Dude, we always want pictures :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
My experiences with Vance & Hines on EX500
Sorry if I ramble a bit... 
I just got through adding a Vance and Hines exhaust to my bike, and ran into a few issues that I thought people should be aware if they are considering this system.
First off, the headers didn't line up with the engine properly. I'm told this is fairly common with 3rd party exhausts, and it wasn't much of an issue, except the gasket I needed was backordered. Once everything was hung and in place, we ran into issues with the lower fairing not fitting properly. A small piece needed to be removed from the inside of the scoop to give room to the new pipes. Next, the rear mounts for the fairing needed to be shimmed down almost an inch and toward the right side of the bike about the same. This gave some room between the pipe running down the side of the bike, and the side of the fairing. Insulating tape was also used to prevent nasty melting problems.
Once the fairing was on the next problem we realized was with the new mount for the center stand. The new pipes run through where the stand is originally positioned, so brackets are provided to move it back a few inches. Unfortunately the way the bracket is engineered, it doesn't allow you to tighten the bolt enough to prevent it stand from hitting the chain, if you still plan on using it, since the bolt is also the axle for the stand. I will be removing the stand to solve this problem shortly. For now I just tightened the bolt enough to keep the stand from moving.
The final issue comes in with the rear brake pedal. Travel on the pedal is reduced by about 30-40% due to interference with the exhaust. I am investigating tightening the pedal so I don't lose braking power.
Another thing of note: With the fairing slightly relocated, I bottomed out on a hard right lean with a passenger and slightly scratched the bottom of the fairing.
With all the problems it has caused, it DOES add a good amount of power, and I feel it is a worthwhile upgrade, as long as you are aware of what you are getting into with it.
I can add pictures if there is any interest.
Hope this helps someone out there!
I just got through adding a Vance and Hines exhaust to my bike, and ran into a few issues that I thought people should be aware if they are considering this system.
First off, the headers didn't line up with the engine properly. I'm told this is fairly common with 3rd party exhausts, and it wasn't much of an issue, except the gasket I needed was backordered.
Once everything was hung and in place, we ran into issues with the lower fairing not fitting properly. A small piece needed to be removed from the inside of the scoop to give room to the new pipes. Next, the rear mounts for the fairing needed to be shimmed down almost an inch and toward the right side of the bike about the same. This gave some room between the pipe running down the side of the bike, and the side of the fairing. Insulating tape was also used to prevent nasty melting problems.Once the fairing was on the next problem we realized was with the new mount for the center stand. The new pipes run through where the stand is originally positioned, so brackets are provided to move it back a few inches. Unfortunately the way the bracket is engineered, it doesn't allow you to tighten the bolt enough to prevent it stand from hitting the chain, if you still plan on using it, since the bolt is also the axle for the stand. I will be removing the stand to solve this problem shortly. For now I just tightened the bolt enough to keep the stand from moving.
The final issue comes in with the rear brake pedal. Travel on the pedal is reduced by about 30-40% due to interference with the exhaust. I am investigating tightening the pedal so I don't lose braking power.
Another thing of note: With the fairing slightly relocated, I bottomed out on a hard right lean with a passenger and slightly scratched the bottom of the fairing.
With all the problems it has caused, it DOES add a good amount of power, and I feel it is a worthwhile upgrade, as long as you are aware of what you are getting into with it.
I can add pictures if there is any interest.
Hope this helps someone out there!
