Out for a Ride today... Harley V-Rod Discuss Out for a Ride today... in the Motorcycles forums; Out for a ride today, found some open road, when i started noticing a lot of unusual exhaust noise. On decel the bike started sputtering and backfiring. Remembering what i ...

[Motorcycleboy]

Out for a ride today, found some open road, when i started noticing a lot of unusual exhaust noise. On decel the bike started sputtering and backfiring. Remembering what i had read in online forums, i stopped immediately and found that i was now missing a nut holding the exhaust flange (holding headers to the motor). I went straight to the dealer, with the idea of a very simple fix (under warranty). The tech put on a new nut, but said that the exhaust gasket had been scorched from the leak, and as with all VRSC parts, they didn't have any. He ordered the part and sent me on my way saying that the bike probably wouldn't run quite right until the gasket comes in. He was right. The service writer said I was the second V-Rod with this problem this week. Any thoughts?

[milindh]

I'd get several sets of spares and keep one set on the bike somewhere. On Big Twins the SE gaskets are more squishy and I like that. You can get aftermarket gaskets identical to the SE ones real cheap. I also carry a 3/8" ratchet and socket to tighten 'em up along with a combination wrench to pull the plugs if I have to.

[rjrivero]

After a couple heat/cool cycles, you need to put a wrench on these bolts. Every time you have the exhaust off, you should check these bolts again after a few heat/cool cycles. After 1000 miles or so, they should be good to go.

It's almost impossible to get a torque wrench on them, so use your best judgment and a calibrated box wrench to get them close to "spec."

Some folks double nut them, but I never have. I also have a spare set of gaskets in the garage, just in case my laziness gets the best of me.