifold removal),
-remove and rejet the carb,
-install new breather.

Six hours. Looks to me if you use the guys you are talking to you're fixin' to get porked in the keister......

[Desoto]

Originally Posted by Easyrider32

Do you mean these?
http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/...Code=1810-0891

Exactly! Don't they look awesome? Thanks for the link.

[Lone_Rider]

Thanks everyone for all of the great info! I am still trying to find out what my options are for the 900. I went to the V&H website and the 900 LT isn't even listed. I did not see it on DG Hard Krome either. Although I did see the link in this thread for the blackouts offered by DG. In the time it is taking me to find out what my options are, I could have installed the pipes six times already!

I am looking at DG Krome, V&H, and Cobra in that order. Is there a site that has all of these manufacturers and the various pipes offered for the 900 LT?