Riding motorcycles for fun can be a rejuvenation of the soul and mind. I truly geek out just before I get on the bike for a ride, because with a bike ya never know what adventure will open up, or who you'll meet on the road. I have always been the young gun trying to follow the path blazed before me by the weathered gray beards, but also looking for a way to sneak off and make my own path.

After recently trading my '05 Softail Springer in on an '08 Night Rod Special, I have experienced varying degrees of interest as well as outright disgust for my new ride from friends and family. Many of the pundits will spread negatives disclaiming it as a "true" H-D, Porsche-designed, ugly styling, etc. All I can tell you people, is you ride your bike and I'll ride mine.

Bike sitting in stock form. Notice how far back these pipes reach? Would you believe the stock system weighs more than 30 pounds?

I was looking into small performance upgrades and for shits and giggles I dyno'd it and was surprised to see the hp was at 105 rear wheel horsepower (RWHP)! Mind you, that's stock from the factory. How much will it cost to get the 96-inch twin cam A or B to 105 RWHP? Anyways, back to my mission, I decided to experiment with a set of slip-on mufflers.

Right away I noticed a difference in the sound, but not much in performance. Instead of the stock V-Rod whine and sewing machine hum, I was met with a rumble emanating from the exhaust that purred more than thumped. I liked the sound, A LOT. While riding with my new riding group, Vindicta MC, I received numerous compliments not only of the sound, but also the look. The black mufflers matched the stock heat shields perfectly; they looked like they were supposed to be on this bike.

The Black Widow's were a fine addition, but I wanted a whole new system.

I have ridden with this V-Rod group and noticed several riders had aftermarket pipes that really made the bikes sound mean. The cadence of a properly tuned Revolution motor is unlike any other bike on the road. With different pipes, I was amazed at the explosive roaring from the rear. I needed to install a new system on my bike, quick, but I also didn't want to sacrifice the performance for sound.

While there are pipes out there that will make the V-Rod motor sound menacing, I also didn't want to lose the horsepower. Besides, the guys in Vindicta ride the snot out of their bikes, and I had to make sure I had the tools to keep up. Also, who the hell wants to get beat by a 96 or 103 incher just because of a cool looking pipe?

I called Bandit to ask his advice and he stated flatly, "You have to go with a D&D; it's the Code of the West."

Well, while that is fine for him, I needed a bit more evidence of the benefits of this pipe. I read through the archives and found plenty of information on D&D installs here on Bikernet.

D&D Fat Cat Install

The Devil installs a set of D&D fat cats on a Street Bob.

D&D Department on Bikernet


The D&D page listed on Bikernet sponsors listing numerous techs and info on D&D pipes and exhaust systems.

I also found the article addressing my last pipe install.

Humble Springer Tech

My last pipe install on a Springer, in '06.

D&D dyno tunes every exhaust system they build. With the evidence pointing towards D&D, I decided to talk with Jeff Najar, HP marketing mad-hatter.

"Dave Rash will not build a sound-only pipe system. He is adamant about the pipe performing as well if not better than it sounds. You will not find a better performing pipe on the market with a sound that's comparable."

I looked at their website and saw several dynos of 1130cc bikes pulling 115 to 117 RWHP using the D&D Fatcat combined with a high-flow air cleaner and Stage 1 download. Considering the bike makes 125 HP at the crank, I was impressed with the power to the rear wheel numbers. I decided to place an order for the D&D Fatcat 2-into-1 system in black.

I also set in motion an order for a high flow filter and new for 2010 Thundermax with Autotune from Zippers Performance. While they were able to send the new K and N air filter, the Thundermax won't be available till after the first of the year. We are going to install a new, updated version of the Thundermax that has been cleared of several stuttering and download issues encountered in the past. Thank you Rosie!

Within a week, I received the package containing the new exhaust system. The new pipes looked incredible and the packing was excellent. They even used rubber bands to hold the header flanges in place, so as not to scratch the black paint. I thought this was a very considerate touch. The instructions are very easy to follow and straightforward.

The D&D literature stated to use a high flow air filter with the pipe and Harley-Davidson Stage 1 download, part #32026-02. More than once, the consumer is reminded to install these with the full exhaust system to protect their motor as well as warranty from D&D.

