By: Michael Tollin

~V~roc #1212

1998 1500 Vulcan Classic

Previous pipes – Stock

Emission "after burner" disabled

Stock Carbs, jets, and air intake

Lowered front and rear with Progressive

Reviewers experience with installing pipes – non

1. Not overly loud, but louder
2. Better tone quality
3. Good fit and finish
4. Unique in looks
5. Bluing resistant
6. No jetting required
7. Good warranty and support
8. Not physically lower than stock

With these requirements in mind, I set out to find the "perfect" pipe. Having seen, listened to, touched, smelled, etc many pipes, I finally decided to try Roadhouse. While I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of their chromed header version, the release date kept getting pushed back. With my riding season 12 months a year a decided to "inspect" the serrated version.

Upon their arrival I was surprised to find the header heat shields were actually flexible tubes and went all the way around the headers. They were not just bolt on covers. You fit the pipes into them prior to bolting on. Additionally they are made of stainless steel.

After unpacking I quickly set to work removing the old system. Being a neophyte at this operation, I followed the directions word for word. Removal of the old system took longer than installation, but went easily. The directions were much better explaining how to get the stock system off, than installing the new pipes. Roadhouse informed me that they were currently working on new instructions and illustrations.

If you have experience installing pipes this is of no consequence as it couldn’t be easier. There are very few parts, 2 headers, 2 serrated shields, 1 pipe (canister), and 1 pipe (bell) heat shield. Unfortunately in their rush to send me my pipes the exhaust port gaskets were missing so I had to make a quick trip to the local shop. I would recommend first check the box for these as well as the nuts for relocating the alternator. Roadhouse was quick to apologize and offered a refund for my cost or a free set by mail.

From your stock pipes you reuse the flanges and "stud nuts". Also you use one bolt from the emissions "black box" if you relocate your alternator. Everything else is supplied, including a cleaner should your headers turn gold. This may not be a problem however as the headers are coated with a ceramic to help reduce heat.

Now for my impressions, I love them! They are long, a great fit, and are beautifully finished. The serrated covers fit the lines of my bike very well (retro look – not racy). When parked, heads turn. EVERYONE notices these babies! PARTICULARY Harley owners!

The sound with the stock pipe tip (several options are available) is not overly loud by my standards making for happy neighbors, and comfortable long rides. The sound is a very distinctive low rumble. If you want the roar of straight pipes, these are not for you. You can however change the pitch slightly and increase the loudness by changing the tip.

Performance was not degraded. Low end stayed responsive, and a noticeable increase in HP was attained. While obviously not on par as some other "tuned" systems, which require rejetting, it is a pleasant increase. Additionally, there is no backfire on deceleration. A "pop" sometimes occurs after long rides when you turn off the bike.

Upon installing the Shark Tip I was immediately struck by it’s distinctive looks. Then, after firing up the bike, I quickly learned that if you want it louder put on a less restrictive tip! Decibels definitely went up. Even decelerating got people’s attention.

Unfortunately for me the Shark Tip was not as in love with my bike as I was with it. Being lowered I quickly found going up or down steep inclines left me with my teeth clinched hearing the tail dragging. I definitely do not recommend this or the Cadillac Tip for lowered bikes. Stock or Slash Cuts would be the preferred, and maybe they will come out with a bell shape open end to shorten the tip and give the louder rumble.

Along with the tip problem, you can drag the bottom of the "side pipe cover (bell)" on hard right turns before your floorboards touch down. Of course my stock pipes did the same after lowering the bike. The bell on these pipes does stick at slightly further than the stock pipes making it a problem if you did not lower the bike. Roadhouse told me they are aware of this and working on a new bell design to alleviate the problem. Whether it will be a retro fit or warranty item is unknown.

All in all I feel I got just what I wanted. Great looks and finish, a sound that stands out without offending, no fussing with carburetors, and a 12 month warranty by a company who actually appears to be willing to stand behind there product – literally!

If you are in the market for new pipes and your requirements are similar to mine, check them out.