XB headers, what's the interest level on replacements?

[d_adams]

So I got a set of xb12 headers in the mail today, thanks to wolfo68. Slightly rashed, but functionally correct. Single O2 sensor in the rear, I assume this makes it an older set.
Dimensions are 18 gauge 1.75" OD tube primaries, 2" OD outlet. Now that I have a set in hand, I think I can build them without a lot of difficulty once I have a jig set up for it.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1242.jpg



It will not be an exact replica, finding tight radius tube for a decent price and availability isn't easy. I can get some that's super tight, but in donut form and it's very expensive. It's not a mandrel bent part either. The option I'm looking at is to change the bends slightly and possibly loop the front header up over the rear, so it would be a little wider than stock but not by much. I will also have an O2 sensor bung for both front and rear. Having both available makes tuning easier, even if it means swapping back and forth between them to get data out of the sensor. I run a wideband setup on my 1125 so that I know what it's doing all the time.

I have been asked about making 1.88" headers also, it can be done, but it would be stepped to get there. I could also go even larger to 2" but that may be overkill. Based on using 16 gauge tubing like I normally do for 1125's, the change in ID would only be .030" smaller if I use 1.75" tube. If I use the step to 1.88" then the ID stays essentially the same as stock, lengths will be a little different. If I step up to 2" OD, then it's marginally larger at roughly 1.870" ID instead of the stock size at 1.650" or so. Is it worth it? No idea at this point, but I recall seeing someone had made some 52 or 54 mm headers once upon a time. I currently do not have plans to make equal length headers, although that could change. Just depends on what the market pushes for.

Anyway, using thinner gauge material roughly doubles my costs, there's only a few places that have it available and they want a premium price for it.

I'm also not much into hiding my welds by grinding them down and smoothing things over with a flapwheel, so they'll have tig welds showing when it's all said and done. Mine aren't perfect by any stretch, but they should hold up long term.

What's the price point you guys are looking for in 304 ss headers? I've seen them range from $200 for stock ones if you can find them all the way up over $1000 and beyond for a custom made set.

[BuddhaBuell]

I'm also not much into hiding my welds by grinding them down and smoothing things over with a flapwheel, so they'll have tig welds showing when it's all said and done

I'm cool with that Dean, it'll add a SteamPunk kinda feel to them imo which I think is dope.

as for cost, being light on coin more often then not I like my stuff cost effective, I know your skills and time are well worth top $$$ but maybe an idea is to offer a can and set of headers for around a $1000 (obviously, type of can and extras will effect a base price)

I have been a fan of your stuff since you came onboard but again priorities over what I would not mind as opposed to things that are needed take precendent.

So a ball park for KEDA headers, (no offense) but anything over 300 bucks is too rich for this cat.

Keep up the great work, always look forward to your ideas and one of these days I'll rock a KEDA

:)

[buellxb9rs]

If they were around $250, then yea, I would buy them

[thuren67]

I would charge a lot more then 250...

[d_adams]

A few guys have told me between $400-500 isn't out of line for what it is. I want to price it lower if possible. Just need to make sure I can make a set in a reasonable timeframe.

[GAXB9R]

Yeah selling them by themselves 4-500. If you did a package full exhaust system maybe 8-900??:D

[buellxb9rs]

So you will be buying the bends and not bending the tubing yourself? I mean that raises the price right there, but around 2" diameter tubing in 5' lengths will run about $70 online

[wolfo68]

I'd be interested in the 2" if you made them equal length like twin over in the netherlands. they're the one's that did the 52mm.

Those were my 04 stockers, my attachment to them was because they shine better than the newer material.

[netty2424]

I'd be interested in the 2" if you made them equal length

What is the difference in length: same length vs stockers?
Is there a performance gain to be had either way, or purely aesthetics?

[GOduc]

Equal length just basically allows for equal temperatures in both cylinders as the exhaust passes the same distance on each runner. Performance gains...not really. Just runs more efficiently.

