Installed the 450cc Rebel Pipes....

[GearJammer]

Got the pipes w/EMGO's on this afternoon. Surprisingly, things went fairly well, tho' I'm keeping my fingers crossed after the problems I encountered with the 250cc exhaust flange studs :evil:

Does anyone know if the 450cc is prone to exhaust flange stud problems or is it something more likely for the 250cc ? Torqued the exhaust flange stud nuts at about 10 ft. lbs. & hoping for the best.

Also used some hi-temp silicone around the exhaust ports for good measure & want that to set up overnight, but just couldn't resist firing her up for around 45 seconds to hear what she sounds like. Not disappointed at all, pipes sound deep, throaty & have an angry growl to 'em :D

Will check for exhaust leaks tomorrow & hopefully get to do a test ride.

[cTc]

sweet, I am not aware of any stud problems, but it would be same to say they are made the same as the 250, so I'd be extra careful. I never tourge wrench mine, just a good snug hand tight with a ratchet, but be sure to hold the ratchet up at the head.

[GearJammer]

Thanx, CTC...

Before I removed the exhaust flange stud nuts, I put a torque wrench on a couple of them to see where they were at before removal & danged if they weren't only about 5-6 ft. lbs.

After your advice, I'm going to back 'em off & simply snug 'em up as you've recommended. Last thing I want is no room for heat expansion & ending up with the disaster like on the 250cc.

Thanx again very much!

[cTc]

Might be a good idea, and remember to check them after every ride for the first few to make sure they dont get loose from settleing in.

[GearJammer]

Will definitely do that & thanx again. Have noticed that the vibration is considerably less on the 450 vs. the 250, but we'll see if the lowered shocks change that, LOL!

[GearJammer]

Update...

Rechecked the exhaust flange stud nuts & tightened 'em back up as per CTC's recommendation (thanx again, CTC!). Went for a good, long ride & was happy with the results.

With the lower shocks, any change in handling, manueverability or comfort was so slight that it's hardly worth mentioning, but am glad that the bike sits lower & it feels more natural for me.

No exhaust leaks, no popping on decel.

EMGO's: Not as loud as yesterday in an enclosed shop, LOL! Not obnoxious at all, but sound sweet. On off-throttle, they're fairly quiet, but at any throttle roll, they immediately make themselves known & have a strong, crisp staccato sound to 'em. Doesn't sound like a Harley with the deep, loud rumble, but they sound pretty respectable & the staccato rthythm is actually a bit faster than a Harley. She also accelerates thru the gears noticeably quicker.

Here's the plan: Remember that someone mentioned that by just altering the pipes & not the airbox on a 450, a re-jet might not be necessary. Will keep an eye on the plug reads. If the plug reads continue to be acceptable, will leave the airbox on & stand pat. If the plug reads indicate too lean & an obvious need to re-jet, then will remove the airbox, do the re-jet, set it up & keep on truckin'...

Barring any re-jet, etc. the only things left are rattle can paint on gas tank & rear fender, fabbing some highway pegs, paring down non-essential wiring & doing the taillight mod that "Are" posted. Have a vintage cat's eye taillight that I refurbished months ago & really like the way "Are's" mod came out.

Looks like I'll be alternating between the 450 Rebel & the Triumph chop from this point :wink:

[GearJammer]

Well, since installing the EMGO's, have easily put several hundred miles on the Rebel. Checked the spark plugs today & they're a nice light tan, no spooky whitish deposits or specks, so looks like she's doing fine without a re-jet needed.

If the airbox had been removed, a re-jet would have definitely been called for, but will leave it as is, airbox in place & keep on running this baby. :wink: