When I got in the market to upgrade my stock mufflers, I started watching e-bay and reading here for input. I opted to go with Vance and Hines Python III slip ons. I payed attention to make sure the ones I was bidding on were for my bike. Stated for 04 to 08 XL883 and others. Now I know I'm no rocket scientist, but this ain't rocket science either. The variations for diff years, seems gonna be how it mounts to the bike. OK, I waited patiently for them to arrive, and on the 24th of Dec. they showed up. I was thrilled. Opened the box and slid them out nice and carefull and matched them up against the stock ones. Well, to my surprise, the mounting bracket where they mount to the tube that the oxygen sensor is on, was way diff. Stock had the piece coming off the bottom ( 2 to be exact) where it mounted to the tube. About 10 inches apart. These had one side mounted bracket located in the center of the slip on with 2 holes for bolts, that matched absolutely nothing. About 2 inches apart. Her's where the non rocket scientist part comes in. Seems to me if you buy something meant for a certain year bike, shouldn't you expect the mounting holes to line up?? I would think thats why there different for different years. Am I missing something here.

 

Sounds like perhaps they sent you the wrong item! Mounting holes should be a perfect match and just mabe the shipper just got a little confused and the packing was wrong. 04-07 as far as I've seen with V&H and others appeared to be perfect matches without any mods.

As you stated, you did your research and expected a proper fit so I doubt that you "ordered" the wrong item... just received the wrong item.

Good luck on an exchange.

 

thanks Doug,. I have e-mailed them and they said its the right one, but I think they put the wrong muffler in the right box. We shall see.

 

I have for the most part always lucked out with the items I purchase on ebay, but I will admit when it comes to some things I dig deep and buy from the dealer. That way I know I can take it back or get my money back.

 

Yea, it's always nice to be able to walk back in and say fix this. Thats when u suck it up I guess. If I get a replacement from them, I will see if it's right. If I can't get what I feel is the right part, will get a refund and go elsewhere.

 

I don't see Pyton III listed on V&H site. I bought the only slip-on they list, the Straightshot HS Slip-On's for my '07 and they fit like a glove....all mounts, holes etc lined up perfectly.

 

Was on e-bay, said python III's, mfged by Vance And Hines. Might have turned out to be a joke. Won't know until I get through with them.

 

The Pythons are made by V&H for Drag Specialities the correct number should be for a 04 -08 sportie 1801-0087 this number is right out of the drag specialities book. I looked at them at my dealer yesterday, (picture in the catalog)he suggested these as the do not have the SEII. I wanted.