Lose the cat

[ttommy24]

I just got a '12 Dyna Switchback and have had the 1,000mi. service done. About the only complaint I have is the heat from the rear cylinder. I was told that most of the heat is coming from the cat. converter. Have any of you cut into the exhaust and gutted the cat? If so..did you have the computer remapped? What's my options? I can't afford an exhaust upgrade yet, but that's on my wish list. Any thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated and considered.

[IrishStash]

I hate cats, my wife used to have one. Damn thing was always jumping on my face in the middle of the night. Somehow a bowl of antifreeze got left out and took care of my cat problem. If you were talking about catalytic converters then I apologize as I have no useful input.

[ampster]

There's alot of info on here and the net about ppl cutting the cat out.

IRC, you do not need to remap if you cut it out, but please don't take my word on it...double check.

[Topgeye]

Originally Posted by IrishStash

Somehow a bowl of antifreeze got left out and took care of my cat problem.

A 500 mg Excedrin works well also. Don't ask how I know this.
As far as the topic at hand, I read a lot about removing the cat and read others take on this and am not saying it's a bad thing to do. My question is if you do it on a new bike still under warranty would this not affect the warranty? Yes? No?

[ttommy24]

While having the 1,000mi service done I asked the tech about removing the cat.converter guts and he hinted around about the warranty being in question if something happened...like burning a hole in a piston. That's why I'm asking you guys about it. I think the possibility of burning a hole in a piston is pretty remote. I can't see how making the exhaust flow a little better can cause damage to the engine if I don't change the intake or change to a K&N filter. The tech did tell me that if I changed both the intake and exhaust to make sure I had the computer remapped. The intake seemed to be a bigger issue than the exhaust. What do ya'll think? Thanks for the input.

[Vince103]

I just did this a couple of days ago on my Fat Bob. Huge improvement & it was easy to do. Only cost you would have is if you need someone else to weld the window back in for you. I marked my pipe before the cut so the heat shield hides the welds. So far my bike still runs great, no back fire, etc... I didn't re-map or anything else. My service guy siad it doesn't affect my warranty, not really any different than changing pipes according to him.

[martinhdn]

I have 2012 switchback. took long 3/4 masonry bit and drilled out cat. took muffler off first. took about 30 min but you dont have to cut pipes and weld back. definately runs cooler and better . was so hot from cat before didnt think I was going to be able to stand it . worst thing h-d did putting cat there. Had 09 sporster and 06 ultra , they were never hot like that. also took 1/2 inch bit and drilled 4 holes in end of muffler , runs better still and sounds better. ordered dobeck tuner cause im going to change breather. as far as warranty will worry bout that if something happens. ant no good bike if its to hot to ride anyway. vibration is getting better to. bet when i richen it up with tuner that will do better to. love my switchback

[strokerjlk]

yes if you get the cat out and retune, it will cut the exhaust heat down. if you dont retune? it will run so lean the head temp will increase thus the exhaust temp will rise.
anytime you change the way the engine breaths it needs re tuned.
that is if you just cut a cat out.change EITHER the exhaust or air breather.
the myth that you can change the exhaust and not the breather or the breather and not the exhaust is just that a myth. either one will change how the engine breaths.
the stock sensors are not magic either. they dont re-adjust your tune. its gonna be lean.
if you dont want to retune. leave it as is, until it can be done correct.

[95 FXST]

Are catalytic converters installed on all bikes now? I thought it was just a CA thing.

[Jeffytune]

Don't loose the cat, cats love Harleys....

[benzrod]

will be checking to see what you wound up doing, i'm in the same boat on my switchback

[1HD1C]

a few guys on the switchback only site have gutted their cats
and the consensus is you will need to tune for the free flowing
exhaust, basically its like installing an aftermarket headpipe or full
exhaust which has no restrictions

[benzrod]

what switchback only site? Would like to check that out!

[skitz43]

I cut the cat out of my 2011 FAT BOB & added a Nightrider XOID stage 1. Bike runs cooler & i have no lean problem. Added a K&N & slip ons also.

[RKC-Charlie]

I agree with strokerjlk, you should retune with any change to the in or out air flow.