Like you, I scrape the V&H "X" shield and am looking for replacement options now. I like the look of the pipes, but the scraping is getting on my nerves. Hoping the Fullsac may be an option, not much of a true dual guy myself.

 

I've heard many complain about this scraping issue with the V&H power duals. Too bad they don't redesign it to decrease the scraping. Maybe below in front of the back tire somehow.

 

Rhinehart has a "classic" TD for the new bikes that doesn't run the pipe under the frame. Another option.

 

As mentioned, the x pipe isn't a true dual- it's a 2-1-2 ceramic coated stepped header. It comes in an "A" version for 96's, and a "B" for the 110.

I would most definitely go for the fullsac- with the V&H, you don't get the cooling benefit of the ceramic coating, plus you've heard of the issues of scraping, plus I heard from other threads that the O2 bungs weren't in an ideal location.

Fullsac is real popular on the CVO forum- Steve George the owner, is also a board member over there. There was a thread where he claimed a 4 hp increase over a stock gutted headpipe. It made my bike sound better than it did with the stock gutted headpipe as well.

As far as the flattened cross over pipe goes, Steve said that he did dyno tests with it, and with an open pipe, and found no difference in power numbers, so I wouldn't let that factor in the decision.

I'd give Steve a call- great guy, and if nothing else, you can ask for advice and see what he has to say.

And from all I've read, you can't go wrong with the Fuel Moto headpipe as well.

 

By any chance are any of the bikes that drag the V&H Power Duals lowered?

I have them on my bike and my chicken strips are pretty narrow. I have never touched them???

 

I haven't had my V&H Power Duals long enough to drag the X-Pipe yet. I've only got 100 easy miles on it so far since installing. It's going to really **** me off if I start dragging the X-Pipe and I'll probably get rid of them and go for the ceramic coated Fuel Moto header. I do drag the kick stand on left handers quite often.

I was also wondering if it's only bikes that run lower like the Street Glides that drag the X-Pipe. I replaced my stock air shocks with Progressive air shocks and I think it actually sits about 1/2" higher than stock. So maybe I'll be OK.

 

On a stock (12") shock Street Glide at the time.

 

using the fuelmoto headpipe with V&H MO's. no issues and decent numbers...

to the op i doubt you'll see any significant difference in performance between the 3 headers discussed. perhaps a little less heat from the ceramic versions of the fuelmoto or fullsac. i have read a few times about the V&H scraping so that is something to consider if you like to ride agressive in the corners...

 

I have had the V&H Power Duals for a couple years now and love the look and performance. I have never touched on my X-Pipe either. No experience on the other header

 

Man, thanks for all the input guys. I think I'm going to give Steve at Fulsac a call, I'm leaning toward them now. Do you have to buy the Fulsac pipe direct or do any of the aftermarket suppliers carry them?