Need advice on installing stock exhaust on 1500 Classic

[SouthernPA]

I have a 1500 Classic (2003) that has Vance and Hines Long Shots, and I have decided to put on stock exhaust from a Mean Streak. (The V & H are too loud for me in my old age). The Mean Streak pipes are a dealer take-off, and all parts are present but slightly used. But I have a question – I bought 2 new exhaust gaskets for where the pipes meet the cylinder head, but do I need to buy a new gasket for the goat belly? There are 4 connections on the goat belly, and one of them uses studs and bolts similar to the header pipe connection. Is that a crush gasket? If so, the one I have has already been used. Do you think it will tighten up, or should I order another one? In the referenced URL, it would be part 11009A. I would appreciate any advice.

OEM (Stock) Parts 2003 Kawasaki VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC (VN1500-E6) at BikeBandit.com

[wayne1001]

I have had my stock exhaust off before and didn't change those gaskets. They are not crush gaskets so as long as they are not ripped they should be ok

[vulcancowboy]

What are you going to do with your long shots?

[Classic]

Originally Posted by vulcancowboy

What are you going to do with your long shots?

Did you also see where Ispeed was selling his Straightshots?

[N3TQV]

Originally Posted by vulcancowboy

What are you going to do with your long shots?

Hey Jim;
Keith here in Etters, just south of you. I have a couple of stock air filters you might be interested in. ONe is in the wrapper and the other has very little useage. Both ar serviceable and if you plan on keeping your stock intake, you can have them for a song. Even a bad song, just so long as it's not rap. Let me know, otherwise they go on the "come and get 'em" listing.
Keith aka N3TQV

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by SouthernPA

I have a 1500 Classic (2003) that has Vance and Hines Long Shots, and I have decided to put on stock exhaust from a Mean Streak. (The V & H are too loud for me in my old age). The Mean Streak pipes are a dealer take-off, and all parts are present but slightly used. But I have a question – I bought 2 new exhaust gaskets for where the pipes meet the cylinder head, but do I need to buy a new gasket for the goat belly? There are 4 connections on the goat belly, and one of them uses studs and bolts similar to the header pipe connection. Is that a crush gasket? If so, the one I have has already been used. Do you think it will tighten up, or should I order another one? In the referenced URL, it would be part 11009A. I would appreciate any advice.

OEM (Stock) Parts 2003 Kawasaki VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC (VN1500-E6) at BikeBandit.com

Personally, if the connection had been disassembled I would install a new gasket. If the dealership removed the pipes as a complete assembly (my stock pipes came off as one piece), I wouldn't worry about it.

Really, for the price of a gasket, it's worth replacing a gasket up front just to avoid the hassle of taking it apart again to replace it if it does leak. It's been a while, but I think two exhaust gaskets 2 yrs. ago was like $3.

[SouthernPA]

Thanks for the advice.

[SouthernPA]

Originally Posted by vulcancowboy

What are you going to do with your long shots?

I think i will put the Long Shots on Craig's list because i can't see that I will use them again.

[SouthernPA]

Originally Posted by wayne1001

I have had my stock exhaust off before and didn't change those gaskets. They are not crush gaskets so as long as they are not ripped they should be ok

Thanks for the advice. I think I will try it with the existing gasket and see if it works OK.

[vulcancowboy]

Originally Posted by N3TQV

Hey Jim;
Keith here in Etters, just south of you. I have a couple of stock air filters you might be interested in. ONe is in the wrapper and the other has very little useage. Both ar serviceable and if you plan on keeping your stock intake, you can have them for a song. Even a bad song, just so long as it's not rap. Let me know, otherwise they go on the "come and get 'em" listing.
Keith aka N3TQV

Steve had said that you had some filters, I just never got around to following up on it. PM your phone number and I'll give you a call. I'm interested, but I have to warn you, I don't sing so good!