2011 HD FXDWG-
Just bought- has V&H after market exhaust.
After riding for about an hour, the pipes (I’m assuming) were making a bunch of noise.

Rides fine, no issues. However, my buddy has a HD and says his has never done this.

Any thoughts?

 

Normal for them to make noises while cooling.

 

Enjoy the metallurgical magic. Cool sounds!

 

You probably have the shields in a kink. Loosen one end slightly if it bothers you. You could just tighten them when hot and then they will only clink when getting hot but you won't be able to hear it over the exhaust noise...
In all seriousness (least for me) there is a procedure for installing exhaust and finishing tightening. Most people way over tighten the header to the mufflers. Ring the pipe no less and it's a real bear to pull mufflers when doing service work. Was tightening done to any procedure?
My OEM clicks and pops, however. Especially in cool weather when I come into my cold garage and park it. Heat makes that length of pipe move around. Got to go somewhere and then back. I am with upflying, sounds cool. But I know mine is pretty correct. You could bind it up incorrectly and cause a problem. Especially if the crush gasket at the heads is totally flat.

 

 

I love those sounds. I normally sit by the bike in my chair and grab a cold beer till it cools off. The bike never complains.

 

Tink, tink, clink, clink... the sounds you hear after having a good time!