[d_adams]

Here's what mine will polish to. Yeah, it's for an 1125, but it's the same material.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/RT-4/IMAG0430.jpg

There are multiple ways I can build the headers. Full weld at the merge, slip fit with spring retainers, equal length, etc. Equal length would be a bit of a pita but it can be done. It just depends on time and materials really.

As far as the equal length argument goes, why did Buell _repeatedly_ go with unequal length headers? They had all the design and flow bench stuff available, you can bet they tested a LOT of different things over the 25+ year life of the company. Just for the XB platform, I'd bet money on them building and testing between 50-100 different headers and mufflers, easily. 2-3" of length can make a difference depending on where you're looking for power.

I'm not an engineer, just a mechanic, so take this for what it's worth. In my opinion, the reason for it (unequal length headers) is what the engine "sees" as it's running. Scavenging was optimized by using 2 different length pipes that merged at a very specific distance from the heads. Equal length would only benefit if it were totally separate pipes where scavenging the exhaust pulse from one cylinder had no effect on the other. Basically you'd be running drag pipes at a specific length. Changing that length determines where the powerband falls at. It can be shifted up or down by either adding or removing some of the pipe. That's just my take on it.

[GAXB9R]

^^ i love your exhaust pics. They are always nice.

[Kid1620]

Also you'll need more then a header to build one right. Wouldn'tÂ* would need a motor and frame to check all of the clearances

He's got that. I'm more then willing to help him out with that.

[TooFst]

4-500$ isnt out of line but I'd never buy a set... Too much stuff on the list ya know. Yet around 2-250$ I would for sure.
So...

[d_adams]

Not to many people want to buy a $1000 exhaust system for a $4500 bike.


Oddly enough, that happens a LOT. I've sold probably 25 RT-4 systems to 1125 owners at just short of $1k, sometimes a little over that with options and ecm for a package. For the last year, the average price has been between 5-6k to buy the bike. EBR can't keep up with the demand for the full race system on 1125's. There were only a little over 9000 of them made. Assuming 1/2 never will change the exhaust, I've still managed to capture a decent percentage of the market.

I've sold over 125 slip-on pipes just to 1125 guys myself, which is a LOT for doing that out of a 2 car garage. I've started doing full systems for those as well, at $1500 for a complete pipe to gain 20+ hp over stock, yes, guys will buy it, even at that price or more. You're looking at a 20% gain in power. Who wouldn't want that?

XB's on the other hand, there were 70k + of various models over the 8 years they were made. I look at the available quantity between the 2 and even though the brand is discontinued, there's still a huge market there. I probably do need to buy an XB myself just to have one available when I want it.

I talked on the phone with several guys last night after I posted the inital inquiry. Every one of them wanted more power for under $1k as a package if possible. I think I can deliver, just need to give it a go. I'm only limited by time and imagination I guess.

[wolfo68]

Most guys I've talked to will upgrade everything externally before they start considering the internal mods, so I think it'd get quite a bit of business. The only thing really keeping me from the twin headers is the fact that they are overseas and I don't want to deal with issues down the road where I'm going to have to call overseas. With my luck, it would happen to me.

[netty2424]

What if you simplified the design to reduce labor costs? Take some of the elbows out to reduce hands on time, turn them out faster more efficiently.

I bought mine with these headers already on, but from what I was told by the previous buyer, all the work was done by NHRS Performance along with a big bore kit.

Ive not had mine on a dyno so I don't know what it's producing. And I don't see anyone else with them so not sure if that means they aren't desirable or just hard to find, not sure.

I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms here, but I'm asking because I don't really know the reasons they chose this header vs a stocker. I'm guessing going after a more straight through flow as a result of the big bore?

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/8956_20110523133116_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/8956_20110410070516_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/8956_20110410070705_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/8956_20110410070424_L.jpg

[d_adams]

Well, this should get interesting. Ordered about $900 of stainless today for these in 1.75" and 1.88" bends. Should be enough to to a couple of them anyway, assuming I don't screw anything up.

