Quote Originally Posted by outlawtorn View Post
Hello everybody,

I'm just wondering what you need to consider when looking for aftermarket pipes? I'm keen to get some but is there no other bits and pieces necessary so that performance is still the same? Will I need any new air intake systems/filters, does my engine need to be modded in any way? Or can I just simply slap on a set of V&H and of I go waking up the neighbourhood?

Thanks
John
Hey there outlawtorn,

I want to share my story with you. My bike is not the same as make/model as yours but still a cruiser bike with lots of simialarities.

Firstly, don't worry about drilling out baffles or extra holes. It is not the same as good aftermarket pipes and the finish will depend on how good you are at finishing it all. You might find it only gets you part of what you wanted for a lot of effort. My opinion only.

I have sourced a full replacement aftermarket exhaust from USA due to not being able to find what I wanted here locally ie near where I live at a reasonable price. One NZ place did give me a estimate of what I wanted and it was at least $2000+ he said. The outfit in Auckland sounded good but it was too far away. I needed something made to fit and not really keen on doing over a distance. Not wanting to ride up there or ship the bike there. Have heard good reviews of them though from North Island bikers.

So I some extensive research on other overseas forums (as I got little response here of what I wanted) and found what I was looking for. I was looking for a particular design to match the way I wanted the bike to look. The price seemed attractive as well. In a nutshell I get made to measure full system for my year & model of bike, great reviews of product, good name, incl freight costs and exactly what I want cheaper than anything I could source here.

In the end the choice went to Westendmotorsport in Pennsylvania. You get great prompt service and tracking.

I got Cobra Slashdowns for VN1500 meanie. Ordered on 4 Dec 06. Arrived into New Zealand and delivered 12 Dec 06. Goods tracking all the way with UPS and their agents in NZ.

Pring details: Exhaust pipes (complete) US$521.95 + $290 freight = US$811.95 equates to NZ $1176.74 plus a bit more for NZ GST tax.

Mike DeLuca is the guy to talk to at Westendmotorsport. Very helpful and approachable.

As for your question re bigger air flow and fuel management to go with the new exhaust. If you have fuel injection then you don't necessarily have to modify the air box and fuel management (such as PCIII or Cobra) as well. Some people do this and doing all three should give you some improvement in smoother throttle, tuned in fuel management and a bit more HP etc. The results vary from one bike to another. It is usually recommended by cruiser owners as it finishes the job but pipes on their own as long as you have not fiddled with air and fuel from stock is ok.

My knowledge on this subject is really confined to Vulcan Meanstreak models and its similar sized Vulcan cousins.

Hope this is helpful if you are still considering options. PM me if u want to hear what they sound like. They are awesome.

Waking up the neighbourhood?... Can't really comment on that mate. I guess it depends on whether want to get on with them...