[vulcanrob]

Well got my Hard Krome 3" Big Straights in yesterday and put them on yesterday afternoon. Taking the stock pipes off and installing the new ones took me a couple of hours since I am not a mechanic and don't claim to be. So installation was pretty easy. Actually IMO taking off the old ones was harder than putting on the new ones.

So what do I think? These pipes are truly bad a$$! I love them. There is not one thing I don't love. Although they do seem a little off. Meaning the spacing between them get's more narrow towards then end of the pipe but it's only noticeable if you get a real close look. The sound is tremendous. It is truly the sound I was looking for. They are definitely loud but I didn't feel overpowered. They actually calm down at cruising speeds and they only got real loud when I was really getting into the throttle. Truthfully that's the best of both worlds if you ask me.

I did not install the power commander but I did notice a slight boost in take off power. So no worries there. I will still get one but it is not a big a deal as some make it out to be. I also not marbeled the reed valve yet and did notice some popping on decel. It wasn't that bad but my father seems to think it will get worse as the pipes get broken in. In any event I will be doing the reed valve trick soon.

So in summary. I love these pipes. They are exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks for everyone for their input!!

I think I am going to go show off now.

 

[btreaves]

Congrats...I love them too, they look good, sound good, perform good and will not blue.

I love the sound, cuz they are the best of both worlds...I get thumbs up from people all the time. I wouldn't have any other pipe on my bike.

Now you can take that "Hard Krom 3" Straights" (Coming Soon) off of your profile.

Enjoy!

 

[vulcanrob]

Profile is updated. Now if I could just remove this big cheesey grin from my face I'll be doing fine.

Just met a buddy of mine for lunch that I ride with. He rides a VTX 1300. He has drilled the baffles so they are louder than regular stock pipes and has been steadly making fun of my bike for about a month or so. In fact said the other day he liked my electric motorcycle. He ain't making fun no mo. Just green with envy now. haaaa

 

[Ken]

Profile is updated. Now if I could just remove this big cheesey grin from my face I'll be doing fine.

Let the grin stay, it's fun to finally get something you've drooled over for so long!

Congrats on the upgrade, a worthy one indeed!!

 

[vulcanrob]

Nah won't stop grinning for a while.

Now onto my quest for the Power Commander!!

 

[Ken]

We're in the same boat, pretty much. Last weekend I added V&H HS Pro Pipe 2:1 and while I had my hands dirty, installed the Power Commander. I haven't done a darn thing with it yet. I'm expecting a new air kit this week from Thunder Air, and then I'll hook up the laptop and play with some maps.

Good luck to you, vulcanrob. This is SO much fun!

 

[btreaves]

Profile is updated. Now if I could just remove this big cheesey grin from my face I'll be doing fine.

Just met a buddy of mine for lunch that I ride with. He rides a VTX 1300. He has drilled the baffles so they are louder than regular stock pipes and has been steadly making fun of my bike for about a month or so. In fact said the other day he liked my electric motorcycle. He ain't making fun no mo. Just green with envy now. haaaa

Now you can break his balls regarding that lame ass hole in the pipe sound he has...It's got to sound pretty lame if you ask me...Plus if he's got a VTX1300, he's got a girls bike...A VTX1800 is a mans bike, the only reason they came out with the 1300 was for women.

Tell him to get used to the popping sound of those 1600cc's of power and then drag his azz down the highway!

Oh and put a scowl on your face...You're wearing Hard Krome now!

 

[vulcanrob]

Hmmm Thunder Air Kit. Must have air kit. How much does one of those run?

Dang right this fun. More fun than a barrel of monkeys.

 

[vulcanrob]

Ahhh he was just giving me a hard time. It's what we do. I don't know if I would call the 1300 a girls bike but he would have been better off with an 1800. Especially as big a boy as he is.

It's funny even though he drilled the baffles he knocked something loose and now it sounds like a screw is rolling around in there.

Besides I have always left him in the dust. Now he just has a sound trail to chase instead of just a dust trail!!

 

[Ken]

Hmmm Thunder Air Kit. Must have air kit. How much does one of those run?

Here ya go:
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/list.cfm?model_ID=23&category_ID=15&manufacturer_ID=169

 

[vulcanrob]

Don't see one for the 1600. Are they the same for the 1500 and the 1600?

 

[Ken]

Don't see one for the 1600. Are they the same for the 1500 and the 1600?

http://www.thundermfg.com/Pages/v1600.htm

 

[Slicks]

Hey VulcanRob, glad you like the Big Straights. I lusted after my 800A for three years before I finally bought her. Never had a chance to hear her run before signing the paper but I requested "Loud Pipes" be put on. They recommended the Big Straights and I did the Thunder Kit with it.

Man, when the loan went through and I started it for the first time, I almost peed myself!!! I couldn't believe that I owned a bike that sounded that good! Bought it in 2002 and have put 25,000 miles on her (mostly back roads).

I agree with the dual personality. At cruise, she sounds husky and powerful. Start rapping the throttle and smacking the rpms and it sounds like a 300 horsepower racecar with a really bad attitude.

I love them but I do get frequent complaints from people riding behind me that they're too loud. I frequently ride in the rear which suits me fine.

"It's all about the grin factor"

 

[Phatboy]

Nice choice in pipes. I <3 the seemless look of the Hard Kromes.

The Thunder kit will change the tone of your pipes. The plus side is the deeper resonating tone of the pipes. The downside is that the pipes will no longer be quiet at cruising speed. It sounds good and all, but I spent 14 hours driving my 1600 a couple weeks ago and the sound got a bit tiresome.

The other plus side is *power*!! :twisted: The intake allows those big pipes to flow some air ie the bike can almost double as a leaf blower The increase you get with the intake is much more noticable than just the pipes. If you go with a power commander be prepared to take it to a dyno to get a good map.

Phatboy

 

[vulcanrob]

The more I ride with them the more I love them. I can't get over how good they sound. I also really like how they cleaned up the look of the bike getting rid of those big bulky stock pipes. Not that the stock pipes were ugly but man these things really improve the look of my bike. Since I put the new grips and pipes on I am getting more looks and compliments than ever.

 

[PickYourPockets]

If the 1300 is a woman's bike, what do you have to say to us 800 owners?
:roll:

 

[vulcanrob]

He was just kidding I'm sure. I used to ride an 800 and I loved it. I still have it in fact. It was and is a great bike.

Let's not start something here. It doesn't matter what you ride as long as you ride!

 

[PickYourPockets]

Did that sound pissy? Sorry, I'm not trying to start something. Not miffed about it or anything. Just pushing a button or two. :twisted: 'Sall good.

 

[vulcanrob]

Some people get very pissy when you mess with them about their ride. I know it doesn't bother me. Never had anyone tell me I was riding a girls bike when I was on my 800. It doesn't hurt that I'm 6'3" 220 either. :twisted:

 

[Stuart]

lol, look at my avatar, now image 6'4" 295 lbs linebacker