Pipe Dreams
No matter where you come down on the whole exhaust debate, it's hard to ignore the fact that aftermarket pipes are one of the most popular modifications made to stock motorcycles. And because there's a rash of new exhausts hitting the market in 2007, we thought we'd showcase some of the applications-for your consideration, as they say in the movie biz. But don't say we didn't warn ya: More states are cracking down on loud pipes, so remember it's on you to determine whether the unit you're considering meets EPA noise levels (currently 80dBA for OEM streetbikes). Oh yeah, and don't forget to re-jet
Seems no bike part is left unmodified these days. Witness these sculpted new velocity stacks from Stainless Creations ($480), handcrafted in the USA out of stainless steel or chromed aluminum. Each stack contains a custom screen to filter out foreign objects from engine internals, but more importantly for customizers, the wickedly styled pieces can be mounted in almost any position on almost any carb with a Universal Breather Bracket and Mounting Collar. The Mounting Collar is a separate ring that allows the stack to be swiveled up for a wild look. Find them at your local MC Advantages dealer or visit www.mcadvantages.com.
Want to boost your motor's reliability while actually making it look cool? That's what Pro-One's new Ventilated Billet Oil Pro-Cooler ($349.95) wants to do too. The ventilated Pro-Cooler's body is machined from billet aluminum and finished in chrome, and it claims to push 360 degrees of flow-through air circulation so your oil temps will run cooler. Each Pro-Cooler comes with chrome A/N-type fittings and a universal chrome aluminum clamp. The rugged mounting clamp allows for a clean install on all popular-size front downtubes, and you can get Pro-Coolers with a smooth polished end cap or a VDO oil pressure gauge. For info, call (800) 884-4173 or visit www.pro-one.com.
Fond of Arai's Astral helmet? Better get used to separation anxiety-the company's decided to replace it with the new Vector ($521.99), a less-is-more lid that offers another fit option for riders who don't need lots of bells and whistles but still crave extra comfort. The Vector's shape follows Arai's latest-generation "organic" shell design philosophy, which apparently means it conforms more closely to the human head, thus making it feel more natural. Arai's distinctive Hyper-Ridge reinforcement band along the bottom of the Vector's shell adds reinforcement and also helps contribute to better overall balance. Get details at your Arai dealer or www.araiamericas.com.
Think your beefy new M109R's not inhaling enough O2? Relax. The Ultra- flow Air kit ($425)-designed by Xtreme Revolution just for the big Suzuki-is here to unplug any stuffed-up passages. Xtreme says the kit's easy to install, shows off the motor better and flows dramatically more air than the stock airboxes. The Stage 1 and Stage 2 kits include left- and right-side airboxes, two K&N; filters and two chrome-plated billet cover plates. For more info, call (888) 289-9738 or visit www.xtremerevolution.com.
H.I.D. (high-intensity discharge) lights are all the rage for import tuner cars, so it's only natural they become commonplace in the motorcycle world too. The latest design from Delta is the Fatty 700 headlight ($583.27), available in five- and seven-inch versions. This low-amp-draw H.I.D. system comes with a 21-watt compact ballast/igniter and draws only 1.75 amps per light, so it's easy on your battery. The Fatty 700 fits Harley-Davidsons or any bike with a standard seven-inch round headlight. The light's 6000K rating means it exceeds daylight brightness by 10 percent. For more details, visit www.deltalights.com.
Backpacks, as far as we're concerned, are the most convenient way to schlep crap around town. But there are times when we toss the bag down a bit too haphazardly and-bam!-there goes a $500 camera. We might do better with an Axio pack; at its core is an aerodynamic polycarbonate hard-shell, welded to ergonomic back and shoulder straps (Axio says it's the only pack designed specifically for motorcyclists). The improved Swift model ($129) boasts 1860 cubic inches worth of storage space; for full details, check out www.axio-usa.com.
It's only appropriate that National Cycle celebrate its 70th birthday this year with yet another innovation. For 2007, the company unveils the metric version of its Peacemakers Slip-Ons (introduced for Harleys last year). The heart of the Peacemakers concept is a handlebar-mounted toggle switch that allows you to open or shut diverter valves set within both mufflers. When valves are closed, exhaust gases are routed through baffles that muffle sound volume to near stock levels (instant social responsibility, we're thinking). National Cycle says the metric applications ($690) will fit Road Star models, with versions for Honda's VTX 1800, VTX 1300 and others to come later. See www.nationalcycle.com for more info.
The most medium Honda is getting big aftermarket support too: Hackerpipes now offers a performance exhaust system ($600) for the VTX 1300. The Track-Tuned header, designed by World Championship of Custom Bike Building champ Jim Giuffra of AFT Customs (check out Jim's work in our December issue), is a twist on AFT Custom's competition version, with a Hackerpipes' performance muffler and patented core. This combination offers a bigger top-end boost between 2500-5500 rpm, says Hackerpipes. The AFT Track-Tuned exhaust carries an 18-gauge steel header, a 16-gauge muffler and the largest production collector in the industry-2.5 inches. Application details can be found at www.hackerpipes.com.
If you're looking for a quick upgrade to your new M109R, there are always Roadhouse's replacement slip-ons. The four-inch-diameter pipes dispense with the bulky stock muffler system and claim to reduce poundage while ushering in solid performance gains through the midrange. Roadhouse says the pipes emit a "growl," though the system retains the stock head pipe covers (you can purchase optional "quiet" and "performance" baffles separately to fine-tune the system). The M109R slip-ons ($500) feature a polished chrome finish and come complete with all hardware and detailed instructions for a do-it-yourself installation. Visit www.roadhousebrand.com for all the applications.
Vance & Hines has always pushed the performance side of pipe technology, and 2007 looks to be no different. The company's newest 2-into-1 exhaust, the Big Radius 2-into-1 for Harley-Davidson Softails ($700), is said to deliver white-knuckle performance, but it's probably the curved muffler style that makes it stand out from the crowd. Because it incorporates blue-proof technology throughout the pipe (that's full-length heat shields to you and me), the Big Radius 2-into-1's showroom finish will probably stay shiny longer too. The Big Radius includes mounts for factory O2 sensors and is compatible with Vance & Hines' Fuelpak fuel management module. See www.vanceandhines.com for the scoop.
If you're looking for all the goods in one basket, SuperTrapp's SuperPak might do the trick. The company says this intake/exhaust kit ($895-$995) comes with everything you'll need to wring serious performance out of your Harley-Davidson Twin Cam. You get a SuperTrapp exhaust, precalibrated FiControl (a fuel-injection control unit) and a high-performance ProFilter in one package. The digital FiControl's preset curves are adjustable, and the filter is said to flow more air than the stocker to increase torque and horsepower. SuperTrapp is also introducing a quiet line of pipes this year dubbed the Silent Series, which will allow you to return your bike to near stock sound levels without performance loss. For info, see test3www.supertrapp.com.
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