Air Intake options and Exhaust Help?

[akanaka]

I am riding a 2005 Road Star 1700cc and I have gotten to the point where either my Vance and Hines Longshots Original have gotten WAY louder - or I have finally gotten WAY older ;-). In any case I am looking to swap out my Kuryakyn Hypercharger as it sticks out too far and doesn't seem to be doing anything but taking up space. I am looking instead at the Baron's Big Air Kit with the narrow intake and teardrop style. Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations on this air intake kit? Don't get me wrong, the hypercharger looks awesome, but I am looking for something that provides a little more comfort - and hopefully still some performance. Any other air kits out there you guys would recommend that have a similar look? Do I have to re-jet if I switch from Kuryakyn hypercharger to Baron's air kit?

...on to the exhaust

As much as I hate to say it the Longshots have got to go. I can't do any kind of touring with these drag style pipes. I am being told different stories as to whether I can repack the baffles on them, or if they are just pure louvered baffles with no wrap??? As an alternative I am looking at Freedom Performance True Duals which appear to sound much more towards what I am looking for (but I am concerned about some of the complaints regarding rust). The best case scenario are what some of you folks have done with the HD Touring Cans with either stock or aftermarket headers. I love the true dual look and sound and it seems like folks love the Bassani's! I am a little concerned about this becoming an rabbit hole I can't get out of however. If I go this route, how do I figure out which headers to go with and is there a preferred way to mount the pipes? Looks like folks are fabbing different types of brackets? If there is a tried and true combo of headers, HD cans, brackets and clamps I would love to know. Also, let me know if anyone has any other recommendations for exhaust that would be similar to the sound of the HD cans or the Freedom Trail True Duals. Thanks so much for any guidance :-)

[Shores]

K & N Filter Options

RA-066V - Round, .813" offset, 2" deep, 6" diameter
RA-067V - Round, .813” offset, 3" deep, 5.875" diameter
RC-1980 - Oval, centered, 2" deep, 7"x4.5"
RA-076V - Oval, .5" offset, 2" deep, 7"x4.5"
RA-077V - Oval, .5” offset, 3" deep, 7"x4.5"

[Jclevesque]

All depends on your budget..if you have one. I got Bassani headers with HD touring mufflers and love the rumble. Dont need earplugs after an 8 hr ride. Had to fab brackets with the RSV mounts. Got the HD mufflers new takeoffs for $50. Got the oval K&N noted above for $24. Headers were close to $400 i think. Had to go this route cause Freedom duals would not of fit unless I raised my RSV bags.

[akanaka]

Jclevesque thanks for the info. I appreciate the heads up about the clearance for the freedom duals and the bags.  I dont have hard bags yet but am planning on getting some. How did you realize they wouldn't fit BEFORE buying them? I want to make sure I don't end up in that same situation if I buy different bags. Also,what do I need in order to mount the mufflers to the Bassanis? Any special clamps, flanges, etc? Maybe a noob question but do I need to have the bags first n order to mount the HD mufflers to them or do they just attach to the frame? Thanks!

[Jclevesque]

On the old clinic a few guys went thru that problem with Freedom pipes hitting the royal star bags mod. OEM Roadstar bags no clearance issues at all. The Bassani headers come with brackets for Bassani mufflers but could probably be modded for any muffler used on duals headers. The RSV forum guys have brackets to install HD mufflers on the RSV bag brackets. Real easy to do.

[akanaka]

Does it matter which HD mufflers I go with? I've noticed some of the 2017s and up have a different size intake on each one? I'm assuming I don't want that. Did you have to mod the bassani header to muffler clamps? Do I attach the mufflers to the bags , or frame, or both? I guess what I'm asking is do I get the bassani headers and HD muffler and mount them and THEN pick out and mount bags, or the other way around and get bags mounted first and then pick out pipes?

[Jclevesque]

Bassani headers at 1 3/4" o.d. and you can use any muffler you want. I mentionned that the Bassani headers come with muffler mounting brackets for their mufflers. If you can make them work with wathever muffler you chose up to you. HD clamps are thr best I use them on all my bikes.

You mention upgrading to hard bags but dont say what kind. I understand you have plenty of questions but narrow down what bags you want and go from there.

[akanaka]

Yes, I know...TONS of questions . As far as bags go i am open to suggestions. I like anything from the standard oem Road Star bags to the Matazu bags I have seen on ebay. I heard that the softail conversion brackets fit the Road Star? Will I be forced to move the turn signals regardless if I put on hard bags?

[Jclevesque]

I can only comment on what I have done for bags. I have Royal Star Venture bags and mounts. A little bit of mods to do but not a big deal. I find the shape compliment the R* lines better than any other bag imho. I have to make a 1" plate to relocate the rear signal bar away from the lids to open. I do not like the look of HD bags on a R* too square looking, but that is my opinion. Lots have installed HD bags.

[Lug Nut]

RA 066V air cleaner simple and effective $60 shipped. No brainer.

[akanaka]

Are there any different covers I could put over that one instead of what it comes with?

[Lug Nut]

I bought a 4 in Yamaha logo sticker but didn't use it...