Question, Which Headers/Downpipes please?

Aviacom

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Hi,

I'm wanting to change my stock headers off my 2012 GS1200, for a de cat set.
It's the Triple Black version.

My question is, will the headers from an earlier GS1200 fit my model/year?
If so, which model/year should I look at?
If so then I can start looking at aftermarket de cat headers from other year GS's.

I'm on a budget too I'm afraid.

I don't have the flappy valve in mine as I have an aftermarket (Delkevic link pipe and End Can).

Look forward to your help.
Many Thanks
 
All years headers will fit your bike.
BUT, only TC, 2010 onwards, headers will line up with your link pipe and silencer. The outlet pipe is a bigger diameter than the earlier SC.
If you're after a performance increase and on a budget, save your money and put it towards a Hilltop remap or else a pair of AF XiED units.
There's plenty of anecdotal evidence that de-cat headers make a difference, I was one of them!
But a recent thread on the LC section said that someone had their bike dyno'd before and then after a de-cat. No difference!
Fix the fueling first and you'll not need to change the headers.
Been there, done that. :cool:
 
If you want to scrap the flappy valve get a up to 09 system.
If you want to keep the later model silencer and or the flappy valve, get a later header.
I think the one you are seeing is the later type.
The Remus Hexacone can makes less noise with decat headers than the OEM silencer.
According to Geoff at Hilltop, the engine risks running weak with decat headers and free flow can. Contrary to the LC findings, that suggests it will make more power when remapped.
I always use really sound blocking earplugs so a loud can does not make me feel any faster. The Akraprovic system felt faster than Remus headers with OEM can which felt faster than the OEM catalyst system.
Fitting a Power Commander 5 (poor mans remap) made the thing fly. I had to recalibrate my head to avoid losing my licence. A remap or AF-XiED is the better option.
 
Bendytoy.

My system at the moment is Stock OEM headers, with Delkevic link pipe and End Can.

I personally took out the flappy valve as it was seized!

So, as the OEM headers look very untidy and are a bit bashed, I want to replace them with de cat headers.

I'm useless at this kind of thing so if you could explain to me from what exact year I need to look for, etc, etc, to fit my existing link pipe and can please?

Can't afford the remap or Axfied unfortunately.
Thanks in advance
 
Aviacom said:
So, will these fit mine?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371928521370?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Click to expand...

Looks like they will ok. But £300 for a well polished, second hand set? Re map or AF XiED's only slightly more money. :rolleyes:
Think you would be paying a premium for the Remus name. There's plenty come up on the forum and eBay for less and they're only bits of pipe leading to the silencer. Don't do anything special.
Looks like you will still need the link pipe to connect to the silencer.
You may feel a slight increase in vibration, that's why BMW go to the expense of fitting a balance pipe in the stock headers. Despite all the BS (opinions) you may find on the forum, they do know how to build an efficient exhaust system that produces the best power with an exhaust level that doesn't encourage neighbourhood vigilante groups.
Just about all of the available aftermarket silencers, actually reduce power output.
 
So to be clear.

Even tho I have ditched the flappy valve on my bike, and I already HAVE THE DELKEVIC LINK PIPE AND END CAN, a set of 2009 headers will fit my 2012 GS?
 
Noooo...!
These old farts have got you confused because they didn't read until the end of your post.
2004 until end of 2009 were called single cams(SC) and from 2010 until the LC's, are known as the twin cams(TC). Easiest way to tell is SC has four cam cover bolts and TC has two. Yours is definitely a TC.
The SC never had a flappy valve and so, had the same diameter pipe all the way from the join to the end can.
The TC had the accursed flappy valve between the headers and the end can and, to allow for the valve, the end of the header pipe and the end can are of a larger diameter than the SC. This is where your link pipe comes in. It simply replaces the flappy valve.

To summerise.
You can fit a complete SC or TC system, including end pipe, to either a TC or SC.
What you can't do(easily) is to mix and match headers and end pipes.
If you fit a 2009 set of headers to your TC, you'll need an SC end pipe to go with it. Yours won't fit the SC headers.
 
In short the exhaust ports and mountings are all the same so complete systems can be interchanged over all hexhead models. You can't (easily) mix TC parts with SC parts.
To further confuse things, headers and silencers can be mixed and matched but not between SC & TC.

I noticed no vibration difference with Remus headers. I think they are the only ones with no balance pipe.
 
On my 2013 GSA, I've got Remus de-cat headers and also removed the flappy valve thing. There's an BMW Akro can on the end and this set up works great. I had a race can and that was a bit too loud. I can recommend the Remus kit, well made and fits great
 
Brother has a Remus header with Remus Hexacone can. Even without baffles, it's quieter than the BMW Akraprovic can
 
The guy has already said that he's on a budget and all the talk is about expensive systems that, at best, will give similar power to stock.
Or is it all about the name and the extra noise? :cool:
 
Good quality is cheaper in the long run. Remus headers look good and don't tarnish too badly. You can follow with their silencer (or any other) at a later date. You need to fully unplug the O2 sensors for fitting.

If buying used, the single cam versions should be less money. Don't worry about patina. They all tarnish with use.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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