I know there are a heap of you out there who have probably had no issues with this. I found a couple of interesting threads over at the XL forum regarding cracked header pipes. So I fired off a query to V&H support and this was their response:

"It is a cool look and it does help a great deal with the heat.  But unfortunately the nature of this product on header pipes is that it can cause the pipe to deteriorate and crack.  All the heat that is build up, the header wrap prevents it from radiating outward so it stays in.  that heat build up between the wrap and the header turns into moisture which is what causes the steel to deteriorate and potentially crack."

So I'm unsure whether to go ahead now & wrap my new 2-1 (no heat shields) or just let my leg bake this coming summer.

I'd be interested to know of anyone here in Aussie who has had cracking issues after wrapping their pipes?

How about getting some heat shields? I don't know if you can get them for the V&H, but obviously you can for SE - http://www.stpaulharley.com/catalog/parts-accessories/harley-davidson-motorcycle-parts-and-accessories/screamin-eagle/screamin-eagle-reg-sportster-reg-jet-black-buckshot-heat-shields-64924-09.html

No moisture gets trapped in there.

Back in my rev head days I looked into header wrap on my Datto as a performance mod. It might look good but thats not why people started doing it. As explained by V&H, the purpose of the wrap is to contain the heat in the pipes. If I remember correctly this it to do with the thermo dynamics of hotter gasses being more free flowing than cooler gasses. Either way the running temp of the headers goes up significantly, which leads to deterioration of the metal and breaks near the welds etc. I recall a lot of guys had their headers crack from wrapping back then. I decided I could do without replacing my expensive performance headers every year, and put that money into other mods which do more for performance anyway like cams and head work.

Might pick up a clamp-on heat shield off ebay & spray it black. Something different. Don't think I'll be goin down the wrap path now.

Thanks for the input fellas.

ive got v+h side shots no wrap and had a crack on the rear pipe nearly 3/4 the way round just behind where the 02 sensor srews in, just welded and braised it up good as gold