Got a couple of identical softail Deluxes(2012 and 2013). We are contemplating upgrading from the stock exhaust to slip on mufflers with stage 1 kit or gong with true duels. Anyone out there have experience with either and what are the advantages or disadvantages of both?
Thanks

 

Both your bikes have the "cats" in the muffler. Replacing them will improve heat and performance. The factory header system is equipped with a balance tube between the header pipes which is a good performer. True duals will look good and sound good, but likely a performance drop.
On my 2011 Heritage I sent the mufflers to American Custom Exhaust and had them do their modification to them. I also added their street friendly baffle which allows a quick change of baffle for a quieter exhaust. I was very happy with the street friendly baffles with sound and performance. Very cost effective mod and they look stock with regard to inspections.
I also added a Stage 1 air cleaner and Fp3 tuner. Bike ran perfect and cooler with improved mpg by 3 mpg.

 

Wow man. How cool. I know what an ultimate pain it is to dig into stock harley pipes nowadays. They are not equal in the task. One of the stock mufflers is a true nighmare to dig the baffles out of. This outfit you turned me on to looks like it could be the ticket. They also claim that it is not necessary to re-tune on newer Harleys(I'll have to ask them if 2012 and 2013 are considered "newer"). I will be contacting them with all my questions. You may have just saved me a couple of thousand bucks brother!

 

Stage one it, and go with a decent exhaust. Forget the slip ons.

 

I went with a full system mainly so i could put the larger style bags on. As stated above, full system and an air upgrade means a tuner is necessary. Sounds great too.

 

Nice avatar cocky! Gives new meaning to the term "baggers"!