Best Exhaust for Valkyrie

[blackcat]

i have a 2003 valkyrie cruiser,  i just bought it two weeks ago, and i am already tired of the stock exhaust its just to quiet

i was told to go with vance & hines 6into6  but have not seen any pictures of them, and can't find any one selling them.

so what are the other choices-- cobra, two brothers racing, and dragon paks

i want the v-8 growl sound       but not the straight pipe poping noise       

by the amount of reviews on VVRC for ernie schuster' s dragon paks   he must be doing something right

[Kidd]

I had Hardkrone on mine when I bought it 1.5 months ago , , replaced them with stocks , much much better .
I , too , like fast and quiet ,  more .

[valk2128]

I had glasspacs on mine when i bought it 5 months ago, replaced them with stock pipes within less than a month.  I also like fast and quiter more. 

[FLATSIX]

I had your same problem for 7 - 8 years. The stock-sound did not please me : too quite for the big motor the FLATSIX has.

Went once a year to my dealer : asked then all the time the same question : can you make this machine sounding like it looks! - and he always replied to keep hands off because any modification will do this and that etc. etc.

Then thanks to this technical board some years ago I read about cutting the piggies - no technical problems with the motorperformance, but better sound. i DID IT AND only regret that I haven't done it the first day that I had my Lady!

You cut the whole piggie execpt 1" (when in future you want to reinstall piggies then you have that 1" to build something on) So do it - it will cost you othing but the effort of cutting those piggies- but you won't regret it: much better sound - not too loud also - and I like it.Other mods will cost a lot of money and time.

[rmrc51]

I recently installed the Dragon Exhaust.

Here's Ernie's e-mail.

valkyriedragonexhaust@yahoo.com

I had the Cobra 6 & 6 on my trike and by far these Dragon exhausts sound much better. I have the 18" glass packs with a narrow bore and 38" stacks. These are the quietest of his selections. At idle they have a nice low muffled rumble. Give them some throttle and you hear the growl increase. Love it! You can also get 12" and 9" packs some with larger bores for a louder report, and they're all INTERCHANGEABLE! All you do is screw them in. No other exhaust system that I've seen has that capability. 

[Disco]

When I bought my 2000 Standard in August 2007, it had the Two Brothers Racing 6x6 pipes on it.  More than 10 minutes of riding hurt.  The first thing I did was load up on squishy ear plugs and buy a bottle of Advil to keep in my pocket.  The next things were molded ear plugs to prevent overdosing on Advil.  I rode like that for 15 months and replaced them with stock.  The quiet is refreshing.  That said, I have a pair of stock header pipes, muffler covers, and IS tips just waiting for an 18" glass-pack mod.  That's the best sound I've heard out of a Valk and I still have my earplugs!

[Jess from VA]

The best pipes for Valk are OE, bar none (but they are quiet).

Vance and Hines do not (never) make a 6/6 for Valk, Cobra does (lose HP).

Two Bros are long gone (used ebay maybe).

Glasspacs : buy (steep) or make yourself (skilled welding).

You can cut piggies, or cut piggies and drill baffles, but this only gives a little more rumble/rasp.

Word of advice....keep your OE's, you'll want them back sooner or later.

[X Ring]

I agree.  Keep your stockers and buy the ones you want.  You can find already modified exhausts on ebay and the classified sections of this and the Delphi Valkyrie boards. 

Here's some I found on ebay that are a good start for the glasspack mod

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Valkyrie-Truck-Stack-Ehaust-Manifold-No-Reserve_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35596QQihZ010QQitemZ200089891045QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[Kidd]

I have  a set of stocks I wnat to sell , in excellent  condition , less than 1K miles  on them .
I  paid  $500 plus shipping  , I'll pass them  on  to  you all.

[garyr]

If you can find a Viking exhaust (they are out of business) they will give you the best HP gain of about 20hp they say.

IMHO the best all round exhaust is found here http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Valk_Products/M2W_Exhaust__System/m2w_exhaust__system.html#trombonesTxt

The trombone exhaust sounds just great on low....

[theman8120]

I have jardine 6 into 2 exhaust baffles are in sounds sweet, I have also installed a dyna 3000, k&n filter, and after market needles and springs. I did them all at same time don't know witch one helped out the most but she feels stronger though out gears and about 10mph higher top end. I've always belived if its to loud your to old . lol. with baffles in the sound is not over weilming just right if you ask me, the perfect performance sound.

[SPOFF]

I actually modified mine to be quieter than stock    but that's just me. I like drifting through town at 30 over the limit and not having anyone look up from their donut.

One suggestion, though: If you have a stock exhaust system DO NOT modify it in any way. Sooner or later the Stalinists that now run the country will decide to enforce the federal rule against modifying exhaust systems. If you don't have a stock exhaust, you may not have a bike to ride. And there's no way to buy one from Honda.

