If you are the owner of a late model Harley Davidson then you know doubt understand that they tend to run hot, really hot as of late. In order to get the emissions down to acceptable levels, the Motor Company has set the tune to run right on the ragged edge of too lean, in order to get them to pass emissions. The side effect of running too lean is that they will produce a lot of heat and run very hot. This is not good for the performance of your Harley Davidson and is made worse when you install free flowing exhaust pipes and an air cleaner.
Cobra Fi2000R Fuel Pack
This lean mixture is a recent phenomenon and mainly affects the EFI model Harley Davidson's more than any other. One of the best performance gains you can get on a late model EFI Harley Davidson is to add fuel and cool off the combustion chamber for a better running machine. This is not as easy as it was with a carburetor as HD's closed-loop EFI system is moderately sophisticated but is deliberately difficult to make adjustments to it. Harley isn't going to make it easy lest the Federal Government poke it's nose into the mix. That's where the aftermarket comes into play and a number of companies, including Daytona TwinTec, Dynojet, Terry Components and Vance & Hines, make add-on boxes that allow adjustments to the fuel mix that will get your Harley Davidson running cool and clean. In this article we are going to be discussing the Cobra Fi2000R EFI Tuner.
Cobra’s Fi2000R EFI tuner (and most of the others) basically is installed between the stock ECM and the fuel injectors. The Cobra tuner takes the signals from the O2 sensors and makes adjustments to the fuel output based on what it is reading. It's pretty simple, even though it seems quite complicated but really all it does it keep the injectors open for a longer period of time than normal based on the readings from the O2 sensors. This will richen the mixture and bring the cylinder temperature down to much more reasonable levels.
The base map can be manually adjusted slightly using the three dials located on the Cobra control module. These three dials determine the how long the injectors stay open and through what rpm range. The instructions that come with the Cobra Fi2000R will tell you where to set the dials initially to get the motorcycle running, then you can refine those settings after riding the bike for a while or you could even take it to a dyno and tune it there using a wide band O2 sensor.
Installation
This might sound compicated, but when you lay out the pieces and read the directions, it's really pretty simple. You will be happy to know that the Cobra Fi2000R is completely reversible and leaves no permanent alterations to your motorcycle. The installation and tuning instructions that come with your Cobra Fi2000R are short, simple and complete. It would take more time for me to write about it than it would to read and understand the instructions. If you want to see a sample, here are the Cobra Fi2000R softail instructions.
Cobra claims about a 30 minute install time which I would say is probably quite accurate. If you are reasonably handy with the wrench then 30 minutes will be no problem, if you are a bumbling fool then I'd say no more than an hour to 90 minutes and you can have this module installed quite easily. Once installed, I would strongly recommend that you check out Cobra's website. It is chock full of interesting and useful information regarding the Cobra Fi2000R and how to adjust and get it set up.
Testing and Tuning
Once installed, we set the Cobra Fi2000R dials to the recommended settings in the instructions. The motorcycle started right up easily and idled well...so far so good. After a bit of riding and tweaking we decided to see what we could eek out of the Cobra Fi2000R in regards to power. The bike still felt too lean under full throttle and we didn't notice any power gain at all versus pre-Cobra 2000 installation.
A little bit of dyno time at a buddy's shop and some adjustment to the dial postions on the Cobra Fi2000R and we were in business. Our motorcycle already had an exhaust set up and was equipped with an Arlen Ness Big Sucker kit so it was no surprise we needed more fuel. Our initial run with the Cobra Fi2000R only exasperated the issue of running too lean because we had modified the motorcycle. We were able to record a gain of approximately 10hp and 8 ft/lbs of torque which is comparable to the results Cobra lists on their web page. Dyno runs don't mean much though.
Off the dyno and onto the road, we could feel an entirely different motorcycle between our legs. No, our bike wasn't pulling wheelies at will but 10hp and 8 ft/lbs of torque is definitely noticeable and combined with the exhaust and air cleaner, we had a significantly better running motorcycle. Throttle response is crisp and clean and the acceleration was noticeably better at all rpm ranges but it really shined in the 3k-4k range which is right where you ride most of the time.
