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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: jkstyle834 on April 16, 2004, 12:25:47 PM

Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!
Post by: jkstyle834 on April 16, 2004, 12:25:47 PM
hey guys... my v&h exhaust came today and im bout to install it... but i dont get how to fit it on the bike... the upper header section to the engine... the header has like 1.5 extra inches so the bracket does not reach the engine.... what am i supposed to do???????
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: newbieone on April 16, 2004, 01:00:25 PM
Read the Instructions! hehe, I really have no clue, just thought it would help.  Good luck.
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: octane on April 16, 2004, 01:05:53 PM
The bracket isnt' supposed to touch the engine, it's merely acts as a lever to keep the primary tubes in the head. Slide the bracket as far up the pipe as it will allow (to the flare) and thread the long bolts into the holes. Put them both in finger tight, then alternate tightening them so they torque down evenly.

Check the exhaust gaskets while it's all apart - the can burn up if the bike has high miles on it. Anti-seize compound on the bolt threads is a good idea too.
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: Ed_in_Az on April 16, 2004, 01:39:12 PM
I am so torn on upgrading my bike. This is the only totally stock bike I've had since 1977. I'm thinking of doing the fork springs, and K&N and leave the exhaust 'cause it's so quiet. It's almost nice for a change. Plus, I like passing cops in stealth mode. ;) But, I've always had performance pipes, and clips of the V&H sound good. :dunno: Looks like for $500 I could do the whole shot. :roll: let us know how how you like those pipes, and what difference you notice in performance.
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: luke1645 on April 16, 2004, 02:55:40 PM
from my personal experience with the vance and hines all i can say for it is this.  it pulls a tiny bit harder but revs noticably faster. it frees up the engine so it can breath. i also did the lunchbok style k&n and jetting at the same time.
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: luke1645 on April 16, 2004, 02:56:52 PM
from my personal experience with the vance and hines all i can say for it is this.  it pulls a tiny bit harder but revs noticably faster. it frees up the engine so it can breath. i also did the lunchbok style k&n and jetting at the same time.
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: Hi-T on April 16, 2004, 04:25:36 PM
Just make sure that the gaskets are in good shape and that the headers fit properly into the engine.  Tighten eveything up and the exhaust should hold up and seal.

But... when I installed mine I ran into 2 problems.  1st:  The brake lever rode against the pipe.  I had to make a longer bracket to attach the can to the foot peg to insure proper clearance.

2nd:  It didn't have a center stand support like the stock-  the center stand was resting on the shock linkage and was rubbing against the chain.  So I had to drill a whole through the center stand and added a bolt and a rubber door stop to fix it.  I'll try to take pics of it tomorrow so you can see what I'm talking about.

Overall- I am happy with the vance and hines.  It is definately louder and does give it a performance boost.  I bought mine used and so it's older- I am willing to bet they they are quiter now and more efficient.
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: Ed_in_Az on April 17, 2004, 05:28:03 PM
Does the Vance & Hines have a bracket for the Center Stand to rest on when retracted like the stock exhaust?
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: luke1645 on April 17, 2004, 10:09:57 PM
QuoteDoes the Vance & Hines have a bracket for the Center Stand to rest on when retracted like the stock exhaust?

that was probably the hunk of metal that i coldnt figure out how to mount and said screw it.
Title: installing v&h exhaust, im stuck i need help quick!!!!!
Post by: luke1645 on April 17, 2004, 10:11:10 PM
QuoteDoes the Vance & Hines have a bracket for the Center Stand to rest on when retracted like the stock exhaust?

that was probably the hunk of metal that i coldnt figure out how to mount and said screw it.