Big Radius - a good choice?

BDWB

Active Member
All - as I have posted I am waiting on a 2007 K9 - when it arrives I have asked the dealer to install the VH Big Radius pipes right away - I liked the look and sound when I saw them and they appear to be a "sanctioned" product by BD.

I have read some posts where people seemed a little unhappy - i.e. they rub on turns, color disfunctions, etc.. Just looking for some quick thoughts - those that have them do you like them - would you select a different option if you were to do it again? Thanks for the help!
 

Wildthing

Got Life?
Love mine! I think they redesigned the mounting bracket.
Got them on my 07 mastiff and they don't hit the ground.
Haven't discolored any and they sound decent.
 

P8RIOT

Well-Known Member
Calendar Participant
The "newly redesigned" ones are supposed to be shipping now. I have an appointment to have mine installed next week. When I called Wichita a month or so ago, they said there were two problems - (1) they were hanging too low, making it easy to drag the tips on a right turn, and (2) there was ONE instance of bubbling the paint on the battery cover (not a K-9, but one of the prostreet models). The redesign is supposed to address both issues.

Before I ordered my K-9, I rented one in Phoenix, and it had the BR pipes installed. They sounded great, and I think, looked great too - so I ordered them but got caught up in the redesign delay. That's fine with me, as the end result should be fully tested and, as you say, "sanctioned" by Big Dog.
 

Chopper Dave

SIICK!!!
I have the Big Radius Pipes....I pulled the baffels out, took them into work and cut the down in half....just under 6 inches or so....put them back in and wow! alot deeper sound .....I started it up without baffels and sounded cool as hell..but that was a little too much .....so I read a few threads on how a guy cut his stock baffels in half and didn't lose anything on the dyno...and got the deeper, louder sound...so thats what I did! and sounds SICK!!:whoop:
 

Chopper Dave

SIICK!!!
All - as I have posted I am waiting on a 2007 K9 - when it arrives I have asked the dealer to install the VH Big Radius pipes right away - I liked the look and sound when I saw them and they appear to be a "sanctioned" product by BD.

I have read some posts where people seemed a little unhappy - i.e. they rub on turns, color disfunctions, etc.. Just looking for some quick thoughts - those that have them do you like them - would you select a different option if you were to do it again? Thanks for the help!
I have also scraped the bottom pipe a few times doing a right hand turn...you can't really notice it unless you look up under there....I am going to order the shorter bottom heat shield from Vickie in a couple of months.....but for now....I will keep the one that is on the bike until it starts to look like shit...then I will change it out...
 

Pops

Active Member
I have also scraped the bottom pipe a few times doing a right hand turn...you can't really notice it unless you look up under there....I am going to order the shorter bottom heat shield from Vickie in a couple of months.....but for now....I will keep the one that is on the bike until it starts to look like shit...then I will change it out...
I have the bottom shield from Vickie.....solved the scraping problem.

Had the BR put on before I picked up my bike. I think they look and sound great...only problem is alot of other people think the same thing :2thumbs:
 

GrapeDog

Member
From what I've read online, I'd have to agree that it does seem that a lot of BD owners have installed the Big Radius. And yet, in St. Louis, spotting them is still a relatively rare occurrence. I had them on my (LSD) 03 Chopper for 3 years...loved 'em. Switched to Grumpy's Twisted Sisters this year...not due to overexposure of the BR...but rather a desire for a dramatically different look.

Go with what you like. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
 

Chopper Dave

SIICK!!!
Before they delivered my bike, I had them put the Big Radius pipes on and I also researched different pipes...but liked the way the BR looked.Its gotta tell ya something if everyone is buying these pipes.....and if thats what you want, then go with what you like.It doesn't bother me that I have the same pipes as everyone else...kinda feels like part of the family:choppersmiley:
 

BDWB

Active Member
Thanks guys!!! It sounds like I need to make sure I get the latest release BR pipes - my dealer keeps them in stock so they likley have the older version. Although, given that most of you have the older version and have not experienced problems - it sounds like it really doesn't make that much difference. Thanks again
 

Chopper Dave

SIICK!!!
Thanks guys!!! It sounds like I need to make sure I get the latest release BR pipes - my dealer keeps them in stock so they likley have the older version. Although, given that most of you have the older version and have not experienced problems - it sounds like it really doesn't make that much difference. Thanks again
I am going to be ordering the newer shorter bottom heat shield for mine from Vickie next month. If you want ...give her a call and she can give you the part # for the shorter shield so when your dealer goes to put your pipes on...you can check and see if the have the newer number that they would be using. Like I said...I scraped mine a few times...but it really isn't that big of a deal.....and it is not noticeable unless you look under the bottom of the pipe. I just want the shorter heat shield so when mine starts to look like shit....I can change it out.
 

Rick

Active Member
BDWB I would wait for the new & improved model. The draggin on a right hand turn gets old and affects your ability to really lay down the bike in a turn. The new one's don't drag i just talked to V&H last week while ordering a new mounting bracket that previously had broken I am sure becasue of the dragging. You might also check out the V&H 2 into 1 that jsut came out they look pretty cool as well.
 

K9Anniv

Well-Known Member
All - as I have posted I am waiting on a 2007 K9 - when it arrives I have asked the dealer to install the VH Big Radius pipes right away - I liked the look and sound when I saw them and they appear to be a "sanctioned" product by BD.

I have read some posts where people seemed a little unhappy - i.e. they rub on turns, color disfunctions, etc.. Just looking for some quick thoughts - those that have them do you like them - would you select a different option if you were to do it again? Thanks for the help!
I had the 2:2 Big Radius on my '05 Chopper and loved them - never had a problem - good, solid chrome finish. I opted to go the somewhat less expensive route with my new K9 and bought the BDM "slip-ons"...so far I'm not too happy with them. We'll see if the engine can be dialed in and tuned to make them sing a little better after my 500 mile service next week....hope so!
 
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