Conclusion
Overall, we were very happy with the Cobra’s Fi2000R and it really works well for such a simple little system. If you are going to modify your Harley Davidson heavily, then you may want to go with a different setup but for a simple Stage 1 upgrade, (pipes and air cleaner) it works wonders and really gets your motorcycle into the proper state of tune that it should have come with from the factory.
Best of all it does it quite economically and is stupid simple to install and as easy to adjust. What more could you ask for? Best of all, we measured the cylinder head temperatures and we went from low 400 degrees Fahrenheit to just over 300 degrees. Our Harley Davidson is much happier now and so are we.
If you are considering purchasing one of these for your Harley...understand that you there are two different models...the Fi2000R and the Fi2000R Closed Loop. The regular model eliminates your O2 sensors while the Closed Loop model retains them. If your bike has O2 sensors, then I would recommend you get the Closed Loop version even though either one will work on your Harley. You can tell the difference below as the Closed Loop have an O2 after the number or name.
692 1604 COBRA FI2000R ADJUSTABLE EFI FUEL TUNER HARLEY SOFTAIL 2006
 US $215.95
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I get asked this question a lot so rather than answering it every time I thought I would share a quick review about some of the products on my motorcycle. My pride and joy is a 2007 FXSTB made by none other than Harley Davidson. For all you rice riding saps, that's a Nightrain...the best looking Harley Davidson made...at least in my opinion.
My Nightrain is not your ordinary FXSTB as I have put a LOT of time and money into it, in fact, I sometimes think I like working on it more than I like riding it. I love tinkering with just about anything...my Train has been punched out to 107" with Stage 2 ported heads and matching cams. It's been lowered front and rear, has an air ride suspension on it and much more. It would take an entire post to list it all out but that isn't the purpose of this post. This post is to share my thoughts on the handlebars.
Harley dropped the ball on the stock Nightrain handlebars, at least for me. I just didn't care for them. I didn't mind the reach but they are pretty narrow and just didn't inspire confidence for me. I prefer a wider grip and went in seach of a bar that would still stretch me out some but would give me a wider grip and the feeling of more stability. I went looking at some bikes at a few of the bike nights and found the perfect set of bars for what I was after. They are called Super BURLY Bars and are made by White Brothers.
These Bars are hot, they are a fat bar and look super beefy in the center section but then neck down to accept normal grips and hardware. They measure 31.5" wide which is much wider than the 26" stock Nightrain bars. The reach on them is pretty comparable but for me they didn't require that I stretch forward quite so far, but still has the aggressive Nightrain riding stance. Pictures speak better than words....even though apparently my picture taking skill is horrible. I tried a number of times to make it more clear but wasn't to be....sure you get the idea though.
Burly Nightrain Specs
The bars are drilled so you can run the cabling through the interior of the bars for a nice clean installation with no clamps and they are one piece. This means no seperate riser or bar clamps to mess around with. It looks ultra clean and dresses up a Nightrain nicely.
I wish I still had my stock Nightrain bars so I could compare them in some detailed pictures. I know they aren't but the Burly Bars look like they are twice as thick as the stock bars. Super tough looking imho. The dimensions on the Super Burly Bars that I have on my train are below:
- Super oversize 1 1/2” tubing for both riser and bar
- Comfortable pullback design
- Available in low, standard and high-rise designs
- Wiring may be run externally or through pre-drilled inner slots in the bars’ dimples
- Work with OEM H-D and most aftermarket controls
- Will not accept a hydraulic clutch
| Part Number |
Description |
Suggested Retail |
| 0601-0006 |
WIDTH: 31.5”, RISE: 6.50”, CENTER WIDTH: 8.5”, PULLBACK: 5.25” - Riser drag bar (low) |
$252.95 |
| 0601-0007 |
WIDTH: 31.5”, RISE: 8.25”, CENTER WIDTH: 8.5”, PULLBACK: 6.5” - Riser drag bar (medium) |
$252.95 |
| 0601-0008 |
WIDTH: 31.5”, RISE: 9.0”, CENTER WIDTH: 8.5”, PULLBACK: 7.25” - Riser drag bar (high) |
$252.95 |
I bought mine on Ebay for less than HALF the price that my Drag Specialties dealer wanted for these. Super Burly Bars are not that plentiful on Ebay but the good news is that there are billions of bars that look just like them. Simply look for a 31 inch wide bar with approximately an 8" rise and a 6.5" pullback give or take and you have my exact handle bars. 1 1/4" are much more plentiful but they won't quite give you that "fat bar" look. If you don't mind that, then you can get them even cheaper. Check out these deals below....WAY less than list Dealer prices.