[Dag]

I have some information about differend mfg here: http://www.valkyrienorway.com/Exhaust.html

[DFragn]

JMHO, but I think Viking is the best. If you can find a set.

[Dag]

SOUND OF THE VIKING PIPES:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uua_qvcKvhA&feature=channel

[NiteRiderF6]

You should talk to Matt (Truckracer). He is now selling a set of "slip ons" mufflers that work with your original headers and still give you a better sound and a little gain in power. Give him a call, I'm sure he can give you more information than I can.

http://www.carolinabikeandtrike.com/Exhaust1.htm  <---- Info here on slip ons with Dyna results.

His email is on that site above. Send him an email, include your name and phone number and he will call you back, or his phone number is listed on his site as well.

Matt is a very good guy to work with and I love his Carolina Thunder Pipes that I have on my bike. Good Luck!

[Hog Killer DS0048]

I had 18" glasspacs on mine for six years and really like them. Nice rumble without being over bearing.

[Rody]

Even with aftermarket exhaust the Valk is not as loud as a vtwin with pipes. The valk can be loud at wide open throttle. Mark Tobias
is still making glass packs for the Valk. I got 36 in. straight cut pipes and  love them.  They have a great hot rod sound at idle and
get really loud when accelerating fast. Everywhere I go people compliment the look and sound. You can locate Mark at horseappleranch.com. He answered all of my questions and was great to work with. I'm not sure whether or not I gained power or not but I definately didn't loose any. I raced a friend who has stock pipes and beat him by 3 bike lengths racing to 100 mph. nuff said.  If you don't want to spend that much coin I've got some TwoBros 6x6 pipes that are in good shape i'd part with. If interested,
my email is rody2213@yahoo.com  Good luck

[Kidd]

I raced a friend who has stock pipes and beat him by 3 bike lengths racing to 100 mph. nuff said. 

Maybe you just  got lucky   at  shifting gears   at the right time .
Maybe if you  two raced 2 more time there'd   be a different outcome

[CG]

Thanks to all for all comments:  NiteriderF6, any comments on the sound of the pipes you've recommended?  Just curious.

[f6john]

      Not mentioned and seldom seen or heard on this board, but a quality exhaust with great sound is the Supertrapp system. Pricey and in my opinion too short for factory bags they have the best sound of any aftermarket exhaust system. Of course not everyone would agree as an exhaust sound is a very subjective thing. I'm prepared though, I have 3 factory stock exhaust systems and a set of Two-bros 6x6 just in case .

[Bugslayer]

I have a set of TBR 6/6..... Boxed up in the shed. Every year or so, I'll get the itch and put the on. These pipes are LOUD. And in my opinion, a little short for a bike with hard bags. TBR should have made them about 8-10" longer. They'd look a lot better.

[Chrisj CMA]

Well, I know Ill get flamed, but I think the Cobra 6X6 are fantastic pipes...I use them with baffles in.  They made my engine run rich until I changed to a K&N air filter.  I dont think I lost any HP and if I did, who cares, who can tell, she can rip my arms out of socket in any gear pegs out at 130indicated and gets on average 35mpg now that the alcohol gas is here (was 37/38 mpg)  They sound great look great and run great.....Whats not to like

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Have to agree with Chris.  Love my Cobras.  I have them cut down 12 inches and run with no baffles.  Sounds great.  Had TBR's, Thunder pipes and glasspacks.  For me, nothing comes close to the sound of these.  Mine cut down have a deeper and different sound than stock Cobras.  Depends on what you want.

Honda Valkyrie Cobra 6 into 6 Exhaust	powered by Aeva

[bigtsteelhorserider]

Ihave  18 inch glasspacks with truck stakes best sound i ever heard they really make the fatt lady sound like an italian sports car. cost a few dollars but worth ever cent. buy the glasspacks you will thank us later

[Chiefy]

Have to agree with Chris.  Love my Cobras.  I have them cut down 12 inches and run with no baffles.  Sounds great.  Had TBR's, Thunder pipes and glasspacks.  For me, nothing comes close to the sound of these.  Mine cut down have a deeper and different sound than stock Cobras.  Depends on what you want.
Honda Valkyrie Cobra 6 into 6 Exhaust

  Christ on a crutch they sound good! 

[Hoser]

If you can find a Viking exhaust (they are out of business) they will give you the best HP gain of about 20hp they say.

IMHO the best all round exhaust is found here http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Valk_Products/M2W_Exhaust__System/m2w_exhaust__system.html#trombonesTxt

The trombone exhaust sounds just great on low....

Those Vikings must have a blower that comes with them.  Twenty five percent gain? Come on.  Hoser

[Art708]

I have a set of Two Brothers and a set of Cobra 6 into 6 pipes up on the shelf in my shop....too noisy for me.

[redflash]

Don't know about you'se guys, but my Valk dyno's 99hp and 100 ft lbs with a 5 degree trigger wheel, K&N filter and Jardines 6 onto 2 pipes. I took my TBR six pack off for hearing annoyance as well. Sounded great but too loud, and lost top end with them.  They need some TLC, but if anyone wants to buy them they are up for sale...