[d_adams]

Anyone have a set of gaskets handy? I'd like to verify the OD/ID of a set. Should be somewhere around 1.9" OD and 1.7" ID from what I gathered.

[TACPBuell]

If you could produce something similar to what freespirits does for a reasonable price I would pay around 500 for a set. Pic of what Ive been wanting.. if its not possible thats completely understandable...

Second picture that shows them off the bike (http://www.trojan-horse.co.uk/prods/84.html)

[d_adams]

UK£ 570.00 = 885.21 U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate. Plus shipping.


......


I dunno. Working on the jig for them now. Looks like the rear header is about 23" long, the front is about 14" or so.

[TACPBuell]

Well like I said if its not workable it isnt. I dont expect you to cut your prices to a loss lol

[d_adams]

I'm looking into it, still waiting on most of the material I ordered. Got some in, started messing with how I want to make the jig, I still don't know exactly how I want it yet. It may end up as 3 piece headers with spring retainers, so if I do equal length, that might make it easier to do.

[anrkizm95]

headers with spring retainersimo this would help with the broken exhaust stud problem.

[d_adams]

Yes or no?

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1300.jpg

[oh9bolt]

[up]

I would like to see it on a bike though, to see how far it sticks out.

[d_adams]

It's not any more than the stock unit. The jig it's on, I built with the stock one. The rail on the side is the outside line of the stock pipe. Well, maybe 1/2" wider than stock. It's not much if any at all.

Looking at your pic/profile, I don't think the RSS will fit though.

[oh9bolt]

I didnt even pay attention to how the rear pipe curves in and the outside line is basically the same as stock. :facepalm:

Those look really nice and would look awesome wrapped, but I cant go without my RSS.

You do awesome work btw!

[d_adams]

Just a rough tally on parts, it's around $200+ for materials, need to add a pair of O2 bungs also. Not sure where I'll put them, but it won't be in the stock location.

[Oldgit]

Keeping an eye on this, looks like top work as usual :)

[xlr8n_xb]

i would be interested in a set as long as the rss will work with it. that is the only way my rear cylinder doesn't roast my ass. Also, if your headers end up anything like your pipe you will sell a **** load. let me know if you would like a test bike to run them.

[d_adams]

Since it looks feasible to do these, I need some serious thoughts on pricing. The free-spirit pipe is listed at $900-1100 plus shipping depending on where you get it from.

Obviously that's a little high for such a short little pipe, at least in my mind. The first one I build will be all welded since that's what Dave wants. After that, I think they'll most likely be spring retained unless ordered otherwise. Mine aren't quite the same level of finish as those, but they'll get the job done.

Give me some serious numbers, $250 isn't going to happen. I may start taking pre-orders in the next couple of weeks, possibly sooner.

[Kid1620]

In all honesty $550 +shipping wouldn't be bad.

[xlr8n_xb]

dean, When you get the first all welded one done it will be a good indicator of which direction to go. I'm not a huge fan of the spring retained idea. Can't wait to see them. Also, will they be equal length?? thats what I'm looking for.

[d_adams]

I kinda like the spring retention since you could replace just one pipe instead of the whole thing if it gets rashed up from a crash.
I have a line on a 04 xb12, I should know more tonight after work. I really want to wait on welding one for now, I'd prefer to have a bike available to test fit on. Just got a ti-force header in the mail that I can compare it to also, so I may mount that up in my jig and take measurements off the front header to see where mine falls.

As of right now, they're pretty close to equal length. I talked with xopti about some of this stuff, my uneducated guesses may have been fairly close to what the bike needs anyway. I think the rear header was about 30" or so to the merge, the front may actually be a couple inches longer, I'll have to re-measure again to be sure.

I remember some of this stuff from school a LONG time ago, but I've forgotten a lot. I doubt I'll ever use what he sent me other than for validation of what I've done already. I'm not too concerned with the numbers called out on paper most of the time unless it's the one at the end of a drag strip maybe, but I don't race, I just help other guys go faster.

