I'm a new boy to Harleys and this forum and have a Fatboy with Vance and Hines Big Radius pipes. They were on the bike when I bought it, and while initially the noise was ok, it's now annoying. They are too loud and I've searched this forum for information on other pipes etc, and while there is lots of info, nothing seems really to stick out. Seems the 2 into 1 are the go, but what brand etc? I don't want attention getting loud pipes, but surely someone here has pipes that sound nice and won't draw undue attention. I understand anything from stock will be over the 95db, but the Big Radius are too loud. Retailers of pipes in Australia or is overseas the way to buy?  Any advice / information appreciated.

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Oh, I've watched countless you tube clips on pipes, but thought you people here may have unbiased views.

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Supertrapp supermeg 2-1 is a good performance pipe that can be tuned with the discs. With a closed end cap it can be almost as quiet as stock. With open end cap it's still not as loud as others. You can have it as loud or as quiet as you want with loud providing more flow and less back pressure.

fatbat, thanks for that.

Another option is have a look at big city thunder baffles which they make to suit your pipes. Not cheap but they take the edge off the sound, make it sound deeper and give you more back pressure.

Stock headers and slip ons are another option

Been looking at that angle, Daggs. I've gotten onto the bloke that had the bike before me and he's suppose to be digging out the factory pipes, so hopefully I can get them. Any idea of slip on's? I believe S&S tapers are ok.

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Mate, if you score the orig. pipes, the S&S slash slip-ons are nice pipes, I have them and a set of Screaming Eagle slash slip-ons, they both sound good and not that load, they are loader than originals but not over the top

Thanks soapbox. I'll do some googling on them.

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It's doing my head in actually, hilly. Thanks for your advice. I'm laid up at home at the moment with my arm in a sling after shoulder surgery and all I have is the internet to keep me company. Missus goes to work. Lot's of googling being done. I'll look for the Rush vids on you tube.

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If buying new s&s mufflers, have a look at khrome werks' mufflers. I think they may make s&s mufflers and appear to sell some of the same mufflers albeit with diff logos

Hi all...Ive got s&s slip ons as well as Screaming Eagle slip ons for my Fatboy Low.My mates got VH Big radius on his bike,Although they are louder than my S&S slipons,Im sure you would be annoyed by the loudness of S&S.The Sceaming eagle slipon are much much quieter than the S&S and not Cop attrackting.However the diiference in top end power is very noticeable with the S&S much stronger up top,The Screaming eagle a little stronger down low.

Thanks guys for your feedback.

fatbat, I'll google khromework for some you tube vids.

oneball,what you said about power in different ranges with the slip ons seem to be what happens. The more open the pipe is, the less down low but more up top and visa versa with the more restricted, quieter pipes.

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hi Softbat,

I run the S&S slip ons with standard headers & XIEDS. They were loud at first however after putting some K's on them they seem to have mellowed out a bit.
They seem straight through inside with staggered baffles so whether there is some matting in there I cannot tell

Nice deep rumble & definite gain in power however when cruising along they are not loud

I like the fact they look standard as well !

these https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsi_gXYuqvk

Thanks robnicko. Good info buddy.

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Softbat,

I'm only new here but have appreciated a lot of exhaust discussions/experience on this Forum. Some smart guys (and girls too I presume).

I went 2-1 with my FXDF. I always preferred the look of that system on a Fat Bob, though I do have a soft spot for 2-2. Mine is a D&D FatCat. If noise is an issue due to enforcement types it won't be for you. I have the louvered baffle which is the quieter option. It is quieter but still loud'ish. I definitely choose the time and place to open her up and when I do it is magic to my ears. At idle very nice and fruit'y. I do recommend it though - she fits well, looks primo, and my Tuner rates working on them.

If I wanted a quieter option, the Supertrapp mentioned above is meant to be the ducks nuts. Until then, the Texan D&D for me.

I had the same issue with my 07 fatboy softfat and I went with the V&H 2 into 1. Looks awesome, sounds great and not too loud. They have a deep rumble sound. Check my pics if you want a peek.

I have the D&D Bobcat, love it

Hi guys, thanks for your input.

JFE, you're right, lots of knowledgeable people here. Don't need to re-invent the wheel with the knowledge here.

To all that have replied I appreciate it. Makes the job of looking into pipes easier with the info you guys have given..

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Just an update. I ended up with Screaming Eagle slip on's, after what I read here and hearing them on the spare parts manager's bike at the dealer I bought the bike from. Picked them up yesterday, put them on and I like the sound. Can't ride the bike because of the shoulder, but it is louder than stock, but a nice loud. So thanks guys for all your feedback. Oh, and after playing with cars and bikes for over 40 years, I still managed to burn my fucken finger on the exhaust when trying to put the heat shields on.

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