Fat Boy Mufflers Revisited

[Dave]

Hi everyone,

The left muffler is about to rust in two
on my ol' XJ so it's finally time to replace it. Has anyone tried Curt Marsh's Fatboy muffler mod? Is Curt still around? (Hello Curt?)

If you've done this, how did it work? Do you have to eliminate the cross section? Does this change the low end power? Rejet needed? Sound?

Anyone know if any other HD mufflers
will fit? They sure can be had cheap.

Also, does anyone have a pic of a bike
that this has been done to?

I know, lots of questions. Thanks to all
in advance.

Dave Watson
XJ1100J

[Red Baron]

Done That!

Simple fix and very economical. Worked great for me, took about 3 hours, but i wasn't prepared. You do loose the croosover pipe. I did not have to rejet the carbs. like the deeper sound, slightly louder than stock. Check out the Fat Boy article on the site. not sure how to attach a pic, will email as a *.jpg file.

[Jerry]

Curt is no longer with us. The cancer that was in remission reactivated and took its toll last year. I had a chance to work with Curt on the 2001 Colorado Rally; he was a decent and very good person.

Loosing the crosover will affect your low-end power slightly, as the crossover helped with scavenging at lower RPMs.

Two areas that may need work, depending on your approach. Other mufflers have a larger inlet, so you will need to adapt the XJ header to the muffler or vice-versa. The XJ stock mufflers are on the short side, resulting in 2 effects. 1. Rear axle bolt is easy to remove for tire changes; longer muflers will result in a bit more work to change tires. 2. Muffler mounting bracket is a bit farther forward than on most mufflers, so you will need to come up with a muffler bracket to mount adapter.

If it is any help I have a spare set of XJ mufflers you can have for shipping. They have been brazed around the crossover tubes, but are solid elsewhere. Not the greatest of cosmetics. I can take photos if you are interested.

[Dave]

Wow, I wasn't expecting that. I've lost several family members to Cancer. Sometimes it feels like I'm just waiting my turn.

Regarding the mufflers, I'd be more than happy to take them off your hands. My bike isn't that great cosmetically either, so shiny new mufflers would probably just look funny.

The best way to reach me off-list is at superdave@hbelroy.com

Thanks a million!

Dave Watson
XJ1100J