If I were in the business of replicating someone's work, I'd probably try to do something like the Beson pipe, but I've heard that it was banned from most tracks for being too loud. From looking at it, I would almost bet money that there isn't ANY packing in it at all, the muffler isn't really a muffler at all, it's more of a resonating chamber, the taper to the front is why I'm leaning that way.

If my guess is correct (I don't have a set of these in hand) I'd say the length is probably 45" to the merge, possibly a little more.


http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/6421_20120717115711_L.jpg

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/6421_20120717115825_L.jpg

[d_adams]

So for those of you who have done it, did you _HAVE_ to rotate the motor to get a 12 header into a 9 frame? I got the 9 header off without much trouble, took me a couple of hours to strip it down and pull it.
Went to put a stock 12 header on, it's catching on the outside stud in the rear and will not clear it no matter which way I twist/turn it. It's the O2 sensor bung that's really screwing stuff up for me, if that weren't there, it looks like it would go right in.
Also, if anyone's curious, the bends and locations for the 9 header is different than a 12, it's not just the diameter change.

[wolfo68]

I always put my rear in first and rotate the front into position with the rear in place.


You don't have to rotate the engine but I don't know where the thread is off hand that shows how to do it without.

[DustyXB]

You mean this (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Do-It-Yourself-Buell-Mods/HOW-TO-REMOVE-HEADER-NO-ENGINE-ROTATE-NEEDED-with-pics) one?

[d_adams]

First set completed, I'm sure the design will change over time. This set loops out a little farther than what I wanted, but for testing, it will work just fine. Rear header is spot on for what I want.

There's a couple of closer shots so you can see what you'd be getting. Far from perfect, but definitely functional. Can't start it yet, I'm missing the suspension right now since it's being swapped out for a standard set.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1380.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1382.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1386.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1384.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1383.jpg

[Sirius815]

Very sexy!

[GOduc]

[up]

[d_adams]

Well, it's a little bit taller now. No more scg suspension. I guess with the forks, shock and seat, it's at least 3" taller at the seat now.

Swapped out the front rotor with one that only had 700 miles on it while it was apart.


http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/xb9/IMAG1388.jpg

Just for reference, mainly for the guys that either rashed up their stock headers or just simply want to keep the stock muffler. No, it won't be staying on there, but I'm out of a few pieces of material to build one for this bike. Parts are on the way though.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/xb9/IMAG1389.jpg

[onelogue]

[up] sexy!!! http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/3100_20110427182707_L.jpg

[d_adams]

Somebody bring me a RSS to test with. Don't matter if it's rashed up, I just need to see where it sits in relation to the pipe.

[d_adams]

B0hirzeNSjM

[nitrous]

Wow, those sound amazing. What muffler is on there?

I am definitely willing to entertain a set if there is an increase in performance.

[squidbuellie]

Let me know when your ready for some real independent testing...
I can supply the bikes, a xb9 and xb12, stock pipes, race pipes and microns and talk terry at jt&s to dyno run them both.
Stock for base line, Race pipe set up, Your header and pipe with tune, then microns.

[nrankin]

looking good Dean!

[d_adams]

Let me know when your ready for some real independent testing...
I can supply the bikes, a xb9 and xb12, stock pipes, race pipes and microns and talk terry at jt&s to dyno run them both.
Stock for base line, Race pipe set up, Your header and pipe with tune, then microns.

I may take you up on that since I missed out on the big shootout 10 years ago, I wasn't even riding a Buell when that happened. I've already done some testing here and have made more power than the factory race pipe without tuning it, so my interest is in where it is compared to the micron anyway.

nitrous, yeah, it makes more power than stock.

[d_adams]

Still tweaking them a little, getting it closer to what I want it to look like. Once I get it how I think it needs to be, there will be less cuts/welds on it, I'm just sorting out the bends now.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1434.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1436.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1435.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMAG1433.jpg

[nrankin]

looks great dean!

[xlr8n_xb]

Anything with the right side scoop mounted yet?

[d_adams]

No, you have one I can use? I haven't looked around to buy one yet, too many other things going on.

[RickyBobby]

Have you nailed down a price on the production of this design ?