D&D offers a warranty on their chrome, but also instructs the buyer on proper care during break in as well as how to prepare the pipe for a return if necessary. In my opinion, these pipes were designed by people who actually ride. They are interested in performance as much as parade.

The black pipes I received were very clean, and the black finish appears even across all the parts. Their instructions state if paint needs to be repaired, use Krylon brand 1200 degree high temp flat black spray-paint.

Overall the pipes install was easy, but getting to the rear exhaust head bolt was a bit of a bear. I really need to buy a V-Rod manual, as this bike has some strange nuances that I am not used to working around. For example, on the rear cylinder is a bolt head, maybe 1 inch, that completely blocks your hand from being able to touch the rear header bolt. I had to remove the pulley cover, which was easy, to be able to reach a half-inch wrench inside for removal or installation. Of course, I did this after fighting it for 45 minutes.

The D&D system did not come with the snap rings to seal between the header clamp and the engine, so I used the ones from my stock pipes. While removing the stock pipes, I also had to remove the exhaust bracket that held the stock pipes to the frame. With the bracket, the stock exhaust system weighed over 30 pounds!

Even if the HP stayed the same, after shedding over 20 ponds, the weight difference should transfer to more useable power. I guess I will take it out and test it with my "seat of the pants" dyno.

After the install, I replaced the stock bulky airfilter with a free flowing K and N filter. This a 5 minute install. I removed the airbox cover to expose the air filter. The V-Rod setup is different from an air cooled H-D, as the gas tank is under the seat. The air filter which normally sits on the right side of the motor is actually under the air box cover, or "where the gas tank should go."

I heard a hillbilly recently say, "It's like working on a car, you open the hood and there's your intake, butterfly valves, velocity stacks, and air cleaner. The switch was elementary, and the whole process took no time, if I didn't insist on wiping every thing down twice before and after assembly.

For comparison, here's a quick before and After.

BEFORE:

AFTER

The sound the bike makes is reminiscent of a Screaming Eagle Destroyer, or V-Rod racer associated with the track. At low rpm's, below 2500, the engine hums in a low rumble. As the throttle is pulled, the pipe comes alive with a roar of pleasure. I couldn't measure the results accurately, until I put my faithful barometer on the back, my wife Salena.

We decided to take the bike to a local H-D bike night in 50 degree weather and drizzling rain. She said she didn't mind the weather, so off we went. Cruising on the freeway at 70, the bike was steady and the pipe made a sound closer to a Shelby Mustang than a Harley. She just rumbles along with a steady stream of performance waiting to be unleashed. My buddy rode next to us on his Night Train with shorty pipes.

We arrived at the bike night to see a parking lot full of trucks and two bikes out front. Pussies, afraid of the weather I guess; too much chrome to polish. Anyway, I asked my buddy about the pipes.

"They are loud."

"Really, but do they sound good?" I asked. I don't want the bike to sound like one of those Japanese racers with a giant pissed off bumblebee hum..

"Oh, they sound great, but I ain't riding on your right side. The sound gets in my helmet and I can't even hear my bike."

Considering he's riding a 96B with download and pipes, I thought I was loud enough. He's always waiting for me to start my bike first, so he could joke with me and ask how much longer till I start her. I guess that won't happen anymore.

Just before we left the "bike night," one of my Vindicta riding partners, Cisco, showed up and wanted to check the new pipe. As soon as I started it, he began laughing and couldn't get enough of it. He swears everyone will want one now, as it is the best of both worlds; great sound, upswept design to keep it from scraping, and even better performance. That's a definite upgrade, wouldn't you agree?

I am going to install the Thundermax after the first of the year and may have the throttle body bored out from 53mm to 58mm. Once I make a few more changes, we will throw her back on the dyno so I can give you a representative hp and torque number. As for now, I'm just going to ride the snot out of her and enjoy the fact that I can go from 0-60 in just over 3 seconds. I do enjoy cruising at 70 mph; the only difference is I get there a lot faster than most.

Oh, and I can't wait for my buddy with the hopped up motor supposedly pulling 117 RWHP. I guess we will see what my "Porsche" can do then. Now I need Avon or Metzeler to sponsor me 'cuz I can't stop roasting the rear tire. Ha! Until next time, keep riding and enjoy every minute!

December 1, 2009 7:41 PM | send page