[Skwerlee]

I just placed my order for the V&H Big Radius! over the past several months I've gone back and forth researching several different systems before I ultimately settled on these. I think the curve and overall look of this system compliments the factory lines of the Stryker nicely. I know a lot of you guys have already junked the stock pipes and I’m glad to finally do it myself! I’ve got just a couple of question for you guys running the Big Radius...about how long was your install time? I’ve seen the instructional video L&M uploaded on YouTube…any tips or tricks I need to know that they didn’t address? Also, what "solvent" should I use to clean up the pipes before I fire the bike up for the first time?

 

[SmokenJoe]

Congrats ............... great lookin pipes. I'm sure you'll be happy with them. PICTURES soon as you can Bro.

 

[immortal13]

I just placed my order for the V&H Big Radius! over the past several months I've gone back and forth researching several different systems before I ultimately settled on these. I think the curve and overall look of this system compliments the factory lines of the Stryker nicely. I know a lot of you guys have already junked the stock pipes and I’m glad to finally do it myself! I’ve got just a couple of question for you guys running the Big Radius...about how long was your install time? I’ve seen the instructional video L&M uploaded on YouTube…any tips or tricks I need to know that they didn’t address? Also, what "solvent" should I use to clean up the pipes before I fire the bike up for the first time?

First of all, great choice!! You will love em.

Umm....if I recall correctly the "spec" time was like 1.5 hrs. Took me about 4 lol, but I'm slow. Nothing really that you should need tips on, pretty straight forward. A lil tricky getting them seated into the heads but not too bad. Use a blanket or tape to cover surrounding area and just take your time.

I just shined mine up with some windex and hauled arse.....didn't use any special solvent.

 

[sfcmcgan]

They do have a nice look to them!

 

[jester624]

So do you guys run baffles in or out?

 

[safetydanny]

Very Nice! Kick @$$!!!

 

[Skwerlee]

should i replaced the header gaskets while i'm at it? or is that only if they're damaged?

 

[SmokenJoe]

should i replaced the header gaskets while i'm at it? or is that only if they're damaged?

Always use new gaskets when installing new pipes.

After you get the gaskets out, take them to auto store and see if they can measure up and find you a auto gasket. The ones from dealer are like $11.00 a piece. Auto gaskets are a lot cheaper.
On the VTX site there is a substitute gasket chart. These are what we use on the VTX exhaust. Take these numbers with you to auto store and see if they match the used ones. Might save you some $$$.

Midas - New part number 521817, old# EN1837

NAPA / Victor - F12329 or F 7283

Felpro - 60569

Wis Muffler EN 1837

 

[rodekill]

I was able to use my old gaskets but the bike only had a few hundred miles on it when I changed the exhaust, and they still looked brand new. I did order some new ones beforehand just in case. Fwiw there are some from felpro that you can pick up for a couple of bucks if you dont feel like getting gouged on the yamaha ones.

I see you beat me to the cheaper gasket idea with an edit lol.

 

[SmokenJoe]

I was able to use my old gaskets but the bike only had a few hundred miles on it when I changed the exhaust, and they still looked brand new. I did order some new ones beforehand just in case. Fwiw there are some from felpro that you can pick up for a couple of bucks if you dont feel like getting gouged on the yamaha ones.

Do you have the numbers for them?

 

[rodekill]

Not on me, but I can post it after work as they are still in the package.

A quick search of the net shows Felpro #23588 and that sounds right if memory serves.

 

[bekohlko]

I recommend removing the right footpeg/brake assembly. Just take out the two bolts where it mounts to the frame. It will make it a lot easier to get the stock pipes off and the new ones lined up right.

 

[SmokenJoe]

Thanks.....Felpro #23588........$1.99 at OReilly Auto and $17.00 on e bay. ;D

 

[Skwerlee]

Thanks.....Felpro #23588........$1.99 at OReilly Auto and $17.00 on e bay. ;D

awesome thanks

 

[Skwerlee]

Well i installed my new exhaust last night. I also swapped out my modded air-box for a stocker since i don't have a fuel programmer yet. Fellow forum member Skematik was cool enough to hook me up with his stock air-box and raven cover.

One question i do have is I've noticed that i can hear the exhaust pipes popping *like when you shut your bike off and the hot pipes are expanding and contracting as they cool down*. Is this just what happens when brand new pipes are breaking in? I can even hear it while I'm riding at low speed and that never happened with the stock exhaust.

 

[gator8]

Its perfectly normal not to worry. It will always be that way.

 

[ratboy]

They look awesome, Skwerlee. Are you having any issues with heat on your leg? Some others here have mentioned this problem with the big curve on the back pipe.

 

[Skwerlee]

They look awesome, Skwerlee. Are you having any issues with heat on your leg? Some others here have mentioned this problem with the big curve on the back pipe.

So far I've had no issues with heat but it was 31 degrees this morning so i bundled up pretty good for my ride in to work so its a little early to tell. The main thing I've noticed so far is how much farther the rear cylinder head pipe sticks out than the stock one did. It's not a big deal...just having to get used to putting my leg out a tad farther when I'm stopped at a red lights.

 

[Skwerlee]

Its perfectly normal not to worry. It will always be that way.

thank you sir!

 

[toby]

Well i installed my new exhaust last night. I also swapped out my modded air-box for a stocker since i don't have a fuel programmer yet. Fellow forum member Skematik was cool enough to hook me up with his stock air-box and raven cover.

One question i do have is I've noticed that i can hear the exhaust pipes popping *like when you shut your bike off and the hot pipes are expanding and contracting as they cool down*. Is this just what happens when brand new pipes are breaking in? I can even hear it while I'm riding at low speed and that never happened with the stock exhaust.


[/quote]
Can't answer the question about the noises but just wanted to say that the V&H big R's look awesome.