[d_adams]

Still planning on some minor changes, maybe get to it this weekend or sometime next week. I have several customer pipes that have to go out asap, they have a higher priority than my stuff.

As of right now, $520 for a bare pipe, but after I build a couple, we'll see where it ends up.

[RickyBobby]

I'll buy one if it looks like the one above

[d_adams]

This one is just strictly a test/development pipe, it has more cuts and welds on it than it should have. I still need to procure a RSS to test fit that as well, I don't know if it will clear one as it is.

I haven't even gotten a chance to ride the bike yet, it hasn't even made it out past the end of my driveway.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/xb9/IMAG1442.jpg

[freak2180]

Its looking good Dean. My opinion is that that front pipe needs to be pulled in somehow.......But thats just me. That Benson Header above would be awsome if it had a merge on it to fit our stock/aftermarket pipes.

[d_adams]

I just realized that what I made wasn't really sticking that far out. I agree, it does need to be tucked in a bit closer and I'll try to do that this weekend if I get the time.


http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/Random_bike_stuff/force.png




I feel a little better now knowing that there's at least one other pipe that sticks out more than mine does. It's not like it's going to drag or anything unless you crash.

[d_adams]

Took both bikes to a local shop, same one I ran Dave's xb9r on. It's a little cool here today, so I'm sure it affected the runs some.

Anyway, Dave's xb9r made about 83 hp at the wheel, 70 ft/lbs of torque with a race ecm and the RT-XB-1.


http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/xb/RT-XB1/IMAG0910.jpg


I have no idea of the true mileage of the xb9 that I got earlier this summer, but it's somewhere north of 34k on the clock. It's relatively stock with no engine mods that I'm aware of, nor does it have a race ecm. I dropped this set of headers on it, along with the same muffler setup that I'd run on Dave's xb9 earlier this year and ran it down to Gateway Big Dog cycles today.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/xb9/IMAG1473.jpg

It definitely needs a tune. More fuel will probably help it out a bit, but here's where it's currently at for power.
I actually got to operate the dyno myself, so the sudden drop at the end of the run is my fault. I failed to bounce it off the rev limiter on that run. At any rate, it made about 84 hp at the wheel and 63-64 ft/lbs of torque. Pretty much a flat-as-a-pancake torque curve.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/xb/RT-XB1/IMAG1517.jpg

This is just my personal testing to give an idea of what these are capable of. I have no baseline run on this xb9, so I'm just assuming it's about the same as all the rest out there. Without a totally stock setup, I doubt I'll ever get one.

[d_adams]

Well, I wasn't 100% happy with the original set, so I figured since I have to build a couple of sets now that I'd re-work them to make it easier to install and a little bit more forgiving on various exhaust systems. I mated it up to a stock pipe, so it should fit just about everything out there. I think going spring retained will work out better.
I need to sort out where I'll put the O2 sensor bungs and I intend to make them clear the oversized RSS that I've got on the bike now. Once this set is finalized, I'll build jigs to replicate them better. Just need to build the front header now.


http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130302_170003_zpsf5f938b0.jpg


http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130302_170018_zpsed3802de.jpg

[cb750]

As far as the equal length argument goes, why did Buell _repeatedly_ go with unequal length headers? They had all the design and flow bench stuff available, you can bet they tested a LOT of different things over the 25+ year life of the company. Just for the XB platform, I'd bet money on them building and testing between 50-100 different headers and mufflers, easily. 2-3" of length can make a difference depending on where you're looking for power.

I'm not an engineer, just a mechanic, so take this for what it's worth. In my opinion, the reason for it (unequal length headers) is what the engine "sees" as it's running. Scavenging was optimized by using 2 different length pipes that merged at a very specific distance from the heads. Equal length would only benefit if it were totally separate pipes where scavenging the exhaust pulse from one cylinder had no effect on the other. Basically you'd be running drag pipes at a specific length. Changing that length determines where the powerband falls at. It can be shifted up or down by either adding or removing some of the pipe. That's just my take on it. From what I learned, reading Hot Rod Magazine for years,, true scavenging would happen when two cylinders that are 360 degrees apart (One on compression, one on exhaust) are exhausted together. That is where equal length headers shine. Since the cylinders of a v-twin are not 180 degrees apart, equal length headers won't make much of a difference. But, I'm sure there is some research somewhere that proves me wrong.

