Went and got a set of exhaust manifold gaskets today, the ones I had on were the tapered ones, but the set I was given are the flat ones, the guy didn't have any tapered ones but said these are fine, so my question is : are they OK or do I change them for the tapered ones.

They are going on an 08 1200C Sporty.

Bakes

Yep they will be fine. They are a lot easier to put in as well.

They do not seal as well, but do not restrict the flow as much.
If you have a stock bike, and are more concerned with sealing that performance (which would make sense), then the tapered ones are the way to go.
They are much better for stock bikes.
HD are not silly. If they could get an effective reliable seal with the early type, THEY WOULD.

  hi alwayways use a little bit of black silastic around the header  top lip on all as some aftermarket pipes are not as flat on the top of the lip as should be  i never use the later as they squish into the ports  but never have had a leak in 30 years , 

i prefer the tapper ones but if i have to i use the flat ones as daddyracer siad alot aftermarket pipes not that flat reason i like the tapers is that you can pull em mid way down then tension ya brackets up to nearly tight then nip up the flange i always put new self lockin nuts not nylocs and if puttin bit silastic i use the rtv as its sensor freindly on the big bore an full custom engines i use car exhaust copper gaskets rings like the ones in the old honda fours works well an doesnt hinder the flow either

Thanks Guys

will go to HD Perth and grab a couple of tapered ones

Bakes

Ok any easy fix is to put an extra circlip onto the exhaust. 2 circlips = exhaust flange closer to the gasket. A little tip told me by scotty.

Also if you are really keen you can get copper crush gaskets instead. Oz knows where to get them from. Less restrictive but once only use.

 I guess if the counter bore on the flange is deep enough to accomodate 2 clips, then it would work ok.

I can't really see the benefit  of 2 clips though, unless the flange is bottoming out somehow!

I personally haven't had a problem with the SE flat type gaskets leaking............as yet anyway!

Burto.