Yes, one or two members did a long time ago. At least one had his bike dyno'd before and after and there was no appreciable change in power. I think the bottom end came up one horsepower but that was more likely due to a different dyno run than the change in the exhaust.
The cats do not restrict much at all, and they do not seem to make enough heat to bother with either.
Removing them is difficult because they are harder than steel tools. The best way to remove them is to cut the pipes off in front and behind the cat. converters and then weld a length of pipe back in place. A lot of work for very little or no gain IMO.
Removing the cats also increases air pollution. I am not a super- environmentalist or tree hugger or anything similar but on the other hand, why make more of a mess than you have to? We get to ride as much bike with as much Hp as we choose, or can afford, why go out of our way to make them run [less clean] than they have to? Catalytic converters really do burn a lot of hydrocarbons that would otherwise make it into the atmosphere and do it at very little cost (power, heat, initial expense, etc.). I guess I think of it like changing your motor oil; nothing wrong with changing the oil but you don't have to pour the old stuff in the gutter either.... it is just as easy to pour it into a container and have it recycled. OK, end of sermon.
Brian
Has anyone tried removing the cats from the stock system? If so, would it be recommended? Already have the pcv, flies out and air filter, but I'm thinking popping those suckers out of there would open her up a bit...
