Hooker Troublemaker Exhaust

[chopperman07]

Does anyone out there have Hooker Troublemaker Exhaust 2 in 2 on their BD? I bought a pair for my 08 Ridgeback and plan on putting them on when I get back. I was told they wouldn't fit but I've seen other Ridgebacks with the 330 have the V/H 2 in 2 so I figured since these look the same, they would fit. I bought them for $350; I hope that was a good price. Let me know what you guys think. How do they sound and do they sound just as good as the V/H 2 in 2? :flag::flag::flag:

 

[Boris]

I have 2008 Mastiff. I had the Hooker Troublemakers 2 in 2 on my bike....I absolutely LOVED this exhaust system...

The problem I had with it is the mount that held the pipes to my frame cracked. I called Hooker for a new bracket but found out they no longer make motorcycle exhaust systems....So I could of had a welding shop reinforce the bracket with more steel ...then send it out to get re-chromed......But I had a slight blemish on the pipe. (small dent) so I decided to purchase a V&H...It looks good......But.... I felt the Hooker sounded much throatier and had a nicer sweeping look ...That's my opinion.

FYI when I purchased my bike the hooker header was all ready on her. The pipe and all the hard wear was ceramic black...I sent every thing out to get chromed. I have no clue if the chemical process to remove the ceramic coating fatigued the metal and made that mount weaker.....But the bottom line is it cracked.

You have a Ridgeback witch is a much stiffer ride then my bike....If you get the header to fit properly you might have the same problem as I experienced...?
Best of luck...I'll try to get a picture of the broken mount and post it.
Cheers

 

[Boris]

Here's picture of the broken mount....I would highly recommend you reinforce yours with more steel before you install it on your bike...Also ....because you have the 330 rear tire you might have to make a new support bracket.
Best of luck

 

[BFB]

I have Trouble Makers on my 08 Mutt. They were on the bike when I bought it. Also had half the baffles reomoved prior. I have had no issues and they sound fantastic. Loud, deep throaty sound and they look great on the bike. My tire is a 250, so not sure about the bracket for your bike, but brackets are prett easy to make. Only issue I have is a hazy area on both heat shields. Not sure what the previous owner used to polish, but it is noticeable up close. Was thinking about re chroming. Hey Boris, still have the heatshields laying around for those hookers.

 

[vej]

I have 2008 Mastiff. I had the Hooker Troublemakers 2 in 2 on my bike....I absolutely LOVED this exhaust system...

The problem I had with it is the mount that held the pipes to my frame cracked. I called Hooker for a new bracket but found out they no longer make motorcycle exhaust systems....So I could of had a welding shop reinforce the bracket with more steel ...then send it out to get re-chromed......But I had a slight blemish on the pipe. (small dent) so I decided to purchase a V&H...It looks good......But.... I felt the Hooker sounded much throatier and had a nicer sweeping look ...That's my opinion.

FYI when I purchased my bike the hooker header was all ready on her. The pipe and all the hard wear was ceramic black...I sent every thing out to get chromed. I have no clue if the chemical process to remove the ceramic coating fatigued the metal and made that mount weaker.....But the bottom line is it cracked.

You have a Ridgeback witch is a much stiffer ride then my bike....If you get the header to fit properly you might have the same problem as I experienced...?
Best of luck...I'll try to get a picture of the broken mount and post it.
Cheers

Wasn't your fault... there's a reason Hooker doesn't make exhaust for bikes anymore. I have Troublemaker Darksides on my 08 Mastiff, good pipes...but, 1st the bolts hold the braket sheared off, the shop was surprised and ended up putting bolts from V&H in to replace those bolts. Then later while inspecting items on the bike a saw a "crack" on my bracket... while unbolting the bracket, the other 1/2 fell off, it wasn't a crack, it was split in 1/2 across the bolt hole! My cousin welded the bracket back up. I sprayed it with some black rustoleum and its been on my bike for another 10k so far...

 

[Boris]

BFB...Someone all ready asked about the Hooker exhaust system...If we can't agree on a number I'll shot you a e-mail.

VEJ...I got to Laugh...I also own the Limited Addition Mastiff.... She has a nice look with the powder coated rims. The Hooker Headers do look better then V&H..Best of luck with them and the bike.