Another question with regards to the baffle(s) above.
They seem to have what looks like plastic wrap/cling-film wrapped around the baffling material - do I need to remove this?

 

No, it'll burn away once the heat reaches it. It's there to keep the baffle compressed so that it's easier to put the baffle into the pipes.
Once it gets hot enough it'll melt/burn away and the baffle material will expand filling the void.

 

Brilliant thanks Fran - you're a star.
...wasn't expecting a response until later on (what with the time difference).

 

What a right PITA trying to remove the plastic grommets
One came out whole albeit with a fight.

The other is a different story...

The end broke off and now I'm not sure quite what to do!?
Given up for the day as I'll only break something in anger if I continue.

 

Did manage to get the exhaust system fitted albeit not completely buttoned up yet (one bolt to the carrier was being a PITA and a couple of the exhaust clamps decided they weren't playing ball).

 

You could use a small drill bit and drill it out. I would avoid using something that's big enough to touch the edges since you need to make sure the threads dont get damaged.
You can also heat gun it and see if that will break down it's structure and make it soft.

 

This weekend :
> Managed to remove the plastic grommet (mentioned previously) by tapping it through the whole and out the back.
> Broke 3 different Torx tools trying to remove the Passenger footrest holder (unsuccessfully). Also couldn't remove the Passenger footrest holder from the exhaust bracket (new footrest holders on order).
> I fitted a different set (Chrome) V&H Staggered Shortshots.
(The PCX black shortshots were a right PITA to fit and in the end I didn't like either the fitment specifically of the bracket/hanger or the look).
> Previously fitted the Black Crankcase Cover but replaced the bolts with Alloy Boltz kit.
> I also replaced the bolts on the Primary Cover with the with Alloy Boltz kit.
> I fitted the Thunderbike swingarm covers.
> I fitted Chrome Radiator Grill.
> I cleaned and painted the Regulator and then fitted the Chrome Regulator Cover.
> Downloaded and installed an FP4 Tune.





Still a few other things to do, but getting there...



Thunderbike Rear Fender, Ricks Front Fender and Console Unit away at paint.

 

There are times when I feel that I'm the only white 2018 Fat Boy!

 

Now I know why the V&H PCX black shortshots were a right PITA to fit....
They were the wrong ones for the bike
I thought that the bracket didn't look right and, after further investigation, found that the V&H exhaust system product number is #47333 for Softail narrow tire models (Street Bob, Heritage).
Surprised I got them to fit at all!
Oh well - these will be heading to eBay UK for sale.

 

If it's any consolation, I like the chrome much better than the matte black one.

If you want to go for a black exhaust, you should get it in black chrome or paint it gloss black, I did that with the Big Radius on my Breakout and it was killer ( I thought anyway ) , in that matte black / gray color from V&H it was just ugly on the Breakout.