W.T.B. 1973 Sportster pipes.

[rudolph]

Hello I am after a pair of drag pipes for a 1973 XLCH suitcase oil tank kickstart only model.

My current exhaust system is so heavy and shakes violently at certen RPM

[AllanB]

My current exhaust system is so heavy and shakes violently at certen RPM


I think that applies to every 1973 Harley built!

Good to see the old ride running - have you tried any of the large USA websites? They frequently have exhausts super discounted - may struggle with a 73 model though.

Alternatively there are a couple of motorcycle exhaust makers in NZ - drag pipes will be relatively easy to build up. For that matter if you are handy with a tig welder you can buy sections of mandrel bent stainless steel from Autobend or the likes and wiz up a personalized set.

http://www.autobend.co.nz/exhaust-products.html


http://www.customchambers.co.nz/

Have you looked at retaining the stock headers and replacing the mufflers only with lighter alternatives?

[rudolph]

I think that applies to every 1973 Harley built!

Good to see the old ride running - have you tried any of the large USA websites? They frequently have exhausts super discounted - may struggle with a 73 model though.

Alternatively there are a couple of motorcycle exhaust makers in NZ - drag pipes will be relatively easy to build up. For that matter if you are handy with a tig welder you can buy sections of mandrel bent stainless steel from Autobend or the likes and wiz up a personalized set.

http://www.autobend.co.nz/exhaust-products.html


http://www.customchambers.co.nz/

Have you looked at retaining the stock headers and replacing the mufflers only with lighter alternatives?

Hello, thanks for the reply, I was thinking about getting some from Mass Classics but after postage and the cost of the pipes I carn't afford :(

Funny I use to make motorcycle headers for a job in 2006 I could make a mild steel set from Coby bends no problem but the cost of chrome in NZ is diabolical, but it is very tempting just to paint them with VHT.

The old headers have a few dings in the front pipe and they are very thin, they just have those Taiwan made HD tappered muffles on the end, I removed the baffle.