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  • Replacement muffler question

    Does anybody have any insight on replacing my original mufflers (rusted) with aftermarket pipes? Specifically, if I get some decent mufflers, what are the pros & cons of having my local shop fabricate a crossover system? Thanks.
    1980 XS 1100 Special
    Mostly stock & original
    Added Yamaha fairing (w/ 8-track!)
    Torpedo bags
    New paint (still) pending
    Stainless brake lines
    Tkat forkbrace
    Coils from Honda 1000

    Previous bikes:
    1968(?) 350 Harley Davidson
    1977 Yamaha 650

  • #2
    pros n cons

    Hi,

    I only have experience with different bikes with different systems, I havnt actually had the parts made.

    Ive heard that there is an increase in torque with a crossover system, so I think that if it came down to actually building a crossover, I would have it done. I do know that my 80 without crossover, is slightly less powerful than the two 79s that I have had with crossovers. There are also other factors that could influence the effect on my bluejeans dyno, such as different cams and valve sizes etc between those two models. If I were starting out the way you are, with a need for a new system, I would put a crossover in, since its not likely to be a huge investment and there is some theory that it does work. A few very hi performance cars come stock with crossover pipes too.
    Bikes Now.
    80 MNS 11 pods,georgefix kit,stock jets, HD Sporty muffs
    79 XS 11 Special, Emgo pods, stock jets, with Pacifico fairing, hard bags, intact stock pipes Sold
    83 Yammi Venture with custom footboards, 20k miles.
    83 Yammi Venture parts bike

    99 Valkyrie shield and bags 37k miles like new
    08 ZX 14 Kawa Ninja 6k miles Sold

    Comment


    • #3
      I think the crossover on my Jardines is why it performs pretty well all through the RPM range even though it's an aftermarket system. The aftermarket exhaust systems are well known for tending to move the power up higher in the band, giving you a bit more up high at the cost of less grunt down low. That said, my Jardines with their crossover seem to give me plenty of grunt down low.
      Cy

      1980 XS1100G (Brutus) w/81H Engine
      Duplicolor Mirage Paint Job (Purple/Green)
      Vetter Windjammer IV
      Vetter hard bags & Trunk
      OEM Luggage Rack
      Jardine Spaghetti 4-2 exhaust system
      Spade Fuse Box
      Turn Signal Auto Cancel Mod
      750 FD Mod
      TC Spin on Oil Filter Adapter (temp removed)
      XJ1100 Front Footpegs
      XJ1100 Shocks

      I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one.

      Comment


      • #4
        Ditto on a x-over.

        My 78 had one (custom headers with x-over) and my 79 didnt (stock headers without x-over).

        If youre at it, cut the headers (if theyre ok) just after they open up a bit - I think its just after the heatshield near the peg.
        Put on a crossover element. Have it made, should be cheap. Stainless should work fine I think.

        As for the mufflers, I got the ones from Louis (www.louis.de)
        http://www.louis.de/_30da5f8ca5923d2...027110&lang=en

        Price is per muffler, you will need 2. They ship worldwide.
        Sound wise, they are not too loud, not too quiet... just a nice rumble. I have a set on my 79 standard and another one on my small block guzzi.
        Quality is surprisingly high for such el-cheapos and after a few years, the only wear I see is where I scrape them in the twisties. I scrape the centerstand simultaniously, so the height is OK.
        If it doesn't have an engine, it's not a sport, it's only a game.
        (stole that one from I-dont-know-who)

        Comment


        • #5
          And they look kinda stock strom!
          Nathan
          KD9ARL

          μολὼν λαβέ

          1978 XS1100E
          K&N Filter
          #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
          OEM Exhaust
          ATK Fork Brace
          LED Dash lights
          Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

          Green Monster Coils
          SS Brake Lines
          Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

          In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

          Theodore Roosevelt

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks, all. Crossover it is...
            1980 XS 1100 Special
            Mostly stock & original
            Added Yamaha fairing (w/ 8-track!)
            Torpedo bags
            New paint (still) pending
            Stainless brake lines
            Tkat forkbrace
            Coils from Honda 1000

            Previous bikes:
            1968(?) 350 Harley Davidson
            1977 Yamaha 650

            Comment


            • #7
              HD mufflers

              I found that HD mufflers that the dealer takes off new bikes work well, no crossover and those that ride with me will attest to the fact it runs well.