Carry on with the badass headers.

[d_adams]

These are not badass, they're just headers. I'm still playing with the length of the front one trying to get it where I really want it, I've probably cut up a couple hundred $$ worth of ss today messing with what lengths I want to get.

[d_adams]

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130302_204208_zps3dbf75c0.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130302_204141_zps1b7914cd.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130302_204733_zpsf5529f25.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130302_204727_zpsb7224c52.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130302_204748_zpsabe94d00.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130302_211530_zps93e69a04.jpg

[d_adams]

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102456_zpsec9164c4.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102503_zpsbffc07ea.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102539_zps51f3d9b2.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102553_zpsa9258982.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102621_zps7a0a02e6.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102750_zpsc06263e0.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102800_zps33398423.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102822_zps209ca3b2.jpg


Video in a bit.

[d_adams]

OEcE90AUNXY

[Red93stang]

I like that design a lot better. It looks more compact a thought out! Good work!

[d_adams]

Thanks, my wife liked this one a lot better as well. Need to build another down-pipe and I can put one of my other test units on the bike. I'm curious as to what it will sound like.

[Red93stang]

Thanks, my wife liked this one a lot better as well.

What can I say, great minds think alike I guess. :p

Keep up the good work!

[onelogue]

Wow those are beautiful!! Nice work Dean.

[d_adams]

Annnnd, just because it was sitting there, the RT-XB-1 v2 with the louvered cores. Mic on the phone couldn't capture it correctly, just overloaded it. The pipe isn't finished since there's no outlets on it, but it gives an idea of what it's like. Little bit louder than the original, it's got a little bit of a pop to it in the exhaust.

zLUXdcXkXgA

[kbfnail]

Says its private.

[d_adams]

Whew. I'm uploading a better one now off my gopro. The audio on my phone isn't the greatest, it's pretty lumpy sounding with just a tiny bit of a pop in the exhaust. The gopro is a closer audio recording.

[d_adams]

Springs attached.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130306_180705_zps537f2a5d.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130306_180712_zpsb0501e46.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130306_180721_zps030418d3.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130306_180653_zpscc605bb8.jpg

[d_adams]

1.75" on the left, 1.88" on the right.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130308_152709_zps539b564e.jpg

[nitto12ss]

Nice work Dean, I may snag a set from ya once I pay some bills. This racing stuff isn't cheep;).

[d_adams]

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130303_102800_zps33398423.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130310_160437_zpsafea39d7.jpg

Roughly the same angle, but the bottom set is 1.88" and longer, closer to equal length. The front header is actually longer, it's about 33" long. After all that, they stick out pretty much the same from the side. Both sets are about 4" different front to rear.

[d_adams]

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130310_181205_zps696a13f2.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130310_181151_zps690b2ad1.jpg

[SilveradoTX]

You'll have to excuse any of my ignorance, but why the difference in length from this one as a opposed to the ones above. Equal length vs. tight fit?

In either case, they're looking good. [up]

[d_adams]

This one was built to spec, no RSS on the bike and it was intentionally looped up a little more. It's also 1.88" instead of stock size. Both pipes are within 4" of being equal length. It's harder than it looks to get it exactly equal.
The difference between the front pipe in 1.75" to 1.88" is about 8" total length, so the 1.88" pipe is a little longer for the front header over the rear length.

[SilveradoTX]

And now it all makes sense. Thanks for explaining. [up]

If it's worth anything, I like the look of the headers that allow room for the RSS.

[firefighter1c57]

have you settled on a ball park price yet? I know you're still tweaking them, and that will effect price...

