SuperTrapp
SuperTrapp pipes are made in Cleveland, Ohio, and have offered a unique, patented tunable disc system since 1971. Well-known in both automotive and motorcycle circles the tunable disc system allows the tuner to add or subtract discs to tune the powerband and sound of the bike in just a few minutes with basic hand tools. The SuperTrapp system is also made of stainless steel and is a 2-into-2 style that mimics some of the low swept type flat track systems that we have seen on the track lately. Considering that this is a 2-into-2 system that is fairly large overall we were surprised at it being a bit of a featherweight as well coming in at only 14 pounds and eliminated the front OE mounting bracket for an additional 2 1/2 pound savings. We went with SuperTrapp's recommendation of 18 discs for the best all around power and due to the unique design you can add or subtract to move the horsepower and torque curves to suit your riding style and sound requirements. The SuperTrapp did increase ground clearance in the front on the lower pipe but interestingly lost a little under the footpeg area. We aren't sure if this is really a cause for concern but we have heard some riders say they have touched this section on the pavement. The SuperTrapp turned out to make the highest horsepower rating, but did suffer from a torque loss down low.
Termignoni
Termignoni is an Italian company that is known for its sport bike racing exhausts since 1969. World Moto GP Champions like Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner have relied on Termignoni exhaust on the their championship winning bikes. Termignoni is the exhaust of choice for the Italian and Spanish XR1200 racing series. The US distributor for Termi sent us the 2-into-1 system and since the 2-into-1-into-2 uses the same headpipes; we were able to borrow the two-muffler system from Kevin at Advanced Kawasaki in Garden Grove, California. The headpipes are quite interesting as they use a tapered Stainless tubing to increase the pipe diameter, vs. the step design that some US manufacturers use. The 2-into-1 was the lightest by far at just under 12 pounds plus it eliminates both the rear bracket and the one under engine for a total savings of a whopping 27 pounds! The dual muffler version weighed 6 pounds more, still lighter than most! The muffler is carbon fiber as are the small heat shields. All in all pretty trick and exotic stuff, but it does come at the highest price of this group. Like the Remus the sound was more Ducati like than traditional Harley.
D&D Exhaust
D&D Exhaust is based in Ft. Worth, Texas, and has been churning out pipes since the '70s. The D&D 2-into-1 Bob Cat system uses their new Concentric Flow Baffle system that was designed in conjunction with the Engineering Dept. at the University of Texas, Arlington. Said to improve tone, reduce bark, and increase power the D&D does have a unique sound. The system is black coated with an option of a black, aluminum or carbon fiber sleeve on the muffler. With full heat shields, something fairly rare in this test, the D&D weighed 24 pounds and lean angle was compromised a little. Honestly this pipe surprised us a bit, there was nothing extraordinary about the look or design that indicated that it would make the best all around power of the bunch, but that's exactly what it did! The head pipes on the Bob Cat system are a true step header design and that probably accounted for its strong showing. The D&D was also the second lowest price in this test.
BUB Enterprises
BUB Enterprises of Grass Valley, California, was founded by Denis Manning in 1976. The mildly eccentric Denis is well-known and respected in the land speed racing world, currently holding the land speed record at 367.382 mph. The BUB XR system was developed in conjunction with Storz Performance and is the only system that really pays homage to the XR's roots of Dirt Track racing with XR750 styling. Storz Performance specializes in making Sportster's into Street Tracker type bikes. The only downside to the BUB/Storz system is that it requires moving the rear brake master cylinder using a Storz relocation kit, an additional $349. The pipes also eliminate the passenger pegs and do not allow use of the Harley Saddlebag kit. The BUB pipe is a step header design for increased power and is available in either chrome or black ceramic as we used. With full heatshields this largest system of the bunch weighed 25 pounds but does eliminate the OE lower mount, rear mount, and rear footpegs making it 17.5 pounds lighter than stock. The BUB's were definitely more involved to install and with the required purchase of the master cylinder relocation kit got a little pricey as well. With the high pipe design, lean angle is no longer compromised by the exhaust and these were by far the loudest, sounding like an XR750 ready to hit the track.