GL1800 Gold Wing Vance & Hines Monster Slip On Mufflers

I had been admiring the look and sound on the video for some time. So when I got a financial windfall I ordered these despite costing more than other type mufflers. I am extremely happy with the sound and performance increases (torque and horsepower). Only a little difficult to line up with the tangs in chrome covers. Used new exhaust gaskets (06 Black Cherry Airbag with 21K) just because, they really didn't look in bad condition. Installed on the ground and had to use a rubber hammer to get them to seat completely. Not really a problem though. Only 4 stars for me (I would have done 5 for the product) due to the fact that the Vance & Hines factory failed to package all of the hardware needed and it took me 3 communications to get the correct hardware sent to me before I could do the install. Very frustrating considering the price charged for their product. Would still buy again though. Great pipes-great sound-great chrome, look awesome. A friend said with the 6 cylinder GoldWing engine they actually sound more like a car than a motorcycle.

I believe the sound on the video was enhanced somewhat, because the tone is lower and "beefier" in the video than what I experienced on my 08' GL1800. Only way to get them to "growl" is to hit the throttle hard. I come from an Indian motorcycle background - did not expect them to roar like my Indian, but they did not sound the same as the video. That is why I dropped it down a star. They were easy to put on, just a hassle to align up the tabs to the front shield. Did the project myself. Good quality. One side has a tendency to turn "pinkish".

Won this exhaust on the Wingstuff drawing they had and I will say I am really impressed with them. Gas mileage is about the same but feels like it has more power and the sound is nice not to loud but has a good sound and looks great.

After researching the different exhaust systems available for the Wing I decided on these and was not dissapointed. The sound is not loud but rather subdued as is fitting a Wing. Very much like a sports car. Installation was a lttle tight on the right side but the left side slipped right on. Quality of chrome is as good as factory pipes but the styling is what sold me on these pipes. The large tips look great under the bags and the length is good on my 2010 model. If you are looking for loud these are not the pipes for you but if you appreciate a fine sports car and unbeatable quality look no further.

These mufflers look great and there is no question about the quality.

My bike is brand new which made the removal and fitting easier (no need for new gaskets). It took me just over 30 min to remove the OEM mufflers and fit these. However, I had my bike up on a bike lift so I was able to sit comfortably next to the bike on a small stool and was able to use both hands and knees to support the muffler while lining the tangs and pushing the muffler in place.

The right side was a little bit stubborn but after slightly bending the tangs outwards to allow the chrome cover to slide over the muffler, it went in without further problems.

The good:
I already mentioned the quality. They also sound great. Definitely a more gruntier sound and barely louder than OEM under normal throttle. But with a more aggressive throttle and running higher revs in each gear, you can certainly hear they are not OEM pipes and has a nice growl or bark to them and other road users will hear you coming. Personally I think they are still just a little bit too quiet as I was hoping it would bring out more of the boxer sound.

The bad:
I think these were made for the 2010 and earlier models because they are a few inches back from the rear of the saddlebags. That is a shame because it gives the bike an incomplete look. For the price I was expecting a better look. The image on Wingstuff only shows them fitted to the 2010 model which is misleading. They really should also show them fitted to a 2012 model so that people can decide before buying.

They are heavy. I weighed them - 13.5kg for both vs 9.5kg for the OEM. That is an additional 4kg (8.8 lb) that you could've used for luggage.

In summary, I'm generally happy with the quality and the sound but 1 star off for the length and weight. But I will buy them again.