Picked up my new 2012 FLHTK on Friday. It was cooler out so I really didn't notice any heat. Fast forward to today. Instead of it being 60 out, it's 82. I did more stop and go traffic and I'm noticing all this heat on the back of my right leg. I am running the stock exhaust.

I'm starting to wonder if the heat is from the rear cylinder exhaust pipe and not the cat. I left the exhaust stock because I wanted to see if the heat was as bad as everybody was saying. Now I'm wondering if a new head pipe is going to take care if the heat. Thinking of going with the Vance Hines Power Duels and Twin Slash Ovals.

What do you guys think? Is the heat coming from the pipe or the cat?

 

Probably heat off the rear cylinder. If you remove the lowers for the hot weather, it'll make a difference. That's your cheapest option anyway.

 

I believe the heat is coming from the cat in your headpipe. Cut mine out and it made a world of difference regarding the reduction of the heat coming off the pipes.

 

I say both.
When I got my 11 King I drove it stock for 1000 miles. after the first service I got rid of the cat, it did help. around 3000 miles I put on megaphone mufflers and a air kit with a Fuel Moto mapped PCV, that made it better yet.
Other then stuck in traffic when it's hot out it feels fine. I don't feel any heat that is any worse then my 10 FXDC had.

 

I have a 2011 FLHTK and ran the stock exhaust untill a few weeks ago(6k miles) I decided I was done with the heat and wanted a better sound, so I had the V&H power duals installed with rush slash mufflers w/2" baffles, and the SE Air Cleaner. It makes a tremendous difference in the heat that you feel!! I only wish I had done it sooner!! You won't regret it...trust me!

 

What he said.

It's true. I also have Power Duals on my 2011. AMAZING difference in the heat. It's pretty "normal" now.

 

Yep both.

 

Still running stock header and mufflers on my '11 FLHRC, but I gutted the cat this winter, and it's made a HUGE difference in the heat coming off the bike. Also made it sound a little better too.
Gut that cat. You'll be glad you did!

 

The heat is there -- The cat keeps more of it there so it can build up longer.

The motor will still produce heat, the pipes will still be hot -- No cat just allows that heat to dissipate and disappear much more efficiently.

Only a little?!?

 

I had a 07FLHT STD. & it was hot & so is my 2011 FLTRX 103. The 2011 is hotter but not enough that it bothers me.