Exhaust Review:by Chopper Steve from www.v-mod.com

and here is a link to a gallery and article "Choosing an Exhaust for the V-Rod - A Racer's Perspective"

Introduction to V-Rod Exhaust Systems

This review was developed by Chopper Steve owner of WWW.V-MOD.Com, to my knowledge the most V-Rod specialized supply house out there.  V-MOD provides a wide range of V-Rod products as well as engine building services. If you are looking for one place to shop that carries many of the aftermarket products available for the V-Rod then you will want to check out WWW.V-MOD.COM.  Steve has done allot of dyno testing on many of the performance products that he carries and brings the V-Rod community an independent voice when it comes to evaluating how various manufactures products perform.  Outlined below are many of Steve's thoughts on the various exhaust systems that are available for the V-ROD.  I will also include pictures of VRODs with these systems that have been posted on www.vrodforum.com so that folks can see what these systems look like on the bike. So let's get going and I will hand it back over to Steve.....

Selection Criteria: A couple of concerns that most V-Rod owner should consider:

  • "Ground Clearance" , most any system out will hit the pavement when you push the "Chicken Strip" Though I believe looks very cool at night, it does leave some unsightly "Rash" .

  • "Construction" is it chrome? does it have heat shields? is Stainless, does it interfere with comfort ect.

  • "Performance/Sound" does it make power? and where? Am I going to be shot by my neighbor for waking him up at 6:00 AM?

  • "Additional Cost" - what else do I need to make it work? I don't know of any systems that do not need something to be done to the ECM and should be considered in the Package.

  • "Looks" Do I like how it looks? Is it what I'm after?

  • "Slip-On" is it a Slip-On or a "Full system". Slip-Ons use the stock Header pipes and are a little easier to install. Full system can make more power at some comfort expense, but not all. Most will dramatically change the look of the bike. Also the intake side has different length velocity stacks to offset the unequal length header sections on the stock bike. With careful consideration and a little experimentation, you can effect your exhaust systems behavior.

 

Thunder from Down Under

 

V-Rod Exhaust System Comparison

Here is my list and what my opinions are of the various exhaust systems that are available. I am not trying to promote or detract from any systems. I am just sharing my opinions based upon what I have observed and learned.

 
Super Trapp
$525
  Description:

2-1 chrome slip on with Heat shields. Long to the collector, which means it will make more high RPM power at the lower RPM's expense. This is a "Diffuser Disc" system that is adjustable [ Back Pressure ] The Muffler section is a bit large and will scrape fairly easy. Some have complained that exhaust "Soots Up" their wheel/brake rotor. I like this pipe for high RPM power. You will need a PowerCommander or TFI [ Race Fueler ] or Race Tuner to make this pipe work.
+12 hp
.

 

 

 
Samson
$379
  Description:

2-2 chrome slip-ons. I think they where first to market and are fairly popular [ in the early days ] They are very loud, even with Baffles, and have a very traditional sound. With some tuning they can make great bottom end power. They will not help on the top though and are more for show. They Need, PC3r or TFI or Race Tuner
-5 HP

 

 

 

 
Screamin' Eagle Slip Ons
$475
  Description:

A Very good chrome slip on, that disappoints most on sound [ or lack of , see V-MODse ] They make very good all around power and retain the stock look. You can use a HD download [ at dealer ] or PC3r or TFI box for this setup
+6-8 HP

 

 

 
 Screamin' Eagle 16ga
$550
  Description:

A "Shot Gun" style of slip on that has a traditional look. Fair power gains and a almost "Drag Pipe" sound. Can use HD Download or PC3r or Race Tuner - (Note - these can also be VModed for enhanced sound as well as a additional pony or two)
+5-6 HP

 

 

 
BUB
$489
  Description:

2-2 SS system with "Mega Phone" Baffles. These about break even in power, but much louder than stock. They offer two baffle styles [ loud and louder ] they have a unique look and work well for our shorter legged V-rod friends. They require a PC3r or Race Tuner or TFI box.
-5 HP

 

 

 
Rineharts [ BUB ]
$750
  Description:

2-2 chrome . About as close to a Big Twin sound as you are going to get. Loud and Proud, also good for Height challenged. They make great Bottom-Mid power, but flatten on the top [ too long ] Very good fit and finish. Baffles available, but still loud.
They need a PC3r or Race Tuner. To make these work you will need to mod the intake stacks and make timing changes.
+5-6 HP
 

 

 

 
Joker
$750
  Description:

2-1 Stainless This is a great pipe! I just wish they had Heat shields. The Stainless "wheats Up" [ yellows] immediately and detracts from the look, which is short and sweet, makes the bike look lighter. They run a small primary which works fine for STD bore, but is lacking for Big Bores.
Pc3r or Race Tuner is recommended
+10-12 HP

 

 

 
D and D 
$669
  Description:

2-1 or slip ons, chrome . The 2-1 makes good power and has a great fit and finish. I never liked the "Note" of the exhaust. Just something I never got along with. D and D makes some huge power gain claims. I made gains, but not as large as they claimed.
You can use the HD download or Pc3r of Race Tuner or TFI box
+10 hp
The Slip-ons are very similar to the SE Slip-ons, A little louder but less power
+4-5 hp
 

 

 

 
Turbo Tech
$499
  Description:

2-1 steel, jet coat or black paint. This is a great race pipe. Great power increase on the top end. But I found a bit tough for the street. Some clearance issues [ minor] Can be a real leg burner. Very Loud, one of the loudest.
You will need a Race Tuner,TFI Box or PC3r
+12-14hp

 

 

 
FAIC
$795
  Description:

2-1 steel jet coat or chrome. A very unique pipe. Utilizes a Force Air Induction Collector. Comes with a quiet Baffle [ which I like the best ] or you can run it open. Well made but, not cheap. A bit tough to tune [ on the low end ] but I believe those issues are being addressed. PC3r or Race Tuner.  +12-14 HP
 

 

 

 
Vance & Hines Powershots
$540
  Description:

Chrome slip on "shot Gun" style muffler. Almost the exact same as the SE 16GA , a little smaller Baffle then the 16GA, but a little louder then the stock 16GA with a little more power.
Need Powercommander, RT or 16GA download.
+8-10

 

 

 
CFR Carry Faas Racing
$495
  Description:

2-1 slip on. Chrome. Very short to the collector, makes tons of bottom end with a nice increase up top. Its Loud, but deep. Really lightens the bike. Opens up that nice custom wheel you have back there.
PC3r or Race Tuner, TFI box
+6-7HP, huge mid range bump
 

 

 

 
V-Mods
$150 on your stock muffler
  Description:

Stock muffler modification. The way to go if you like the stock look. Great sound with a nice increase in power and a good 5 more ft lbs of torque in the middle.
You will need a PC3r or Race tuner can use HD download.
+6-8HP

 

 

 
V-MODse
$150 on your  SE mufffler
  Description:

A V-Mod'ed Screaming Eagle slip on. Very good power increase and a much better sound with out being too loud. One of my favorites
PC3r or HD download
+9-10hp
 

 

 

 
$385
  Description:

Chrome slip ons. Basically hollow pipes, very loud. Surprisingly, they work well. A unique "Turn Out" Look available in short or long. This will let them know your coming.
PC3r or Race Fueler, TFI box
+6-8 HP

 

 

 
Thunderheader
$
  Description:

Here is another option in exhaust that Steve did not comment on yet but has some potential as they are known for their high performance products.  More to come.....