Burly Bars on Ebay
8 RISE FAT BLACK T BARS HANDLEBARS WITH HAND CONTROLS WIRED SWITHCHES FIT HARLEY
US $299.99
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I don't think anyone would argue that the right set of Harley pipes can make or break the look of your Harley Davidson motorcycle, especially a heavily modified Harley motorcycle. When you are shopping around for the right set of Harley exhaust pipes, there are many things you need to take into consideration, looks, fit, sound and performance. You just never know where you might find the perfect set of exhaust pipes for your Harley Davidson motorcycle.
It's pretty rare that you get a chance to try on multiple sets of pipes on your motorcycle but that is just what we have here. The rare opportunity to take a look at a motorcycle with multiple sets of Harley Exhaust pipes on it, one right after the other. The motorcycle in question is a modified BMC chopper chassis but the comparison is pretty similar to a Harley Davidson, especially an FXST so you can get an idea what the Samson Harley Exhaust line-up would look like on your ride.
The chopper started out with a typical Rev-Tech exhaust system on it, as many chopper kits do but the owner really wanted a little more pizzaz and style and so the Chopper found it's way to the Samson exhaust facility to try on a new set of pipes, in fact, several new sets of pipes.
Samson Extreme Harley Exhaust
Samson has recently revamped it's Harley Exhaust line-up and released the Samson Extreme series of exhaust pipes. Bold styling and aggressive exhaust notes are trademarks of the Samson line up so take a look at the line up below and see which Samson exhaust pipe grabs your eye or ear or maybe both.
This is the Motorcycle with the original Rev-Tech 2 into 1 pipes. Samson offers a 2 into 1 pipe as well so if you like this look then here's a good idea. |
The first pipe to go on the bike was the Samson Bone Shakers. You can imagine how they got their name. Definitely a loud set of pipes. |
The Bone Shakers weren't the one, that grabbed the eye so off they came. |
The next set of pipes to get the look over was the Samson Hell Raisers. A long sweeping profile that compliments the lines of the bike....I have a feeling these aren't the one though. |
Back to the drawing board and the Samson Hell Raisers come off and the next set of pipes into the breach. |
Up next - Samson Sinners...these are very similar to the Hell Raisers except they curve in the opposite direction. The downside to these pipes is that they were designed for one-up riding, so you'll have to remove the rear foot peg to install them. |
Next up for your enjoyment are the Samson Grim Reapers....simple and studly looking. |
Up next, some old school style and a set of Samson Legend series with the Samson Big Guns going on the motorcycle. I must admit, I am having Easy Rider flashbacks. These are sweet looking. |
Boo Yeah...Samson Zoomies are on deck and these pipes just scream Chopper. If you elect to go this route, just be prepared that these are loud, but I suspect that anyone who buys these knows that, and craves it. |
The 10" baffle will eek out every bit of performance of the longer pipes like the Reaper series while the shorter baffle is designed for the Zoomies. |
Samson also offers a line of Torque Cones for added backpressure and improved power. |
Looks like the Samson Zoomies are the Winner judging by the giant grin and the thumbs up. |
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Check out the new lineup of Samson Extreme Harley Pipes and see which one makes you grin from ear to ear.
