Performance Pipes for 2008 Heritage

By Dennis Santopietro

Question I’m considering performance pipes for 2008 Heritage softail. I really like the true dual look—fish tails are neither here nor there. I really want to increase low-end power and cool the bike off as much as possible. I’m really looking for advice on a complete Stage 1 make-over. I THINK I’d prefer the Bassani true dual headers with either Mean Mother/Kerker slip-ons. Is this a possible fit? Would I be better off just going with Bassani everything? What power module and which air filter would you pick for this set-up?
My second choice is probably the same idea but with Samson true dual headers. The same questions apply. Lastly, If neither of the above combinations are possible, which 2-1 system would you recommend (along with the power manager and breather)?

Charles, ’08 Heritage Soft Tail


AnswerFrom SuperTrapp’s Jeff Wells:
Your goal of better bottom end torque and true duals don’t mix, by nature true dual head pipes lose a slight amount of bottom end torque compared to the stock head pipes, so if you are going to go that route, know this up front and also choose head pipes that stay with the smaller diameter primaries (1.75”). Also, by eliminating the cross-over of the stock system, true duals are substantially louder than stock when the same mufflers are used.As for mufflers, The Mean Mother Slip-Ons are designed for the 09-10 FLH, not the Softail. So you could go the route of the Kerkers or the SuperTrapp SE muffler on your Softail. Keep in mind again however that the true dual head pipes add substantially to the volume.

Now, for the best performance across the board, go the route of a SuperTrapp 2:1 SuperMeg, This system will provide the absolute best bottom end torque and pull thru the entire RPM range. As for a controller, many of them are fairly comparable, but some of the ‘self tune’ modules that retain the bikes fully closed loop system are the best way to go; Terry, Accel, etc. with a closed loop system there should be no need for dyno tunes. Air Intakes, there are many out there that work very well, many that don’t, go with a trusted company that has been doing it a long time, someone that is focused on performance, not just pointy shiny things that create more intake turbulence and loss of power. Regardless of your ultimate decision, get out and go ride and enjoy it. From Dennis at Fix My Hog: Check out SuperTrapp, PowerCommander, Wimmer and our Bolt-On DVDs to see how to install them all. -Wrench Safe, Team FMH



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Softail Performance Upgrades

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3 Responses to “Performance Pipes for 2008 Heritage”

  1. Paul Osborn

    Why would I need to remove the oil deflector from the primary cover if it's purpose is to lubricate the comensator assembly?

  2. Stephen Herbert

    I have to agree with many points raised by Jeff.Im running Samson true dual fishtails (+9") with a Harley Davidson Heavy breather air filter and Thundermax ignition on my 2011 Road King.As Jeff says there is a slight drop in torque at lower revs but you do gain a bit of top end power.True duals (Samsons in my case) are pretty bloody loud though as noted by Jeff.I love the look of these pipes and I reckon they'd look sick on your Heritage.The Heavy breather air filter also looks sick and I reckon HD have been in the game long enough to know what they're doing.Im very happy with the Thundermax ignition which is a complete replacement for the stock unit and it has the capability to alter the fuel air ratio to constantly give you the correct mixture so if your riding involves a bit of change in altitude it's a good thing.Finally Jeff's assertion that a 2-1 would give the best all round gains I also agree with and SuperTrapp are a reputable company who are well known for making pipes that work.Gotta say here I'm not connected to them in any way.Anyway whichever way you decide to go have fun giving it a go as none of this is difficult work.

  3. BUD Smith

    I have a 2014 Ultra Limited and when I first turn it on there is a ten or more second delay until anything comes on including the fuel injector . Sometimes I have to turn it off wait an turn it back on to get everything to come on. It has always come on immediately, I have had the fairing front removed and checked for loose connections and corrosion. I have replaced the battery in the FOD . What could be causing this problem? If your suggestion fixes this problem I will be glad to sign up for fix my hog.