Ok...I need to learn about slip ons now. What is the difference between all of em? Other than chrome quality, why would the knock-offs be any worse than the name brand slip ons? The baffles?

Do they sound the same? Are they made of the same thickness material?

Sorry so many Q's but I prematurely spoke up about slip ons earlier and now I want to know.

I know (now) the difference in the different years but other than mounting and crossover locations aren't they essentially the same?

I have SE slip ons on one of mine and they look exactly like all the others I've been seeing.

Thanks.

 

I think difference comes in the baffle size and design, and the quality of construction. By quality of construction I mean chrome plating and what not. Also it depends on how much R&D a company puts into designing the baffle/muffler to get quality sound and performance. They need to make up for the all the money spent in R&D in the price. Old screaming eagle slip ons like SEII will somewhat resemble the Rush and Cycle Shacks of today. Thats why Harley doesn't make them anymore because they aren't 50 state street legal anymore. But I really didn't think there was much of a pricing difference in the slip-ons for sportsters. I know there are a ton of different ones for touring models. I thought most slip-ons for sportsters ranged between $200-300?

 

They do sound differently, and yes, it depends on the baffles. Cycle Shack was the company that manufactured the SE slip on pipes back about 2004 - 06. That's one reason they looked similar. Chrome quality is another factor. Some slip on pipes that are pretty good can be found for less than $200

 

not to get off topic but anyone know how much of a difference you get from slip ons compared to full pipe change when it comes to sound? For instance I have python slip ons made by v&h but considering the short shots.

 

WOW...all kinds of different sounds both with slip on mufflers and pipes. Lots of factors there. Best bet to hear different pipes it to go to large harley events. Especially the free food events that most HD dealers will hold in the spring and early summer.

 

I had seII on my 883 but switch over to v&h straightshots the sound diffrence is night and day the v&h are deeper and sound way better specially at idle,guy i ride with has bassani pro streets on his sportster and when we rode i couldnt even hear my bike with the seII over his bike now i hear my bike no problem.

 

V&H pipes do tend to have a deeper sound. I've noticed this is particularly true on an 883. Not as much on a 1200.

 

So they're essentially the same but with different internals? My SE slip ons have nothing in them. Now, another Sportster I have with HD slip ons came with the slide in baffles but also have an outer, non removeable baffle...

If I get a bike with nice performing/sounding pipes, be it slip ons or full length, I just leave it alone...but if I make an exhaust purchase, it's full length.

Now I'm thinking I need to ditch the stock pipes in favor of a good full length. One is an 883. I think it sounds great with the SE slip ons...guess that one's first.

Thanks.