I am about to purchase a 2008 Dyna Super Glide Custom and was considering either V&H Big Radius or Side Shots. Given that so many people seem to be going with big radius these days I figured I would go with chrome side shots.

The dealer also put the following items on the quote:

1. S/E Aircleaner kit
2. Dobeck Fuel management system (not sure if this is really needed)
3. V&H by pass module
4. V&H quiet baffles (not sure if the bike would sound better with baffles in)

I am not sure what is and isn't a must out of the list above. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I was told that the bike would likely cough and splutter and backfire when slowing down toward lights and would sound crap without the Dobeck Fuel management system. Is this true? I was also told that the bike would run much healthier with the fuel management system on.

Finally, what are your thoughts on the two different pipes (V&H big radius vs. side shots). I have heard people say that big radius are VERY loud. Is there much difference between them and side shots when it comes to - sound and volume?

hi bud,
I cant talk from experience about the HD's as I'm just off a 109r, and waiting on a FXDF. But I have done bag loads of research while waiting and I did heaps to the 9er.
I am getting the V&H Big Rads but I believe they are no louder than the side shortshots you want. either way they have 2" spiral baffles about 10" long and not much else so the quiet baffles ( wrapped in glass ) your dealer is fitting is probably a good idea. I've already modded my Big Rad baffles with the washer mod, and I will achieve a quiet but still good note this way, just like I did with my 109. As with the 9, as with most EFI bikes, if you put in pipes and big air you will need a new map or you will run real lean and you will pop and fart on decel and run the risk of detonation and the damage that goes with it. Use a PCIII, or SERT or dobeck ( never heard of this one...) or whatever, but use one for sure.

oh yeah, forgot the eliminators.
You will need the eliminators if you remove the exhaust and intake sensors from the loom.
I am using both, and then also pulling the o2 sensors from the pipes and using bungs. The PCIII for a dyna comes with the o2 eliminator plug so you just pop it into the loom like the other two and voila, no error codes.

Thanks for the info fatboboz. Enjoy the new bike when it arrives and stay safe.

Gday

Without the queit baffles the side shots are really loud, and for me are too loud. They are also very harsh sounding, like a straight through system. I've been riding for a year without the quiet baffles and are getting some soon. I still really like the look of them though.

My bike;

 

 

Nice ride Boofhead. This is the first time I have seen sideshots on an FXDC and I really like it. That just eased my mind. I was still thinking the big radius pipes may look better but I am set on the sideshots now. The dealer has a bike without the baffles in. I might go and listen to this tomorrow to see if I like it or not.

I see you have made some other nice mods to the bike. I have been in two minds about putting forward controls on. I decided to get highway pegs put on for the open roads and stick with mid mounted pegs for the city as I love to throw a bike around. I will see how I feel with the two riding positions and will go with what feels best.

Thanks again for the info and the photo.

Do yourself a big favour and consider "Hooker" pipes.

They are ceramic coated, step tuned and have full heat shields and removable baffles.

I have seen first hand 12hp increase on a dyno from pipes and jets on a carbied 95 cube.

I have the Drag pipes but would consider the "Trouble makers" if replacing them.

Believe me you won't be sorry.

Got the queit baffles in today and they are just what I wanted.
A couple of Db quieter, still got the harley boom boom but without the harshness.

Ta mate. Well I gotta say, Black sideshots or shortshots on a dark ride look the best. Solid choice.

No, if anything with the increased backpressure the low end is a better.

Cheers
Boof

dark ones look great on any bike