Is there a substantial benefit with the 2 into 1 exhaust vs the 2 into 2?? Or does it just boil down to looks and sound? What's your preference?

 

If it's performance, then there's no doubt that a 2:1, or a "many" into 1, out-performs single line exhaust. Racing bikes (HD, Ducati, Honda, etc...), cars (BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, etc...) etc., incorporate them for very good reasons. They are much more efficient in scavenging exhaust gasses and in creating needed back-pressure and better torque. If it's looks, then that's all up to the user. Some love the classic 2:2 for looks, some don't. Some love the looks of a 2:1, some don't. If looks and sound are your main concerns, then pick a style and go with that, whatever it is.

 

Performance is why most buy them.

here's a really good explanation of what and why..






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On my old bike I had the V&H 2into1 pro pipe and changed it out to the V&H Big Radius and I didn't notice any kind of difference. For average riding... I don't think you can gauge it off of noticing a difference. It is more splitting hairs or for dyno or racing. As long as your bike is tuned and mapped correctly, I wouldn't put too much thought into it personally. Go for looks and sounds. Performance will be enough with the different pipes.

 

Doubtful you'd "feel" the difference of baffled V&H 2-1 vs 2-2, although it might be measurable. I've read a lot more comments in this forum regarding open pipes vs baffled and that the open pipes did not "feel" like they performed as well. I've never run open pipes myself. I do prefer the sound of the V&H 2-1 over the 2-2 and I think they look awesome on a Fatboy, though if I had a more classic looking bike I would have installed something else. Hey...that's why there's so many pipe choices out there.

 

Man, I agonized over the same decision for weeks. I like the look of both the VH 2 into 1 and the VH Big Shot Staggered 2 into 2. Yesterday I finally placed my order for neither of those and went with the Rush chrome straight tip full system Crossovers (7020ST) for my 2012 Fatboy. Will let you know how I like them when I put them on the bike next week.

My decision came down to four things. First, the Rush exhaust looks pretty much like the V&H BSS. Second, the Rush has a ceramic coating, inside and out, making them up to 300 degrees cooler (I'm in south Florida). Third, Rush has a "ride on us" policy (at participating dealers) so if I hate them, even after installing them, I can return them for refund. Fourth, the audio clips sound very good.

That's my 2 cents

Good luck with your decision!