When given the chance to road test and install a set of Hard Krome T-Rex True Duals on our Harley Davidson Roak King, we jumped at the chance. Not much is more dull than a putt putt stock exhaust system and we were itching to upgrade our Harley pipes, so we went for it.
If you aren't familiar with the Hard Krome T-Rex pipe then you should know that Hard Krome markets this Harley pipe as the largest "true dual" exhaust system in the business. The Hard Krome T-Rex sports a man sized 3" diameter outer exhaust pipe that creates a sexy fat pipe look from the front header to the rear fender. We are typically fans of the 2 into 1 style pipes, because we're power crazy, but we have to admit that the balanced and sexy look that the Hard Krome True Duals brings to this bad ass bagger. True Duals might not be the most powerful Harley exhaust pipe on the market but it might be the sexiest. The Road King design almost begs for a classic dual exhaust so we gave in.
Hard Krome Harley Pipe Construction
The Hard Krome T-Rex isn't just a pretty face. Sure they're sexy but these pipes are also a very high quality example of a Harley Davidson exhaust pipe. They won't EVER turn blue due to the patented double wassl construction design. The inner exhaust pipe utilizes a progressive stepped header setup that begins with a 1.75-inch diameter pipe that steps up to a 1.875-inch diameter and then again up to a 2-inch diameter and then finally terminates into a 2.25-inch diameter removable baffle. All of this technology is surrounded by a beautifully chromed 3-inch outer pipe wall capped off by a chromed 3" billet aluminum end cap. You will also be happy to know that 2007 and up models have dual O2 sensor ports.
Hard Krome Installation
Many people are intimidated by the thought of installing their own Harley exhaust pipes but I have to tell you, it's not rocket science. In most cases you are simply unbolting a hunk of metal from your motorcycle and bolting another hunk of metal on in it's place. It might seem more complicated but it really isn't. The installation of the Hard Krome T-Rex Harley pipes was very straight forward even though the instructions that came with the bike were awful.
Installation of the T-Rex set was straightforward, complicated only by the lack of instructions. Without those, we stumbled a couple times, but if you read our story then you can benefit from our experience. The hardest part was removing the multi-jointed stock exhausts. Plus, with the T-Rex built-in heat shields, the pipes were heavy and bulky to handle.
The Harley Davidson that these Hard Krome T-Rex pipes were installed on, already had a Daytona Twin Tec TCFI III kit installed so fuel management wasn't going to be an issue on this install. If you do not have a fuel management system then you need to factor that into your install time. In most cases, it's a few hours at most to install.
Once installed, the Harley Davidson Road King fired right up and ran nicely. We cycled it through a few warm up periods so we could heat cycle all the fasteners. We took the time to reset and snug every fastener on the exhaust prior to the road test and away we went.
If you aren't familiar with the Daytona Twin Tec, it will auto tune itself to the hardware that is on the motorcycle. We completed a 50 mile ride with the new pipes installed and then updated the fuel trims. The bike was not perfect at this point but was running pretty damn good and sounded, simply awesome. The tune will only get better as we put more miles on this configuration and fine tune the fuel trims to match the new exhaust.
So far, we really like this pipe.
Hard Krome T-Rex Conclusion
The dyno numbers are not impressive for this setup but we should say that we didn't expect them to be. True Duals are not the best setup when it comes to producing large horsepower gains but like we said above, these pipes are sexy enough that we didn't care.
This selection is based PURELY on exhaust sound and appearance. Yes we're vain, we like pipes that look good too. Shoot us.
The Hard Krome T-Rex logged about a 2 hp increase in power and a 3 ft/lbs increase in torque. Nothing to write home about, but did I mention they are sexy?
Uber Sexy Even.
The Hard Krome T-Rex can be hard to find so grab a set while you can.
