Hey just a shout-out and thanks to whoever wrote (didn't the see the user name) the stage 1/2/3 tech article.
I pulled the cones off of my pipes and drilled the holes to get to stage 1 by following the instructions.
I don't have stock roadstar pipes. i was told by the fellow who sold me the bike that he put vstar 1100 pipes on it. anyway, the instructions worked just fine. i did two things differently than the instructions:

1. i left the exhaust on the bike.
2. after using a dremel to get rid of the welds, i could spin the cones around the inner pipe, but i couldn't get them out. since the cones are garbage anyway, i cut them vertically. this allowed me to fold the two halves of the cone inward. i could then get some vice grips on each 1/2 of the cone and twist it out.

very cool. the pipes sound a lot better now. not too loud and a good growl. our weather in MN isn't too bad .. not much snow and ice, but it is 30deg and there's sand on the road. i might brave a ride tomorrow to see if i get much backfire and check out the sound of the pipes at cruising speed.

thanks again,
don

Awesome! I am planning on doing this mod to my Grandfathers 99 R* as he want's better sound from it.

Cool, they do sound better....if thats your bike in the pic, those are roadstar pipes. No way 1100 pipes would bolt to our heads.

good to know about the pipes. i really have no idea. i know they were irritatingly quite and figured if i messed them up, i'd get new v&h or something. as it turns out i guess i can save my money for something else. i also ordered a progressive spring. that's coming in the mail soon another project ...

I have the Stage 3 mod on my pipes and they sound great. Not too loud with a nice low tone rumble. Very Happy with the sound.

Welcome to the slippery slope Let us know what aftermarket pipes you decide upon

I think that stage one modified stockers have one of the best sounding exhaust notes going. The only reason that I took mine off was because I was going after a long and low look so I replaced them with Roadhouse doolies which to my ears sound similar. The stockers looked good to me and my HD and Victory riding friends would compliment the look of those howitzers. Enjoy

i actually got out and road around yesterday and will tomorrow too (supposed to be mid 30's through christmas here in mn, so i'll be out and around). i really do like the sound. some of the dual exhausts sound better i think, but for the price tag, i might stay with my stock + stage 1