Another Muffler question & WHY ?

[Rollin Thunder]

Ok I've had 8 Brand New Harley's so far. So that's 8 pars of mufflers or 16 mufflers laying around . Or for some just throwin out in the trash. Or some guys have made table's out of them. That's about all their good for. It's a BIG time waste ! SO why doesn't the Factory give you that option ?? Yes sir we can order your bike today. Would you like the stock mufflers or would you like to pick out a pr that suits your taste ? THAT way HD can keep the factory boat anchors ! Then when your bike comes in your ready to go. And there is less waste at the factory. or come up with something on this idea !!! I know about the EPA bull ****. But there has to be a better way . Some feed back would be great on this subject. Thanks

 

[Phu Cat]

You answered your own question with the EPA BS. HD isn't likely to verbalize that there is such a thing as the after market much less mount such a product on their machine FOR us. How would that benefit them? HD won't do anything that doesn't make them money and lots of it.

PC

 

[DakotaTG]

As Phu Cat mentioned, part of the problem lies with the EPA. But another very important thing is by selling a bike with the stock mufflers they can then sell you a pair of $400 to $800 mufflers. Plus V&H and all the other aftermarket exhaust companies wouldn't like HD putting on their own upgraded mufflers at the factory. They would lose out on your purchase from them. There are a lot of things that it would be nice to have HD do at the factory like different handlebars, Stage 1 and up upgrades and accessories but then the dealers would miss out on selling you handlebars and other items and the labor charge to do the upgrades.

 

[Steve on 3]

How great would it be to go down a list and order your bike like you wanted it from the factory? 2 back, 2 up bars, heated grips, road zep seat, different head pipes and slip ons, different floorboards, chrome front end.

WOW...order it like you want it and cheaper too.

 

[cavie]

How great would it be to go down a list and order your bike like you wanted it from the factory? 2 back, 2 up bars, heated grips, road zep seat, different head pipes and slip ons, different floorboards, chrome front end.

WOW...order it like you want it and cheaper too.

That's how you buy a Mini Cooper. All from your living room and delivered to your local dealer. Or something close to it.

 

[Condor]

If I'm not mistaken the law here in CA for the last couple of years sez that it's illegal to tamper with any part of the smog fittings... that includes the exhaust. That's probably the reason most all exhaust manufacturers put the disclaimer that their mufflers are for off road use only ... The onus is on you if you end up being nailed... That said I've never heard of anyone getting pulled over.

I'm thankful that Harley does supply their bikes with a mellow muff. With an adapter they'll fit the Yamaha Venture, and have a pleasing rumble. The last set I picked up was from our local Harley Dealer, and he just gave them to me. Por Nada!! They're on the trike now, but I'll be pulling them for a set of NOS Harley turn downs in a few months. They do have an attitude.... and are in the 'back of the pack' decibel range. Hope the TDs are a little quieter...

IT would be nice if Harley did a buy back program on new take offs. It'd keep every one happy. They'd save money, the dealer could clean out the muffler stock pile in the attic, and the new owner could get what he wants and save money too.

My 2¢

 

[Texan]

I had a market for stock exhaust and mufflers for many years in Europe. They do not allow ANY modifications to exhaust systems in any of the European countries and was told they would impound the bike until you put stock exhaust back on. Didn't care why, but getting good $$$$ for throw away parts.

My outlet source dried up a couple years ago. Don't know what laws were changed but now stock piling 'em in the shop to transfer to the landfill.

8~\o

 

[dirtdobber]

Do you really think that HD will lose that kind of extra cash income?
great idea for us but HD would lose a bundle doing it I would think.

 

[Pegasus1300]

As a manufacturer every vehicle Harley sells has to come with a certificate of compliance from the EPA or they are not legal for sale or registration in the US. Every stock muffler has stamped on it an EPA certificate of compliance and a few aftermarket ones have also gone through the headache of getting an EPA certificate. For this reason neither Harley nor any other manufacturer can sell you a vehicle with non compliant components on it. You couldn't register it, the bank couldn't loan money on it, and the manufacturer would be subject to big fines for selling non compliant machines.

One of these days the government is going to realize they have a huge potential revenue source here and start enforcing the law and make compliance an issue even for private owners and sales.