KAWASAKI VN900 VULCAN 06 11 HARD KROME 225 DRAG STAR STAGGERED DUALS
US $369.99
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The 2009 FLH Harley Davidson's are already proving to be extremely popular with the HD crowd however there are a few things that you need to be aware of when it comes to the exhaust system. The 2009 system is different than prior years models, even though the bikes look virtually the same.
It's not secret that one of the very first modifications that most Harley Davidson owners make when they buy a new or used Harley Davidson is to upgrade the exhaust system to one that they find more suitable to their tastes. I've never done a study but there aren't many Harley Davidson's on the road with a bone stock exhaust system on it.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new D&D Boss Slip On Mufflers for the 2009 FLH series of Harley's installed on a Road King and then dyno tested to measure the improvement. If you have a 2009 FLH then you may want to check out this article.
D&D has designed these slip on mufflers exclusively for the 2009 FLH touring models and they include all of the necessary hardware, heat shields and of course, the two muffler bodies. D&D claims to have measured up to a 10 hp improvement in power using these pipes on an FLH, that isn't a ton of power but it's very noticeable and will make your Harley Davidson much more enjoyable to drive.
D&D Slip On Muffers
These D&D Boss Slip On Mufflers are just plain sexy.
You can purchase them in either Slant Cut (left) or Back Cut (right) versions.
They look even better from behind. The stock Harley Davidson mufflers are canted in slightly from the factory. D&D has re-engineered the Boss Slip Ons to be parallel with the rear tire. This makes for a much cleaner and better looking installation if you ask me.
D&D Installation Note: Due to a slight difference in rear mounts the use of additional spacers and bolts may be required. To check your pipes for proper alignment, install pipes without bolting up the rear mounts. Step to the rear of the bike and raise or lower until it's visually aligned. Then determine if the additional spacers are needed. Install spacers and bolts as necessary.
What's even better than the way these Boss Slip On Harley Mufflers look, is how they perform. D&D has engineered a winner here and the D&D Boss Slip On Mufflers combined with a typical AC mod will produce up to 10hp and torque for your FLH. This is enough of a power gain that you should notice a decent increase in the way the bike feels under throttle.
D&D Boss Slip-On Power Gains
This particular test was completed using a Screaming Eagle AC kit but you could just as easily duplicate the results with a K&N kit or even something like an Arlen Ness Big Sucker kit.
Check out the boost in HP and Torque provided by the D&D Boss Slip On Mufflers for your 2009 FLH Harley Davidson. These things ROCK and the best part is that you can install them in about a half an hour! How cool is that?
D&D Boss Slip-On Muffler Bargains
Note: For a limited time a FREE Air Cleaner upgrade may be included in the system you purchase....Read your specific auction to make sure that it is included.
Harley EXHAUST PIPES MUFFLERS DD FLT FLH Bagger 536 12 Super Boss Slip ON
US $550.00
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Nightrain asked:
I bought a used Nightrain last month and I need some help. I want to know if my bike has a Stage 1 kit on it or not and I don't know how to tell. I am not even quite sure that I know what a Stage 1 Kit consists of.
If it helps my Nightrain can do 110 mph in 4th gear and 120 mph in 5th gear before the rev limiter kicks in but I don't want to push that any farther.
Our Answer
Thanks for the question and congratulations on the new Nightrain....they are great bikes and I have one myself.....so good on you.
As for your question, a Stage 1 upgrade for a Harley Davidson typically consists of three things, an exhaust upgrade, an air cleaner upgrade and either a rejet of the carb or a reflash of the PCM depending on the bike. So to check if you have a Stage 1 upgrade installed on your bike, these are what you look to find. The actual mile per hour ratings will not tell you anything.
So if your bike has pipes and a non-stock air cleaner or filter assembly (usually K&N) then you have already been upgraded to Stage 1. To get much more power out of the combination, you will need to go into the engine, which most are not willing to do.
If we can help...feel free to ask.
The D&D Fat Cat is one of the best kept secrets of the Harley Davidson world. The D&D Fat Cat does not fit the traditional mold of what you think of when you think Harley Pipes mainly because it is a 2 into 1 pipe.