[d_adams]

Headers only, shipped is $500. Add the muffler to it, $1135 shipped. Polish or powdercoat both, add another $170 to that.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130313_183351_zpsc31b26fe.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130313_183344_zps17e5d784.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/exhaust%20stuff/XB%20headers/IMG_20130313_183010_zps62948c07.jpg

[nitto12ss]

With prices like this, you cant afford not to buy!!!

[GAXB9R]

I want these!! Do you have any polished yet?

[xbtiger]

These headers are very nice. Clean work. The only problem with a header like that (same applies to the stock one) ist stiff..........the exhaust studs break easier with stiff one peace headers. Thats why I prefer headers that are divided in sections and held together with springs.

Chris

[d_adams]

I don't have any currently polished, possibly the next set.

These are 5 piece headers, so they shouldn't break header studs like a stock one can.

[snrusnak]

Awesome work. Your prices are very fair as well.

[Mantoe]

Subscribed! [up]

[xbtiger]

D_Adams...............I pull my hat..................this is fabulous work..................I only saw the first page when I wrote my initial posting..............you have a very good hand with tubes.......and you are selling your work at a very good price.

Well done.

Chris[up]

[d_adams]

Rolled it out to the street last night.


http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu151/dadams1969/xb9/IMG_20130421_192743.jpg

[d_adams]

After messing with the fuel some, I figured it was time to go back to the dyno and see where it was at.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FTeZvzC5uww/UZ-2PZeJSUI/AAAAAAAAANs/9FhFBqC_zRs/w901-h676-no/IMG_20130524_131236.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0clnnQEUKwo/UZ-2Py_e2gI/AAAAAAAAAN0/mR-AFM9kwAA/w901-h676-no/IMG_20130524_133546.jpg

Original run from last year vs today, 6 ft/lb more torque, 3-5 hp more almost everywhere. 5-24-13

Tim, the tuner at Gateway Big Dog tells me that if I lean it out a little more (13:1 a/f ratio) I should see at least 3-4 more ft/lbs of torque and about the same for peak hp.

Not bad for a lil bitty xb9 with just a hand built exhaust and a mildly messed up tune that's extremely rich. Just imagine what I could do with a xb12...

[Sirius815]

[up]

Wow - you really are running pig rich at WOT...

[d_adams]

Yeah, just a little. That spot where it's about 9.5:1 a/f ratio is a bit much.

[d_adams]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tENegk580ho/UnLhqjFRXVI/AAAAAAAABQY/PlSdkXwLMZw/w907-h680-no/13+-+3
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b9ovBYkWczE/UnLhquglTLI/AAAAAAAABQo/VfkMtVPkJ7s/w907-h680-no/13+-+5

[s0dhi]

I like the black ceramic one.

So are those with the springs not welded up? Just friction and tension from the spring? Is it for vibration and to allow the header to be "flexible"?

[d_adams]

Both of those are spring retained, just didn't have springs on the polished one. The hooks are there, just harder to see. It allows for some adjustment (not much) and a little extra give from the vibration. It's also easier to replace just one section in the event of a (gasp) crash, rather than replace the entire pipe.

[rah7777777]

Those are damn good looking!!!

If I didn't have a ceramic coated 12 header on my XB9S, I'd be taking a serious look at some!

Love em!
Great work!

[wolfo68]

I'm anxious to see what my 12 will get ;)

[snrusnak]

Dean,
Nice talking to you this evening. I really want a set of your headers, I'm waiting on Mrs. Sean to get home from work to give the go ahead (as discussed :D).

I have another question, I think it's just my eyes playing tricks on me... The piece of the header that comes off the rear cylinder(covered by the frame) almost appears to be a smaller diameter pipe. Is this just a trick my eyes are playing on me?

[d_adams]

Is this just a trick my eyes are playing on me?

