Freedom Performance Exhaust True Dual Racing System

Freedom Performance Exhaust (FPE) manufactures a full line of exhaust system components designed to enhance the look, sound, and performance of your motorcycle. Currently specializing in the V-Twin sector of the industry, FPE manufacturers exhaust components for selected models by Harley-Davidson, Victory, Yamaha, and Indian. 

FPE recommends Daytona Twin Tec's plug-and-play fuel injection management tuners to accompany the FPE exhaust systems. The Twin Tec Tuner II allows you to easily adjust your fuel injection and ignition to match the requirements of performance parts including high compression pistons/heads, camshafts, free flowing exhausts, and low restriction air filters. You can add or subtract fuel (up to +30% or down to -20%) and retard spark timing up to 10 degrees. 

Click here to purchase Freedom Performance Exhaust products.

Cycle Matters agreed to evaluate the Freedom Performance Racing True Duals exhaust system including true dual headers and compatible racing slip-on mufflers – chrome with black tips. The install was planned for a 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUSE (Twin Cam 110), Ultra Classic.

FPE shipped the headers and mufflers in a tightly packaged container witheach section individually wrapped in soft wrap, within a plastic bag, and with formed foam separating each section. The four sections, two headers and two mufflers, were accompanied by a small package of bolts, t-bolts, worm clamps, and brackets.

The external packaging was roughed up a bit, but the packing and contents were uncompromised during shipping.

Of course polished chrome looks nice when new, and the FREEDOM RACING TRUE DUALS were no exception. The pipes looked great!

Features according to FPE:

• Manufacturing process:
  • Triple nickel tubing
  • Fitment and sizing to engineering specs
  • Dual 02 sensor ports
  • Drenched in high quality custom chrome
                       
    
    
• Triple step headers to create increase in torque and horsepower. A triple step header is a design and manufacturing process beginning with the diameter of the header (where it connects to the cylinder). The tubing is enlarged twice at calibrated distances from the cylinder to increase airflow away from the cylinder and attain optimum performance. This is accomplished by welding larger diameter (typically in one-eighth inch increments), tubing to the one before it.
                                   
  
  
• Racing slip-on mufflers - chrome with black tip. 
  
  • Four inch (4”), muffler can for looks, sound, and performance
  • Muffler comes with 2-1/2" baffles
  • Special acoustic packing for a rich deep tone
  • Billet end cap
    
    
• Two and one-half inch (2.5”), blue proof heat shields - the largest on the market.
  
  
• Slash up or slash down rotating end tips
  
  
• Stainless hardware & brackets for muscle and rust prevention
  
  
• Silky smooth hot rod sound
  
  
• Options:
  • Interchangeable baffles for performance and sound options
  • Headers and mufflers offered in black or chrome
  • End tips offered in black or chrome
  • Headers accommodate FPE lineup of mufflers
    
    
• FPE headers and mufflers are compatible with OEM components

Installation

Instructions are provided and the install is easy as long as instructions are followed and you bring along a little patience. Installation is similar to piecing a puzzle together. Each piece must follow the correct preceding piece, and by doing so, there will be no difficulties because the Freedom Performance Exhaust components are made to fit.   No alteration required. 

Also, for do it yourselfers, life will be simpler if you’ve planned ahead and have the correct tools. You will not need a lot of tools, but you will need a regular and Phillips screwdriver, long sockets, and Torx and Allen wrenches that fit in small and difficult to reach places. A good crescent wrench is also a must have. As long as you have access to these tools in incremental sizes, you will do just fine. 

A torque wrench is useful but not mandatory. You should also have Loctite available for assembly.

Before beginning, lay out the new headers and mufflers and familiarize yourself with accompanying parts pack. 

The install is basically in two parts: removal of the current system including brackets, and assembly of the new FPE system. It is best to remove existing components and lay them aside to conveniently reclaim any parts needed for the new system; e.g., the flanges and circlips.

The FPE Racing True Duals exhaust system fits together like a glove and in a matter of time you can step back and admire the new look.

