Hi All,

I have just ordered some Cobra slip-on mufflers for my 2012 Heritage. Unfortunately, I'm pathetic when it comes to mechanical inclination, although heaven help me I try.

How hard is it to install the slip ons on this model year of Softail? Are there any issues or problems I might run into? What is the easiest way of getting these things on without having to call an ambulance?? What exactly am I looking for?? Any particular tools that I need?

Any wisdom or advice to this newbie would be tremendously appreciated!!

THANKS A LOT!

 

There are a lot of Youtube videos out there on how to install slipon mufflers. Have a look at them a couple of times so you don't feel it's overwhelming. Talk to one of your friends who is not intimated with such an undertaking. That's what I do. Although when I installed my PCV by myself I had never done anything like this especially on a motorcycle. But I'm comfortable with wrenching and electronics.
It actually makes it more fun to have a good friend work with you because as they say two heads are better than one. Oh and what good are friends if ya can't use them...haha!

 

It's very straighforward so don't be intimidated. Remove a few bolts and loosen the clamp. The muffler just slides off the pipe. The hardest part MIGHT be getting the muffler slide off easily. Sometimes the clamp that secures the muffler to the pipe is overtightened and it created a slight crimp and they're hard to yank off. Other times they slide right off. If they don't slide off the first try squirt a little PB Blaster on the connection and let it sit for a while. After some yanking they should come off. Like said, it's more fun to do it yourself and you get better acquainted with what holds your bike together.

 

A PhD? That's only if you're installing a completely new exhaust system. Slip-on's only require a GED.

Here's a couple links that should ease your mind a bit about installing them yourself.

PDF Installation instructions~~> http://www.cobrausa.com/exhaust_deta...-on%20Mufflers

Confidence building link~~> https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...r-install.html

 

These bikes are simple to work on compared to something like a race rep with all the electronic control, drive by wire throttles, liquid cooled engines, etc...

I replaced the fuel injectors on mine with out having ever done it before and without a shop manual. I'm pretty sure I could have put my new belt on and did my engine upgrades myself if I would have had the correct tools and a service manual.

 

I just put some Rush slip ons on my bike and a few months ago did the same with my wife's. The biggest problem is definately getting the muffler to come off the exhaust pipe. I had a terrible time getting the stock pipes off my wife's and the bike was brand new. My suggestions: First- take off the heat shields- makes everything much easier- they are easy to take off and put back on. Next, use some of that PB blaster or WD 40 and squirt it on the joint area where the muffler connects to the pipe. Let it soak in for a few minutes and then start twisting/wriggling the muffler back and forth until it slips off. After that just slip the new mufflers on, put the clamps back in place (use a good torque wrench, mine is not the best-don't want to overtighten them and then you will have that crimp that another poster mentioned), and torque tighten the bolts. Put the heat sheilds back on and you are done.

 

be sure to get NEW clamps for the new muffs.. the old ones stretch when used and U can have problems with Air Leaks if U don't.

 

I don't know if the '06 Heritage is the same but I installed a set of Rush slip-ons last weekend. This is my first Softail install and I tried to do it like the Dyna's I have had. Not quite the same because of those little gaskets that I couldn't keep in position and ended up destroying them. Pissed me off. I ended up loosening the head pipes and mounting bracket to get everything lined up and then tightened it all up. WD-40 also helped.

 

the only thing that I would add to what has already been said is be sure you wipe all your finger prints off the new mufflers real good before you start the bike.

 

I'm no ace mechanic and I can tell you it's not a hard job. Took me maybe 3 beers 😃😃😃. Give it a try, you'll be very satisfied having done it yourself!