Yep. It's 1.75" OD tubing with a 1.88" ring welded to it for the C-clip to hold the exhaust flange.



https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BNX7MrsifKA/UnQ2bnkiFUI/AAAAAAAABRI/7tXC6VPvfPg/w306-h408-no/13+-+3

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JKm5KUI27wk/UnQ2bviAOJI/AAAAAAAABRA/Le9lVfC8YL0/w306-h408-no/13+-+2

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qXkSm5zBgoM/UnQ2brJZ9GI/AAAAAAAABQ8/p8QM4CJF1qY/w306-h408-no/13+-+4

[snrusnak]

Thanks, I figured so...

Wife's running late....go figure :)

[d_adams]

No worries, but the line just got a little longer.

[snrusnak]

Can't do anything without the Mrs's approval, c'mon, you know that. Especially since she's the bread winner now :)

She's supposed to get off at 7(my time).....that apparently didn't work out LOL

[FlaXB9R]

bread winner now

Since your talking about getting headers I'm assuming that you didn't lose your job so wifey must have got a new one. [confused]

Sounds like funds are inline for a track day in our future :D

[snrusnak]

^lol yeah I didn't lose my job, my wife got a new job in july(big pay increase), then promoted to asst manager 4 weeks ago(with raise), then another raise last week. Can't complain about that lol.

Track day would be nice, I think that's more your thing than mine though. I'd like to do it, just don't want to invest hundreds and hundreds of dollars for one day. I'll maybe do it, just need to find cheap leathers....

[d_adams]

Somebody on here is gonna be happy in another week when these show up at their door.


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nMCEUYkPJx4/UoQOmpzpT4I/AAAAAAAABVY/hjV-Hz5rwdI/w827-h620-no/13+-+1

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WWn5lmsxm5A/UoQOmsaHVXI/AAAAAAAABVg/eapwWCRyzLY/w465-h620-no/13+-+2

[Dave A]

Very tempted.

[09BuellXB9SX]

i will prob get those balck headers once im back from deployment, already have your exhaust and its top notch! Did you find a new coater?

[d_adams]

I've been doing it myself after having a couple of coatings fail. Those pictured above (in black) are my personal set.
I will be taking delivery of a new Trinco bead blast cabinet tomorrow, so I'll be doing it all in house from now on. The cabinet was $1100, so I'm pretty well committed at this point. I have absolutely NO room left in my garage now and I need to find a place to squeeze that in somewhere. Might have to move to a 60x40 garage soon. Not sure what I'll tell the wife and kids though.

[s0dhi]

d_adams, are the coated headers done in ceramic and are they coated inside and outside?

They look great, BTW!

[d_adams]

Yes on both questions.

[Sirius815]

Hey Dean - those black ceramic coated headers look mean!!! [up] If I ever end up needing a set I'll know who to call!

[lawdog]

Is there a performance advantage installing these headers on an XB12 verse the stock headers?

[d_adams]

Not that I've been able to prove one way or the other.

I had someone asking about the weight of the full system a little while back and again this week. 15.25 lbs roughly, but I didn't have the stock flanges or clips on there, so with everything including the stock bands, maybe 15.5 lbs.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9rG6gublE_U/Up6JglkxMUI/AAAAAAAABc0/b2j83YlqHtA/w719-h540-no/13+-+1

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/iOk0iPxRBe3mEzNxWjk9S33FS46gThApQ_RoRS_acss=w719-h540-no

[d_adams]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQKGWTxrn4g/UqJ5p1d_laI/AAAAAAAABew/25ZAXleeq8U/w901-h676-no/xb+header.jpg

Even looks good with a drummer muffler.

[d_adams]

WUYNjcklc1o

[bigmoe]

How much for these headers. Will they work with the racing exhaust?

[d_adams]

bigmoe, I replied to your pm about them, but the base price is $465 + shipping. Polishing or ceramic runs extra. Yes, it will fit up to the factory race muffler.

[Theschirminator]

Hey Dean! I'm local and have a bone stock xb12ss if you wanna work your magic with a new prototype exhaust system!!!? Lol defiantly looking forward to getting a system from you late winter early spring. What's your turn around time from the enitial order? I'd like to come check out your shop sometime.

[MikeyLawless]

^^YES! i want a set for my ss, but i cant justify it if theres no performance gain ;)