These true duals complement the look of your motorcycle, running two independent head pipes, one for the right and one for the left side, this system looks awesome.

Notice the clean and straight lines complimenting the appearance of this Harley-Davidson. Also, notice the 4" diameter muffler and 2-1/2" blue proof heat shields.

Perhaps more could be said but you know what they say about photos: i.e., “…worth a thousand words!” 

Operation/Performance

As stated earlier, FPE recommends re-mapping to maximize performance gains. 

When installation of the new FPE system was complete, we were ready to experience any changes in the motorcycles’ operation in two primary areas of operation: power and sound. We also wanted to record miles per gallon.

Power and sound are impressive! 

Performance

It has become standard practice to subject a motorcycle to one or more dynamometer runs, by a reliable operator, to evaluate performance as measured by torque and horsepower. In order for dyno run tests to be reliable, variables like temperature of the engine must be controlled.

Results provide bragging rights and/or recommendations for further performance enhancements along with speculation about how these enhancements may influence the motorcycles operation.

Our questions had more to do with how the FPE system would translate to riding this motorcycle in typical roadway and touring conditions.

Our questions were as follows. Does the newly equipped motorcycle:

• Start easily when the engine is cold? 
• Move from a stop and into traffic with sufficient power?
• Maneuver city traffic with sufficient power at low rpm as long as gearing is reasonable?
• Move easily with traffic at high speeds (and be able to manage automobile operators), in bumper-to-bumper traffic on an interstate highway, where maniacal automobile operators are the rule, rather than the exception?
• Pull mountainous roadways with ease and authority when fully loaded? 
• Just for fun: if a Riding Buddy pulls alongside and signals “Lets Go!”…can you roll on the throttle and expect good outcomes?

We are very satisfied on all variables. The engine is responsive to throttle with no evidence of sputtering. Power is not only sufficient, but torque and power are impressive at low rpm and throughout the power band.

The H-D Ultra is a big bike weighing in at 887 lbs. plus another 400+ lbs for operator, passenger, and luggage. Acceleration is immediate putting moving into traffic and maneuvering in traffic on the motorcycle operator’s terms.

Pulling grades on mountain roadways with ease, the H-D has power to spare! 

Last but not least, you can roll on the throttle at highway speeds to test your mettle and have a little fun. You may not always end up in front, but you will not be embarrassed.    

We calculate a minimum of 20% increase in power band as evidenced by our appraisal and presentation in the preceding discussion. Granted these are “soft and subjective” appraisals, but they are real and take into consideration: acceleration, perception of torque, gear requirements, speed, lug of engine, and safe operation during highway riding.

Sound

The sound is an impressive low base, back of the throat sound that comes across different depending on idle, acceleration, coasting, downshifting, etc. All good. 

When accelerating, if you want a bit of attention, roll on the throttle and let the automobile operators near you know of your presence. If you want to blend in, you can do that too. Simply keep the rpms low and don’t overwork the engine. Sure, the sound is there but sophisticated. 

When decelerating, engine compression is released by a gentle and smooth rumble, and at idle, its potato, potato, potato. It sounds like a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Miles per gallon:

• Prior to install:      41.85
• Post install:           40.47

Value

Freedom Performance Exhaust’s Racing True Duals Chrome w/Chrome or Black Tips may be purchased as a system at $899.99.   The same system is available in all black for $989.99.

As always, shop around. Cycle Matters does not benefit from your choice to purchase or not to purchase the FPE system. But, for a total of $899.99 to 989.98 you have performance, sound, and appearance upgrades that you can be happy with. Remember, you can complete the install yourself. 

Summary

Freedom Performance Exhaust’s Racing True Duals and compatible slip-on mufflers are the perfect match for the Harley-Davidson utilized in this review. Excellent performance, sound, and appearance all contribute to the quality of these products. 

We give them a high rating because this represents our appraisal of these motorcycle accessories. 

FPE provided this True Dual Racing exhaust system for review.

Feel free to send your comments, questions, or topics for further discussion.