V&H Pro pipe vs Hard-Krome 2-1 Xcellerator

[Clint50]

I've just about narrowed it down to these two exhaust systems for my '01 FLHRI. As far as cost,both systems are within $25 of each other. I do not want an exhaust that's so loud it's socially unacceptable but do want horsepower over pure looks.
Any comments or input, pro or con?

[ibrowse]

clint50, I went through the same thought process when I was deciding what to put on my Wide Glide...
In the end, the Xcellerator 2:1 won. Let me tell you, WOW! What a great decision! Side-by-side, Hard-Krome
looks, sounds, performs better than the V&H pro-pipe.

I couldn't be happier!

Regards, ibrowse-

[Clint50]

ibrowse,I sure like the way the Xcellerator 2-1 looks. If it sounds half as good,it should be an awesome exhaust system.

[Dana Clickenger]

I am on my second set of V&H Pro Pipes. The first set was on Road Star and I just had some put on my 03' Wide Glide. I chose them because all the HD wrench's at the deal that use 2-1 pipes chose them over HK's and the SE pipes for fit and performance. In truth, I don't think V&H and Hard Krome would dyno very much different. A lot depends on how the bike is set up.
I got a great discount on the V&H ,(15%), from my dealer and I like the looks as well. They are loud but not obnoxious. In fact I like the sound better than any of the duals that I have had. For you, I think comes down to appearance as I am sure the performance is very comparable.

[Clint50]

I like the Kard-Krome's double wall tubing as that really helps prevent blueing problems. An important question is how well do they fit?
Another thing I'm a little concerned about is compatibility with my RK's MM fuel injection. I've heard that the Thunderheader and EFI don't get along very well. Is this a concern with the H-K Xcellerator or is it an unknown,at this point in time?

[Dana Clickenger]

With V&H's heat shielding, I have never had any discoloration or bluing
on my Pro Pipes. Their new collector shielding is even better than before.
As far as the HD wrench's tell me the fit and compatibility is fine.

[Clint50]

Originally posted by Dana Clickenger
I got a great discount on the V&H ,(15%), from my dealer and I like the looks as well. They are loud but not obnoxious. In fact I like the sound better than any of the duals that I have had. For you, I think comes down to appearance as I am sure the performance is very comparable. [/b]

Parts Direct quoted me a price around $385 for a V&H Pro HS pipe and a shop in Loudon,NH I found on the Net quoted me a price of $416,delivered to my door,for the Hard-Krome Xcellerator 2-1. Both pipes are priced right,at the moment. The V&H Pro pipe is a proven product and that's always a plus. However,I see a lot of bikes with them and I would kinda like to have something different or newer to the scene,,as long as the performance,fit,and quality do not suffer.
Does that make any sense?

[Squidward]

I'm very happy with my Pro-Pipe HS, the full length heat shielding pretty much eliminates the possibility of visible bluing, fit and finish is excellent, it makes excellent power, and it sounds great. Another thing to consider is after-sale support, a guy I know at work has a 2 year old Pro-Pipe on his bike, it developed a hairline crack in the baffle, he was pretty unhappy about that, but he called V&H to see if they'ed warranty or pro-rate a replacement baffle. Much to his surprise, they sent him a new baffle and endcap free of charge.

[Clint50]

You Vance & Hines owners are making it tough for me to make a clear choice. Glad to hear you're satisfied with your Pro pipes. That's good to know.

[Joker02]

If I were you and I was considering a 2 into 1 pipe.....I would very seriously check out the D&D Fatcat.....

[Clint50]

I'm not impressed with the looks of the D&D pipe and from what I have read,it is very loud. It's probably either the V&H or the H-K 2-1 for me,right now.

[Joek86]

I have gone full circle with pipes......... I ordered V&H Propipes from Direct Parts for $375.18 to my door! I cheched out D&D, but they look home made ( transition from collector to muffler looks cheap). I also checked out the Hard Chrome Excelerator , but didn't really dig the look. Also, if you have the billet HD extended reach brake lever, you'll have to grind out a little of the heat sheild for clearance due to it's larger diameter. It's not too big of a deal, I did it on my Rineharts............PROPIPE................PROPIP E.............

[Clint50]

Joe,are you going to install the ProPipe on your Fat Bay? If it's already installed,do you have any pictures?

[Joek86]

CLINT,
My bike is at the dealer getting a BIG BORE kit and heads put on. When I get it back next week I am going to install the PRO PIPE . I'll post a new sig pic at that time!

[Joker02]

Joe...what kind of solo seat is that on your bike ???