Life is terrifying. I like simple shit, like working on bikes and riding free. Too much about life revolves around control and complicated regulations, and it's getting worse. But in this case everything is easy, uncomplicated and this mod revolves around a 2009 H-D touring model. Amazing.

Now for the human element. We rolled over to Bennett's Performance in Long Beach, since they had a new 2009 Road King on hand from Westminister Harley-Davidson. "The last time you were here, you took a shot of my bald spot," Bob Bennett said as I walked into the shop. Consequently, I tried to shoot the back of his head in most shots during this operation.

This is a California model so it comes with a honeycomb catalytic converter stuffed into the head pipe and the initial dyno run indicated 62 horses and 73 pounds of torque. This is a 96- inch twin cam and that power score was below Evo standards in the '80s.

Isn't California bitchin'. It once was the home of the freedom loving folks. Now it's home to several bureaucratic bombs, regulating anything that breathes (smoking) or uses oil. I better leave that topic alone. Did you know that motorcycles, all motorcycles, contribute less than 1% of all regulated emissions?

I gotta back off of that bullshit before I get pissed off and start throwing shit. We started with the D&D Boss slip-on mufflers. Here's the description from D&D:

New 2009 Harley-Davidson FLH Slip-On Exhaust Kit

Fresh from the R&D department comes our new set of BOSS slip-on exhaust pipes specifically built for the 2009 Harley- Davidson FLH motorcycles.

Get It Straight Jack!

The 2009 FLH exhausts on stock Baggers are cantered in. D&D spent a number of R&D cycles to create a straight slip-on that is parallel to the rear wheel. These mufflers straighten out the stock pipe that comes slanted-in from the factory. We added additional length to the muffler, which produced greater performance from a pipe that fits and looks right.

The pipes are available in Midnight Black or Chrome, Back or Slant cut. The exhaust system provides improved sound quality while still maintaining a civil tone.

The 548-11/12 slip-on mufflers are designed exclusively for the 2009 Harley-Davidson touring models. The performance kit from D&D Performance Enterprises includes mufflers, all necessary hardware, inlet heat shields, and Zipper’s Hi-Flow Air Cleaner. This system produces as much as 10 HP for improved performance and fuel economy across the RPM range.

Installation note from D&D:Due to a slight difference in rear mounts the use of additional spacers and bolts may be required. To check your pipes for proper alignment, install pipes without bolting up the rear mounts. Step to the rear of the bike and raise or lower until it's visually aligned. Then determine if the additional spacers are needed. Install spacers and bolts as necessary.

Another amazing aspect of this operation is the time and tools involved. Even with a substantial shooting-the-shit time, this entire operation took less than a half hour, so let's haul ass.

Loosen the clamp holding the muffler to the head pipe. Remove the bags and remove the two bracket bolts from the crash bar mounting location. Pull the muffler off and replace it with the new Boss from D&D. That's it, goddamnit, but don't forget to remove and discard the stock muffler clamp. We forgot the first go-around.

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