Rookie Needs Help...

Hello everyboy,this is my first time here and might i say seems like a very nice board.I just bought a set of V&H Bigshot Staggered from DP about a month ago and put them on the other day.I have a 01 Fatboy with stage 1 kit,(not sure what that means bought it like that)it had some kind of long shots on them (no name) when i bought the bike.The reason i went to the V&H is cause i liked the look.The reason i made the switch is cause i had a tinny sound on the long shots when i let off the throttle.There were no baffles in them so i put some little 3 inch baffles in them and it sounded like a Honda lawnmower.I have to admit the V&H sound good but not as loud as my other pipes.My 1st question is will i lose any performance if i take the baffles out,or how about if i cut them down a few inches,will i still have the same performance? 2nd do i need to rejet the carb cause i am getting a little bit of firecrackers when i let off the throttle after i get on it, but i do feel the difference with the new pipes in 1st and 2nd gear not really top end.3rd whats the best way to get it running and tuned the best it can for the way i have it(DYNO)??not sure how it works and if they tune everything or just tell me what to tune.This is my 1st HD got it about 6 months ago and put alot of money in it so far to make it look the way i want,now i want it to run the way i want.My buddy is pushing me to get a mik 42mm says it's like night and day,is this true? Please help a rookie out with some feedback,thank you in advance...JJKnight

V&H BigShots

Leave the baffles alone. The reason you are feeling a marked improvement in the lower gears is because you now have some backpressure in the exhaust system and that increases your torque. You are most likely getting the popping when you let off from what is called lean misfire. This happens when you let off the throttle and the engine is still turning fast, from being pulled by the speed of the bike, but the throttle is closed creating a temporary lean condition. The idle jet is probably a bit too small. I usually start out with a #50 jet and set the mixture screw at 2 1/2 turns out to get in the ballpark. I also place 2 spacers under the needle to improve the mid range transition. You don't need a Mikuni 42 with a stock displacment engine. Save your money for all the extra goodies you'll want to buy.

I agree...leave the baffles in. If your baffles have any glass matting inside, THEY WILL GET LOUDER! My buddy bought a set of V&H slipons for his roadglide last year and was quite dissapointed with how loud they were........until he got about 1000 miles on them When we toured out to the black hills...my father in law would hang waaaay back cuz he said my buddies pipes were too LOUD!

Mikuni

I have a 99 Fatboy with V&H 2 into 1 exhaust. It had a rejetted, stock carb on it. I replaced it with a Mikuni 42. That made a significant difference in throttle response and virtually eliminated the caughing that was still occasionally present even after rejetting the stock carb. They are a little pricey but they are very easy to install and can be adjsusted easily as well. PLus you'll already be prepared when you add the stage II kit down the road. This is the third one I've had and I've been very happy with the performance. I would have no quams about buying another one. I got the last one on sale from DP for around $250.

All three times I was able to bolt it on, make a few very minor adjustments and be on the road in an hour or two. I'm not sure about the 01 but on the 99 your supposed to re-route the throttle cables a little which requires removing the tank.

Do a little homework and be sure you have the bracket and breather that will allow you to have the air cleaner/cover combination you want.

Good Luck and Safe Riding