Exhaust - Cobra Slip-on, or V&H Full?

[rprata]

Ok, I'm going to probably get an exhaust for my '96, as I'm totally reworking the bike from the ground up (new tank, new paint on front fender/tank/rear plastics, sand/re-paint header pipes, new decals, new brake lights, etc)

I'm looking at either the Cobra F1S or F1R slip-on more than likely, because they're reasonably priced, and I've heard fairly good things about them.  Also I might consider the V&H SS full system, but it's like 100 more.  Is it worth the extra 100?

Also, out of the 2 Cobra's, the F1S or F1R, which is better, and why?

Comments, suggestions, ridacule, all welcome.

[cruisedaddy]

There's really no advantage to the V&H system ... the OE headers are fine ... plus minor PITA: with the V&H you have to loosen the exhaust to change the oil ... so silly.  I didn't know Cobra made two cans; I pulled off the graphics on mine before it was used ... so I don't know which I have!  Sounds wonderful though and very plain appearance is in keeping with the bike's aesthetic.

[Zarathustra]

the only difference in the two cobra cans are cosmetic.  the s has a Snout, and the other does not.  just go for which one you think looks better.

[96gs]

i have the f1r and it looks sounds and works good. i dont really like the one with the snout.

[XfitsofrageX]

I have the Cobra F1s.  I think this can looks great (I took off the red sticker the first day).  Also, it wails like a banshee past 6 grand.  And for 140 bucks I am very happy.

[jangofett]

Love my F1R. Sounds good. Either Cobra is a good choice I think.

[Black Snowman]

I have a full Yosh system and I'll throw in my money with getting a slip-on. I even considered getting a cheapo chrome thing out of JC Whittney before I found my Yosh used. The stock head pipe (as has recently been mentioned in other threads) is really quite good and keeping it simplifies oil changes.

[Rashad]

bbbbbut...my vance and hines loves me....

Stock was never there for me... ..vance and hiney was there from the start... *sniff*... i wuv it..

But yes i changed my oil today.. and went through lovingly moving the rusty pipe out of the damn way. :nana:

[vegbiker]

I bought my 2000 GS with a V&H exhaust. I love the sound of it, but if you go the V&H route, you'll have to rejet your carbs. I've had a lot of trouble with shops and carbs lately and my bike's still not running. It almost makes me feel like it should have been left stock. The slip-on might be a good workaround if you don't want to install a jet kit.

[miket]

What Cruisedaddy said about the V&H. I just changed the oil, it's a pita to have to remove the header.
Plus the paint is really a POS. I've had mine since March, it's already chipping off and rusting out. The quality of the stock header is better IMNSHO.
Oh, and did I mention it's obnoxiously loud?

[cruisedaddy]

Nope, ya need to rejet with the slip on.

Was ist ein "snout"?  That chrome sorta funnel-like thing forward of the can?

[Rashad]

Ok, this makes little sense, if any to me...

If the V&H doesnt flow better than the stock with slip-on.. they WHY does the V&H need rejetting and the slip on doesnt???

That doesnt make sense, because the only reason to rejet would be more air aka flow.. aka power. So tell me, why, oh why, is the V&H not superior to stock system with slip on??

[sprint_9]

Either way I would reccomend rejetting, since stock is lean. Although you wouldnt have to with a slipon. V&H has to flow better, I think. If not that sure is a waste of money.

[pantablo]

Here's my take on things-given what I've heard and read...take it for what its worth (I only have stock).

V&H will flow better and help you with a better, stronger top end (i.e. a few more HP-the benefits of a full system). Requires rejetting.

Slip-on can be done without rejetting but jetting helps-as it does on stock exhaust. Slip-on will not give any noticable increase in HP but will add to the sound of the bike. F1s should be a bit quieter than the F1r since the F1r is a bit shorter.  F1r also doesnt have the snout at the tail end and looks a bit unfinished in my eye.

The more I'm reading about exhausts the more I realize the full system gives increased power at the higher rpms at the expense of good drivability at lower rpms (thats a generality that may not necessarily apply or be noticable on the GS)...so unless you are doing track days or racing one doesn't really need a full system.