Doing something I said I'd never do...

[chornbe]

No, not that.
Nor that.
No, no that either!

This Harley (the Street Glide) of mine runs HOT. It's fine while in motion, but seriously... should sitting at a stop light roast your nuts? I dare say not.

So, today I ordered a set of Vance & Hines True Duals in Black Ceramic (eliminating the cross-over pipe and routing the pipes lower). The re-routing, less back pressure and ceramic coated heat shields are all supposed to be the cat's ass. I'm a pipe newbie, so... I guess we'll see. I intend to use either my existing stock mufflers, or a set of '03 Road King mufflers that I know are for sale for cheap. My '08 has a louder and harsher sound than the earlier years, and I really don't like it as much as the mellower sound of the earlier models.

I also ordered a Vance & Hines Fuel-Pak (similar to a Power Commander) to richen up the mixture a little bit. I really didn't want to, and I held off as long as possible, but alas... roasting the nuts gets really old. Credit card to the rescue. It's more than I ever wanted to spend on any mods for this bike, but... (sigh)

Between the two of those mods - the two things I said I'd never do - it should put off less heat. I don't do this for performance; the bike runs fine and I can actually TURN the thing, so it's all good.

In addition I just installed the front fork air dam and the mid-frame heat shields, and I've got the fork-mounted outer deflectors on order.

Here's hoping. Stupid EPA regs and uber-lean running!  

[Bikenut]

Did you notice a difference between yours and your brother's 09? When I rode them back to back I did feel more heat on the stock 09 than my 01, which has the V&H true duals with heat shields.

[chornbe]

Did you notice a difference between yours and your brother's 09? When I rode them back to back I did feel more heat on the stock 09 than my 01, which has the V&H true duals with heat shields.

His '09 is more comfy (heat wise) than my '08. The routing on the '09 is very similar to that of the aftermarket true duals, but includes a lower cross-over pipe. I'm really hoping the richening up, the ceramic coating and lack of cross-over does the job. I love riding this bike but it's something of a chore in real heat.

[Guy]

Between the two of those mods - the two things I said I'd never do - it should put off less heat. I don't do this for performance; the bike runs fine and I can actually TURN the thing, so it's all good.

Uh-huh. Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that it's for a practical reason. Maybe someday it will come true. We know the real reason...PIRATE  

[Bodhi]

No, not that.
Nor that.
No, no that either!

You only do that on the full moon!

[atadaskew]

The Street Glide that I rented last year roasted my right thigh through leathers even while moving.
You're doing the right thing.

[chornbe]

Uh-huh. Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that it's for a practical reason. Maybe someday it will come true. We know the real reason...PIRATE  

Oh, no, sir. You see, when I build performance engines... they're something to behold, and they debut at the track.  

I wouldn't piss around with pipes and a fueler without even changing the air cleaner or muffler. No, sir... if I were to get serious about building a Harley engine, I would build a 126", 200hp fire-breathing monster. You can actually make these things kick ass. But frankly, why? My FZ1 will do circles around this thing without even breaking a sweat. And while *I* can take this Street Glide thru' some spirited turns, I still reach the edge of this thing's frame/swingarm limits pretty quickly (for now). A bushing kit and rear suspension work will be the Winter project. Then, next year, I may do something about putting '09 wheels and swing arm on it so I can fit real tires on it. Maybe.

The engine performs fine as it is for its purpose.

In short, on real roads with turns and such, I run out of frame before I run out of engine.  

[R Doug]

So, are you going to rev it up at stop lights?  

[chornbe]

So, are you going to rev it up at stop lights?  

I tried answering but your avatar mesmerized me.

Then it told me things.

Things that made me grin like Donnie Darko.

[BobW]

Uh Oh! First it's pipes, then carbon fibre skid lid, HD dog leash and bowls, it will never end..........

I like the sound of the HD motor with a QUALITY exhaust system and engine revs that resemble the actual velocity of the bike (no unwarranted revving). The other end of the spectrum is the kids in their little Civic cars with loud cans, red line with little speed and pathetic buzzing

Hey! chornbe, all kidding aside, I think you are wise ($$$) to tinker with your baby VS trading her in. Reread your first ride reports and love her for what she is, don't hate her for what she will never be (old saying that their are two kinds of women for lovin, those like riding a race horse or enjoying a rockin chair. All good, just different ).

I would like to hear from you and your Bro on some more comparison info with the new bike as the miles add up.

Ride safe and enjoy!

Cheers
Bob

[Geoff]

Glad I own a (cool running) 2005 Harley. I'd hate to drop 20 large on a bike and then have to spend more money to make it run cool.

[JGreb]

The 09 touring models supposedly have a heat fix. You roll the throttle forward at stop lights and it shuts off the fuel and spark to the rear cylinder.