Hey guys...looking to make a full exhaust system for my bike. I'm planning on building something similar looking to the NLC systems.
What is the deal with the stepped headers (guessing 2" to 2.5" OD )?
Is it necessary?
What would be the disadvantages with running 2" all the way back to the mufflers?
Is that a 'balance pipe' NLC uses or just a way of pinning the two pipes together for mounting purposes? (I would think balance pipe as the headers look to be quite different in length).
Thanks for any and all thoughts/replies

 

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/hquick/media/09%20Vrod%20Muscle/vr51022_zpsef8dff1a.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/hquick/media/09%20Vrod%20Muscle/vr51013_zps136984d0.jpg.html][/URL]

Why would you have the Exhaust all on one side, the beauty with the Muscle it looks hornier with the pipes on both sides....

Not to discourage you but there is a fair bit of r&d that goes into building a good exhaust with a fair bit of physics at play. For most people it is far easier and cheaper in terms of cost (factoring in time as a cost) to buy a proven exhaust than to stuff about building one - unless you know what you're doing.

I understand there's a fair bit of R&D goes into building the 'optimal' exhaust. I REALLY like the NLC systems pic's above but don't feel upto paying $1500+ for one. I KNOW I can make one VERY similar and I'll do the best I can to tune the bike to suit. My time's free, I've built full exhaust systems before ( 4-1 headers and full twin 3" for my supercharged Chev) and I basically have all the materials (stainless tube) already so I'll have a crack at it.
Worst comes to worst....it'll def look and sound good but the performance may not be 'perfect' (not BAD....just not absolutely perfect). It's never going to be a race/drag bike.

restrictions and expansion of gasses at certain points is what makes a system work what ever the price it is usually best to have something that not only looks good but runs harder if you put any sysytem on and the bike is not tuned to it another problem is running lean or rich and the list goes on

1 3/4 to mufflers with a balance pipe would be more than adequate for most HD engines,including the vrod.

What happened to the system that you had just fitted ?

It's still on the bike mate....but it was always going to be a temporary measure.