EDIT: Also was told it was jetted for the pipes at the honda shop that installed them. I never played with them when I changed to the Jardines, but my buddies who follow me say it stinks of raw fuel when idling or rompin on the throttle.

[f6john]

Well, I know Ill get flamed, but I think the Cobra 6X6 are fantastic pipes...I use them with baffles in.  They made my engine run rich until I changed to a K&N air filter.  I dont think I lost any HP and if I did, who cares, who can tell, she can rip my arms out of socket in any gear pegs out at 130indicated and gets on average 35mpg now that the alcohol gas is here (was 37/38 mpg)  They sound great look great and run great.....Whats not to like

   I've never heard a set of Cobra's I didn't like, but I have never had to live with any loud exhaust for an extended period of time. One of these days I've got to put my 6x6 exhaust on and go for a ride.

[bigdog99]

several years ago i clipped the pigs, drilled the baffles and put 4"x18" semi truck turn outs and turned them down.
the turn downs arent loud on the road, but around the boys its loud enough to be heard going away.
i told my wife it was throaty. 

[WDAN]

I purchased my Valk with the 6X6 Cobras already installed.
As far as I am concerned, they sound and look great. Not looking for another system.

[aslondon]

I second the Jardines. I have the Rumblers 6 into 2 with baffles. They sound like an old school small block chevy v8. They're loud without being too overbearing my Harley riding buddies comment about how nice they sound.

Al
VRCC #4321

[Disco]

Since my last post to this thread almost 2.5 years ago, I've gone from the stock Standard/Tourer exhaust to an 18" glasspack mod in mid-2010 and then to a pair of unmolested Interstate pipes.  I love the quiet.  I miss the glasspacks.  I have another pair of already-hacked oem headers and am going to build a pair of 24" glasspacks with truck stacks. 

...I guess I just need a spare Valkyrie to put them on...   

[MP]

I have a set of Mark T's on my 97 standard.  LOVE them!

If going on a long ride, I use the silencers in the rear.  Still deeper and a little louder than stock.  If I want a little more noise, I pull the silencers.  If I am going on a day ride with my HD buds, I put the trombones in.  Liveable at low rpm, but WOW if you wind it out!

Can putter around town with the trombones, and just be a little loud.  Does not piss off everyone like the straight pipe HD's do.  Yet, if you get on it, it is loud!

MP

[The Anvil]

Word of advice....keep your OE's, you'll want them back sooner or later.

I would think a purpose made boat anchor would be better. I can't think of any other use for stock, unmodified pipes

[Mr Steve]

I'll add my experiences, but pipes are very subjective.  I started with Cobra's, loved the sound, hated the loss of performance, hated the bluing.  I added heat shields to them to cover the bluing, but they rusted.  Next pipes 2 brothers 6x6 also with shields (they also rusted).  Loved the sound at idle, but it was too much on highway trips, Cobra's were better in this aspect.   Then I went to truck stack MarkT mods off ebay.  18" pack with silencers.  I liked them, nice growl, good bark, and silencers were nice to have.  Their only flaw, they did not have the crossover or trombones and that just made me jones for both, so upgraded to a set that did.  So far I've been happy with them, the performance boost I can feel from the crossover, and I like the flexibility of "loud, medium, or quiet" settings even though I run medium (no trombones, no silencers) most of the time.  However, I do still think the Cobra's sound the best.

[The Anvil]

I don't understand why everyone keeps talking about a loss of performance with the Cobras. If you jet the bike properly to match then you'll actually improve performance a little bit.

[Paxton]

When I purchased my 2000 Standard back in March, it had these short pipes that sound great,
but they are too short / too close to my ears.

Although they do sound great, in my view, they look ugly, especially with bags on. ???

I think they are Jardines, but I am not really sure what they are. Perhaps you can tell.
See Photo link:  https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/SHEDRAGONFLY?authkey=Gv1sRgCODNo622qI7UHQ

I recently purchased a set of 4" Truck Stacks ($175 @ my door) and installed them over said short pipes...
no cutting at all was necessary.  Installation took 15 minutes per side (had help from a friend).
The sound is the same but deeper and the growl is awesome... They do sound like a s/b V8.

After installation, I purchased tips ($50) from Grumpy (GREAT DEAL)....
The Truck Stacks and Tips cost $225, including shipping. Great improvement in looks and sound for low bucks!

"Why is my stuff crap and your crap stuff ?"

[quexpress]

I don't understand why everyone keeps talking about a loss of performance with the Cobras. If you jet the bike properly to match then you'll actually improve performance a little bit.

Put it on a dyno and you'll see why people talk about loss of performance. 
I've seen guys quite shaken up by the results ... especially after seeing the dyno results of "another Valk" with the "glass pack" mod.