05 Honda VTX1300R..pipe or not to pipe????

Message

RetroVTX · #1 Unread post by **RetroVTX** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:03 am

05 Honda VTX1300R....thinking about pipes....
I dont want them too loud...am told they come with baffels that help dampen noise but can also be removed...any thoughts
This jet kit thing....scares me a little to mess with a new bike.....does the modification with pipes and jets have any impact on engine wear???
Any one have same bike with pipes and how was performance

thanks for the help...........rick

TechTMW · #2 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 6:26 am

A pipe and jet swap (If done correctly) should have no impact on the life of your engine - as long as you properly maintain it.

Just make sure that you have the bike worked on by a professional, or at least (If you do the swap yourself) take it in to a pro to verify that your jetting is proper.

Ockham · #3 Unread post by **Ockham** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:19 am

If not for volume, then why get them at all. Maybe if you really want the look, but I think volume is the only reason to get new pipes on a VTX. I put V&Hs on my VTX two weekends ago and it was one of the best decisions I've made (also added the USB Power Commander). Good luck.

RetroVTX · #4 Unread post by **RetroVTX** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:48 am

Ockham....
What model pipes did you put on? I hear Vand H are very good pipes.
The jet kit...how did you know which one to install.....did a dealer install and dyno test....just curious and.....do you see a difference in power??
did you have to install a new air flow also???

Dont mean to be a pain in the A$$....I am kinda new to this and want to make the right choice.........thx

Ockham · #5 Unread post by **Ockham** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:04 am

No worries, sorry for the late reply. I got the V&H Big Shots with a Power Commander III. I did not have it Dyno'd and just installed the correct map from Power Commander (pretty cool to see that thing work). I understand that there is supposed to be a 5% increase in hp, but I don't really feel it. A lot of other people get an air compressor as well, but I've found the machine to be responsive to throttle adjustments and so I haven't done it. So, no, there really isn't much of a difference in performance. The big difference is in look and sound.

Look - obviously up to you, but I really like these better than the giant potato gun. I like the way the Big Shots cut around the engine as opposed to going straight back, but that, too, is a styling issue.

Sound - really unbelievable. I've said that it's like I added a subwoofer to the bike. I was worried that they would be obnoxiously loud, but it's more of a low rumble. Even my wife loves 'em. There is some 'popping'/backfiring upon deceleration, but either it seems to have lessened in the time that I put these on or I'm just getting used to it. Either way, it now sounds like the monster it is. I recommend these without reservation and would have put these on a lot earlier had I known.

BuzZz · #6 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 1:07 pm

What is this air compressor you speak of? Surely not a blower or turbo? Can't see how an air comp will help with the power unless your artificially asperating the engine.

RetroVTX · #7 Unread post by **RetroVTX** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 1:15 pm

thanks for the reply...you have been very helpful....now I just need to find the cash to add them on.....man are they expensive......

FYI...if you want a backrest for the passenger seat I just got one off Ebay for $225 with brackets......dealer is over $420.....Just put it on and it looks great......the guy has a few more for sale....

thanks again for the help...ride safe...have fun

Mer · #8 Unread post by **Mer** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 3:27 pm

Go with Cobra slip ons. I didn't have to rejet and they are louder than stock, but not obnoxious. They do have a nice deep rumble to them. BTW...slip ons are much cheaper than full pipes.

RetroVTX · #9 Unread post by **RetroVTX** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:55 pm

Mer...explain to me the slip ons....not sure how the work....I have not heard of them....that is exactly what I am looking to do is just get a little more sound.....not totaly loud......that might be the better way for me to go......thx for the input

Mer · #10 Unread post by **Mer** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 5:44 am

I'm not real good at explaining the differences in the slip ons vs. full pipes, but here is a link that explains it all.
http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... full+pipes

Slip ons, are mufflers only, that simply "Slip-On" to your stock head pipes in place of the stock mufflers. The mufflers are the Fat part...the last 18"-24" of your stock exhaust system.

A full pipe system requires the removal/replacement of the entire exhaust system, from Cylinder Head to the Exhaust tip.
_________________