              Best part, they are often free or I've seen them on E-bay for $10.
              You can't stay young forever, but you can be immature for the rest of your life...

              '78E "Pathfinder" Show bike...
              Lovingly restored by Dave Delzell
              Drilled airbox
              Tkat fork brace
              Hardly mufflers
              late model carbs
              Newer style fuses
              Oil pressure guage
              Custom security system
              Stainless braid brake lines

              Comment


              • #8
                Old sportsters were 1100s I have a pair I have been planning to put on, they have an x over but I have not wanted to tackle the whole thing yet. They look like they will mount up with an extension on the bracket.
                82 XJ 1100
                98 Magna
                past bikes
                ST1100
                92 Harley FXR built
                85 XJ 700 (2)
                86 XJ 700X

                Comment


                • #9
                  Bigger

                  Mine are stamped for the FX1340-1450 series. They sound really nice, not loud but deep throaty.
                  You can't stay young forever, but you can be immature for the rest of your life...

                  '78E "Pathfinder" Show bike...
                  Lovingly restored by Dave Delzell
                  Drilled airbox
                  Tkat fork brace
                  Hardly mufflers
                  late model carbs
                  Newer style fuses
                  Oil pressure guage
                  Custom security system
                  Stainless braid brake lines

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    GO for the Harley Muffs

                    Hi Barrel guy,,

                    Planedick is right, the Harley mufflers are an easy, cheap, nice redo. If the front headers are rusty just repaint with some high temp paint, after cleaning, cut off the back mufflers, get a pair of the Muffs Planedick recommended, get the auto store connectors and you are set. I followed Planedicks details and the muffs do sound and act great. Ebay has a lot of them. They actually sound and look better than stock, a nice growl. Only thing I noticed is a slight loss of power off the line until second gear then its the same or better than stock......unless you have lots of funds to get a stock, clean set.....go for the Harley muffs it will put a smile on your face for under 30.00,,,Mike in Sun Diego
                    mike
                    1982 xj1100 maxim
                    1981 venture bagger
                    1999 Kawi Nomad 1500 greenie
                    1959 wife

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Am I the only one who finds it humorous that people are putting harley parts on their bikes?
                      Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas.

                      1980 XS1100G 1179 kit, Tkat brace, progressive springs & shocks, jardine spaghetti, Mikes coils, Geezer's rectifier

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        One thing to be careful of with the new Harley take-off mufflers is many now have a catalytic convertor inside one of the pair. They are marked if they have them I believe, so if you pay attention you can tell.

                        As far as which HD muffler is 'best', there's really no difference as all have the same 1.75" inlet diameter and pretty much the same backpressure. They are fairly restrictive; an exhaust change and air cleaner upgrade is usually worth about 15-20% more power on a otherwise stock bike, so keep that in mind...
                        Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

                        '78E original owner - resto project
                        '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
                        '82 XJ rebuild project
                        '80SG restified, red SOLD
                        '79F parts...
                        '81H more parts...

                        Other current bikes:
                        '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
                        '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
                        '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
                        Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
                        Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          An exhaust change from stock and filter intake change from stock is gonna be more like a 15-20% loss of power on stock XS's.........but some have no other choice in order to make 'em roadable again.
                          81H Venturer1100 "The Bentley" (on steroids) 97 Yamaha YZ250(age reducer) 92 Honda ST1100 "Twisty"(touring rocket) Age is relative to the number of seconds counted 'airing' out an 85ft. table-top.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Elevener View Post
                            Am I the only one who finds it humorous that people are putting harley parts on their bikes?
                            I run HD emulators, can't see 'em. I've run Harley shocks too, oversprung and under damped.
                            2H7 (79) owned since '89
                            3H3 owned since '06

                            "If it ain't broke, modify it"

                            Comment

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