New to the touring forum. Picked up a new RK last weekend. Initially thinking of slip-ons but with the cats in the head pipe I'm wondering if just slip-ons are worth the cost and effort without changing the head pipes? Would seem to me that limited performance improvements could be gained without getting rid of the cats???

Thoughts??


Don

 

Yep...remove the cat then add the slip-ons of your choice. Big difference in heat and sounds better even with the stock exhaust.

JG

 

I wouldn't put new mufflers on without first removing the cat. The heat from the cat can discolor your new mufflers. I believe the factory head pipes with the cat removed will perform well with mild tunes and you may like the sound of the stock mufflers. The stock mufflers don't appear to be too restrictive.
Billy

 

the 2013 is much the same as the 2010 and newer models, so you can see what those guys have done.

in your shoes I would remove the cat, and see if I were happy with the stock mufflers at that point deciding to stay put or choose slip ons.

matched with a high flow intake ( I prefer the Ness big sucker at about $120), and tuning compensation from nightrider.com ( xieds or vieds to suit your model) for another $120 or so- and you should see gains of 7 to 10 horsepower.

mike

 

Kill the cat before it kills you. Seriously, the cat it an oven that will cook you right off the bike.

 

Get rid of that cat!

 

Kick the cat out!

 

If you're ready to spend some money, kill the cat. If you don't want to spend a lot right now, you may want to check out RCX-Haust slip ons. They're made by RC Components. You can check out their website. Anyway, my dealer sells the slash downs (no tips) for $350. Even with the cat. converter in the headpipe, these mufflers sound pretty good. I put them on my 2012 Road King for a couple months until I was ready to do a full Stage 1 and dyno. When I did the Stage 1, I used the same RCX mufflers and now they sound flat out wicked. Great sound at idle and when you open the throttle they bark loud and then when you cruise they sound fairly quiet.

My Stage 1 consists of V&H Power Duals, RCX slip ons, Ness Big Sucker air cleaner, H-D SEPST tuner. The dyno result was 81 H.P. and 100 ft.lbs. torque. I couldn't be happier with this set up. Good luck finding what's right for you and have fun with your King.

Couple of pic's attached.

 

Congrats on the new bike,

Check out Fuel Moto @ fuelmotousa, Great products and great folks to work with.
I installed their head pipe, mufflers and air cleaner. So far a good set up, now looking at cams-good luck

 

MGS Custom Bikes great sound, looks and performance. Congrats on the new bike.