How to Install the Torque Cone on a Harley
by Thomas West
If you are like most Harley-Davidson owners, you like the look and sound of a straight exhaust with no mufflers. There is no mistaking the sound of a Harley motor with straight pipes. Some owners believe that by removing the mufflers and installing straight pipes, they are decreasing extra back pressure from stock muffler baffles and creating more horsepower. This is partially true, but decreasing the back pressure may actually decrease low-end torque and let unburned gases escape via the exhaust. By installing torque cones, the correct amount of torque and back pressure is achieved without spoiling the look and sound of running straight pipes.
Step 1
Remove the foot brake rod on the right hand side of the bike with an adjustable wrench and set it aside.
Step 2
Loosen and remove the exhaust pipe header bolts at the front of the engine block with an adjustable wrench. Set the bolts aside.
Step 3
Loosen and remove the rear exhaust pipe mounting bolts with an adjustable wrench. Set the bolts aside.
Step 4
Lower the front of the exhaust pipes so that the pipe opening is revealed. Do not remove the exhaust pipes.
Step 5
Insert the small end of a torque cone into each of the two exhaust pipe openings until the flange on the cones comes against the flange on the exhaust pipes.
Step 6
Raise the exhaust pipes back up and thread the head bolts and rear mounting bolts into position. Tighten all bolts with an adjustable wrench.
Step 7
Replace the foot brake rod and tighten it with an adjustable wrench. Start the bike and check for exhaust leaks at the engine block. Re-tighten the head bolts if necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Torque cones
Warnings
- If your bike has been run recently, let it cool down before attempting this procedure. If the exhaust pipes are hot, you could receive serious burns.
