2-1 exhaust choice? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

jesse_the_kid · 09-20-2009, 04:57 PM

Hey everyone, I'm thinking about trying a different exhaust for my Softtail. I am currently running a Hooker Tuned Flow 2-1. I really like the looks of the Big Radius 2-1 and the sound of the Bassini Road Rage. Any thoughts on what 2-1 will provide me with the best performance. My ulitmate goal is to gain some performance. Thanks in advance!!!

-shade- · 09-20-2009, 05:54 PM

A lot of guys here love the Fatcat... better performance than my Thunderheader, but I'll give a little perf for the sound of a TH....

arealinvestor · 09-20-2009, 06:29 PM

Fatcat & Boarzilla gets my vote!!!

Jeffytune · 09-20-2009, 07:11 PM

Vance and Hines Pro pipe, best I have used hands down.

MaineUltraClassic · 09-20-2009, 08:12 PM

I've tried a few 2-1 systems..................the Fatcat gets my vote.

Steve

YankeeBob · 09-20-2009, 08:26 PM

Another vote for the FatCat.

jerry34208 · 09-20-2009, 08:50 PM

I have a V&H ProPipe on one bike and a Supertrapp Supermeg on the other. If I had three bikes, one of 'em would have a D&D FatCat.
I might have have used the Fatcat on my Bagger if I knew then what I know now. Hard tellin' but one thing I know for sure the Supermeg is great for both power and being "relatively" quiet. All three of these are my top choices for different reasons.

I love the Thunderheader on someone else's bike, great sound and good power too! Just not sure I'd want to be that loud all the time.

jesse_the_kid · 09-20-2009, 09:10 PM

My tuner suggested the Supertrapp super meg, for all out performance. But I like loud and the Supertrapp isn't that loud is it? Isn't the Road Rage supposed to make really good numbers? I have considered the D&D also, but I like the looks of the Road Rage a little better. On the other hand, will I see any increase in power by switching from my Hooker to any of these pipes? After rejetting and dyno time of coarse.

-shade- · 09-20-2009, 09:31 PM

Personally I think the RR looks cheaper than the thunderheader, talk about a heat shield looking like an afterthought (although it was the bagger version, softail may be better?)

Geezer-Glide · 09-20-2009, 09:56 PM

Supertrapp SuperMeg. Nice, tunable and neighborhood friendly.

DueceDog · 09-20-2009, 10:42 PM

I'm liking my ProPipe. Good performance, neighborhood friendly, and nice sound.

jerry34208 · 09-21-2009, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesse_the_kid

My tuner suggested the Supertrapp super meg, for all out performance. But I like loud and the Supertrapp isn't that loud is it? Isn't the Road Rage supposed to make really good numbers? I have considered the D&D also, but I like the looks of the Road Rage a little better. On the other hand, will I see any increase in power by switching from my Hooker to any of these pipes? After rejetting and dyno time of coarse.

Yes you will "see" a difference, on a dyno chart. You will certainly hear a difference. Will you feel a difference? Depends on your choice of pipe and tuner. The choice of which pipe is best is also dependent upon the rest of your build. Merely doing an exhaust change from one 2:1 to another is not likely to be all that big of a difference. Consult a good builder to discuss the details.

Begin with the end in mind. Many guys approach power enhancement as a step by step process instead of a "do it once and do it right" approach.

You have already upgraded the power once and now you are looking for more. This indicates that you would benefit from considering my point of view. I did the same thing. Change this, change that. Ride for a while and think "What if I would have done x, y or z?" Then you save up some money and do the next thing on the list. Fact is for most guys that do this approach, it would be a lot cheaper to just face the music. You won't be happy until you get a really good, reliable, all around street performing build with at least 1HP & 1 FtLb of TQ per CID. The cheapest way to get there is to consult a good builder. Do it (or in my case, have it done) all at once, correctly and then get it tuned by the best you can find.

It's scary expensive at first glance but if you compare the true costs of doing a build piece meal then the one time approach is a bargain.

OK so now you know what I really think... If you are still just going to switch pipes, and you like Loud, Get a Thunder header. Good performing VERY COOL sounding (it's a signature sound if you ask me, especially on a high compression build) but I'm not too keen on their looks, something just doesn't look right, or doesn't fit right, I don't know exactly what it is.

The ProPipe is quieter than the T-Hdr (it gets louder with time unless you repack the baffle periodically) and may give a scoash better mid range power. You gotta admit, it looks great on Duece Dog's ride!

SuperMeg is hard to beat & my favorite on this list but too quiet for your taste.

D&D Fat Cat is arguably the best all around performer with it's GREAT low & mid range torque curve. Also a good sounding pipe. You have to warm up to the looks of them on a Softail. They look great on an FL framed bagger but not sure if I like the look on a Softail. Personal choice of course.

Decisions, decisions...... ain't it fun?

nosillyname · 09-21-2009, 08:24 AM

What about the Bub 2-1?? Does anyone rate them? What do they sound like?

RK CRAIG · 09-21-2009, 12:02 PM

Jesse,
I have run T-HEADERS for a very long time, decades ! There isn,t a better sounding pipe period ! you might find a better performing pipe, not by much iam sure. I think the pipe is a little loud but not offensive, Ive heard a lot of 2-1,s in my day and still haven,t heard one that sounds as good as a t-header,heck there isn,t many 2-2 pipes that sound as good as a t-header. Yes iam biased only because the t-header has never given me a problem, and they sound like a HARELY-DAVIDSON !
Tj

DRG · 09-21-2009, 02:36 PM

I think the Roadrage looks pretty dam good!

And don't sound to shabby either.