Exhaust Clamps

Brly · Apr 26, 2011

I recently got a whole new exhaust system from Commando Specialties. When I got my bike, the PO had a 2-1 header with some super cheap muffler on it so I have no prior experience with the stock setup, but the Commando Specialties rig went on with no problems. The only thing is that the clamps they sent for the header/muffler joint are to big. They're nice chrome clamps but they bottom out before they tighten up. I thought about putting shims under the clamps, and I may end up doing that, but I was just curious if anyone else has run into this. I'm just curious if they sent me the wrong clamps by accident.

Really though, for the money, I'm impressed with the CS exhaust. I figure I'll get my use out of them if they last a few riding seasons and then I'll make more decisions.

Ben

bpatton · Apr 26, 2011

Maybe they sent big bore clamps. Moose and Cobra make some nice clamps, Moose has a wide range of sizes.

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/search/se ... Categories

builder · Apr 26, 2011

I'm guessing that you received the correct clamps...while the CS exhaust and mufflers are a great vaule, the clamps in the kit are junk...I throw them straight into the garbage.

The Moose brand clamps as bpatton linked to are exactly what I use, but I buy them from Grainger...way less expensive from Grainger.

davidpnorton · Apr 26, 2011

Same thing happened to me , they just sent the wrong ones.

Shoot Duane an email & he'll send you the new ones. He is fast & great to deal with.

DogT · Apr 26, 2011

builder said:
.... but I buy them from Grainger...way less expensive from Grainger.

Do you have a Grainger part number? I can't find them.

Dave
69S

bpatton · Apr 26, 2011

DogT said:
Do you have a Grainger part number? I can't find them.

Dave
69S

this might be one, there's a lot of them
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/IDEAL- ... Pid=search

DogT · Apr 26, 2011

Too bad, I don't think they will fit on my S. I have very limited space as you can see. These are the Clubman, they are OK except I had to use a shorter bolt and saw it off, and the little half-cylinder shaped thingies under the bolt head and nut are aluminum and don't hold up too good. You can see I used some washers to try to help.

Dave
69S

britbike220 · Apr 26, 2011

I ordered mufflers from CS, excellent value and the clamps I currently have do the same as you describe, tighten before gripping the muffler to header leaving the two loose. The headers I have must be a bit small or the muffler too large. I just cut some shims from an aluminum can and put between the muffler and the header not inbetween the clamp. I called duane at CS and he actaully sent me a set of adapters free of charge that I didn't need, but he was very helpful. Long story short, use shims it's easy and cheap.

builder · Apr 26, 2011

bpatton said:
DogT said:

Do you have a Grainger part number? I can't find them.

Dave
69S

Click to expand...

this might be one, there's a lot of them
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/IDEAL- ... Pid=search

Pretty sure those are it...I'd have to confirm with a part number on the slip though. There will be a lot of extra bolt left over that can be cut off when fully clamped down. I have a Grainger less than a mile from me, but I have to look at an old receipt every time I go pick up a box of them as I can't remember the exact number off hand.

The reason I use these is they flat out work. Tighten down once and forget about them. I know one collector that lurks but rarley posts on this forum changed his collection of Commandos to this style clamp after seeing how clean they look and how well they work. Honestly, I wish they were a little more "bling" but they function so well, function over form wins this battle.

DogT · Apr 26, 2011

The Cobra type (Graingers) look real nice to tighten, but they look too long for my use. I can only tolerate a bolt head on one side and the nut on the other. Otherwise it hits the shield or the side panel. I ordered 2 Moose type from Chrome Addiction in PA. They appear to come with Allen head screws, and if necessary, I can replace with hex. The CS ones look a lot like the Andover ones, I wasn't impressed with them, they seem to bend to easily. My originals were stamped metal and they too would bend under pressure from the bolt before the silencer really clamped.

Didn't mean to hijack this thread, but it is somewhat relevant.

Dave
69S

Brly · Apr 26, 2011

Thanks for the info guys. I'll try to shim mine for now, seems like a lot to shim though. If I can't get that to work, at least I know an alternative.

It's coming along fast now. Rearsets should be in by this weekend, along with the front brake line. I might even try to fire it up, just need to rig a fuel tank. Heck, I might even be riding this thing in a few weeks! Hard to believe.

Thanks,
Ben

Hobot · Apr 26, 2011

Gosh I'm so ashamed to admit how many items out of Harley catalogs end up on my factory Cdo and my special such as SS robust compact header clamps with just one bolt or screw head to clear. Ms Peel leaned so far over I had to rotate fasteners up under if road contact didn't half grind off or shove out the way 1st.

J&P Big Book is my standard to leaf though on favorite seat. Some selections pricey for BI standards but see if its worth it like me.
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/4400250

DogT · May 4, 2011

Those look like real nice clamps Steve. I didn't see them before I ordered the Moose though, got them today. Moose on right, Clubman on left. Mucho besser.

Here's how they go on my 'S'. Seem to work just a treat.

Funny thing, say made in USA, but are metric Allen head.

Dave
69S

swooshdave · May 4, 2011

DogT said:
Funny thing, say made in USA, but are metric Allen head.

Dave
69S

You are old. :mrgreen:

bpatton · May 4, 2011

Dave, you may have mentioned this already, but which size did you get and where did you get'em?
Thanks

DogT · May 4, 2011

Bob, no I didn't mention it, I got them from Chrome Addiction in Erie, PA, they were the closest to me, $11.95 ea. 18610679, 1.44-1.58". Kirk is in Central Zone somewhere. They come in all sizes, look them up on the Moose or Kirk site and they give all the dimensions. Real dimensions too, not like the Clubman ones which I had to send back for the smaller ones. I measured the outside of the silencer where it goes over the header with my vernier calipers (1.5") and they fit fine and don't bend when tightening. Only complaint is the bolt looks to be plated, I may replace it with a stainless one.

Dave, yes, very old and I feel it too. Some days more than others.

Dave
69S

bpatton · May 4, 2011

Dave, Thanks. I'm going to try Chrome Addiction. Dennis Kirk has the 1.44"-1.58" down as 'expected soon'. I hope the shingles is going to be a short experience. I developed it at 27, and I didn't like it one bit, but there are some meds out there that can lessen the severity and duration. Get plenty of rest, eat right, and take Geritol every day

Hobot · May 4, 2011

Bob could ya ping me private, got a gift for ya.
hobot@madisoncounty.net

I'm confused on how hard to clamp, solid no slipping tight or just enough to hold together but allowing some slip-slide. Fractured headers and Lords mounts are my concern, besides nil clanking-clattering to get to pavement.

Exhaust Clamps

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