V&H Classic II Baggers - PN#18369
Well if you have made up your mind to get serious about performance, then this is the logical first stop. Open up the pipes. Some people want more sound and aren't that concerned about performance and others want it all. I fall into that 2nd category, so the idea of drilling holes in the stock mufflers or trying to gut them to get them to sound better just didn't get it for me. Whether you are going to modify the fuel and air system components or not, these are a great addition. And no, I am not saying it isn't worth it to install them if your not going to do other things to increase performance, but do not expect to pop wheelies once you the pipes on the bike as the power gains from the pipes alone isn't that great. The sound of these is very nice, subtitle idle to mild wild when you get down on it.
The procedure isn't hard to do install these, but if you can get someone to help you, it will make it much easier.
Following the directions included with the pipes works well. The only thing that everyone has a problem with is the flanges where the rear muffler slides on to the header pipes. Most times due to welding at the factory, the muffler flange must be sanded down to remove the hump or rise that is usually inside the flange. It will be well worth your time to either use a dremel or a drill with a round coarse sanding bit to grind down the inside of that flange a bit before you get pissed off trying to get the 2 pieces to fit together.
This is the factory procedure....
Page 1 of 2 K360IN Rev. 4.0
KAWASAKI
NOMAD 1500
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Part #18369
CONGRATULATIONS! You have purchased the finest exhaust system available for your
motorcycle.
Your VANCE & HINES exhaust system is designed for today's rider, a rider who
needs maximum
performance, great styling and a perfect fit. Please follow the installation
instructions below and if
you have any questions, feel free to call our technical help line (562)
926-5291.
REMOVING THE STOCK EXHAUST SYSTEM
1. Remove the right hand frame cover, located below the right side of the seat.
2. Remove the two bolts from both left and right side saddle bags and set the
bags aside.
3. Remove the left hand muffler. Loosen the clamp at the slip joint. Remove the
two muffler
mounting bolts and twist the muffler down and out.
4. Remove the two bolts that mount the muffler box (the black box where the head
pipes merge).
5. Remove the two nuts from both front and rear head pipe flanges at the
cylinder head.
6. Remove the two mounting bolts from the right hand muffler, while supporting
the center of the
exhaust system. Remove the exhaust system from the motorcycle and set it aside.
INSTALLING YOUR NEW VANCE & HINES EXHAUST SYSTEM
1. Check that the stock exhaust gaskets are in good shape. If you have any
doubts as to their
condition replace them.
2. Install a chrome header flange (supplied) onto the front head pipe. Note: The
rear head pipe
flange is installed during manufacturing.
3. Install the heat shield to the front head pipe using the four hose clamps
(supplied). Unscrew all
of the hose clamps (supplied) until they are completely loose. Feed the tail end
of the hose
clamp into the clips on the inside of both heat shields. Place the front head
pipe into the heat
shield, wrap the hose clamp around the head pipe and give the screw three to
four turns, leaving
heat shield loose on the head pipe. Repeat this step with the heat shield on the
rear head pipe.
Note: The screw end of the hose clamp should be accessible, but not visible when
pipe is
mounted on the bike.
4. Install the rear head pipe with the heat shield attached, to the rear
cylinder using the stock nuts.
Leave them loose at this time.
5. Install the front head pipe with the heat shield attached, to the front
cylinder using the stock
nuts. Leave them loose at this time.
6. Slide a chrome muffler clamp (supplied) onto the inlet end of each muffler.
Install a 5/16” x 1
1/4” bolt with a flat washer on either side of the clamp followed by a lock nut
(supplied). Do this
to each muffler but leave the clamp loose at this time.
7. Slip the left muffler (stamped K615 on the bracket that is welded to the can)
onto the rear head
pipe. Note: The left and right muffler mounting brackets are offset from the
center line of the
muffler. If the mounting bracket on the muffler does not align with the mount on
the motorcycle,
try the opposite muffler. Refer to figure 1.
8. Insert the two 5/16” flat washer (supplied) in between the muffler mounting
bracket and the
stock rubber grommet. Refer to figure 1.
9. Mount the muffler using a 5/16”x 1 1/4” bolt and a 5/16” lock washer under
the head of the
bolt (hardware supplied).