Victory Motorcycle Forum banner

Victory cross county tri oval exhaust review.

47K views 79 replies 34 participants last post by  Marco57 
#1 ·
 
#3 ·
Great review and really good sounding pipes. The fit and finish look much better than the heat covers on the stockers and original S1 pipes. Any pops on decel with these?
 
#10 ·
Didn't hear any popping when he was revving it up and dropping it down. If he had the factory S1 kit added and doesn't dick around with the O2 sensors, my bet is that he'll never know what a pop sounds like.

The internals of that pipe are essentially the same as the original S1 i.e. a straight pipe. The difference is the new one feeds the two little decorative cylinders before it exits. I agree the design of the new ones looks nicer in a modern sense. The old S1 pipes use the heat shields from the stockers (only the internals are changed). The stock heat shields are shiny chrome and their fit & finish looks fine to me, but admittedly, I don't spend a lot of time stooped over gawking at them. But anyway, I'd also bet that the internal pipe in those Cobras is roughly the same dimensions as the original S1 and that it runs the same S1 map.
 
#5 · (Edited)
First off, thanks to RBL for the video, helped me make my decision. cheers

I’ve been looking to add a Stage 1 kit to my 12 XCT, however wasn’t sure which one to go with. I just bought the bike in Feb 13 and was rear-ended shortley after (that's in another thread). While it was in the shop I asked about some aftermarket pipes, Tech recommended the Tri-Oval Stage 1 kit. I explained that I wanted pipes that weren’t too loud, throaty at idle and not too loud when cruising. I asked about the Big-Honkers / D & Ds. He said for what I was looking for he thought the Honkers may be a little too loud and the D & Ds were a little “tinny” sounding. He also mentioned that the Tri-Ovals would only require a flash, not an aftermarket tuner. Since the bike was torn apart anyway they gave me a decent deal on the Stage 1 (about $350 off normal cost). Ok, so after the tech’s recommendation and watching the video I gave the thumbs up. When I picked up the bike they cranked it up and I was happy with the sound at idle. When opening up the bike they sound off and when cruising they aren’t too loud, no headaches. On my initial test ride I cruised up to the mountains and didn’t experience that much popping on decal, a lot less than I expected. Sure you will get a pop here and there but that’s to be expected, right? I like the way these pipes look on the bike, seems like a custom fit. BL, I believe these are a keeper. thumb up
 
#15 ·
D&D;s are far from tinny. IMO they sound the best and are not too loud. Always getting compliments on the sound and looks. I had the Tri Ovals on my 1700 Kawasaki and I liked them but they were definitely more of a tinny sound where the D&D's were deeper with a much more throaty note under acceleration. D&D's were also designed for the Vic stage1 one flash. They state it on their web site. The dealer will always lean you toward Vic authorized parts.

As far as breaking in the Tri-ovals as someone stated above. I believe they are not a wrapped pipe. Mine were not wrapped. There would not be a change in sound with a performance core into a "Y" pipe welded at the end. Cruisercustomizing.com has a video on Tri-ovals and they pull them apart so you can see what's inside.

I'm not being negative on the Tri ovals but the facts have been presented for those that are considering the D&D's. You wont be disappointed either way.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for posting the vid.

Listening to pipes while the bike is sitting still ... blipping the throttle, etc allows a person to know what those pipes sound like to every one else.

What I find most important is what they will sound like to ME and where am I gonna be when I hear them you ask? On the bike riding of course.

How about a sound / vid of that?
 
#8 ·
What I find most important is what they will sound like to ME and...
... the wife;-).

I test rode an XC with the Tri-Ovals and they are just about perfect for my sensibilities. Great, satisfying, not-too-much sound.

Price is an issue and the dealer says he can't come off it because he has to buy the filter and flash (just north of $200) I prefer my own tuning air/fuel options.

YMMV




Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App
 
#9 ·
Just finished installing the tri ovals, and they have a great sound, and look great. Very plaesed with them!!
 
#19 · (Edited)
I have the original stage 1 flash, filter and pipes. I wanted to get the tri-ovals after hearing some sound clips on you tube. Went to the dealer and can't get the pipes by themsleves. Have to buy ANOTHER stage 1 kit. Cobra doesn't have a part number for Victory. Sure looks like a Cobra pipe. Now I would have to buy another aftermarket pipe like CFR's or V&H if I don't wanna pay the G note again. BUT I really want the tri ovals......wac
 
#13 ·
I've had the Tri Ovals with a Lloyds air filter and the Victory map since day one on my 2012 CCT. Day one was only 2.5 weeks ago and I only have 2100 miles on them. The Tri Ovals were installed by my excellent dealer, Randy's Cycle.

IMHO, the pipes are near perfect. They sound throaty and deep at idle. When you're riding down the highway they're fine. They are NOT loud. Yet when you get on it under acceleration, you know you have an aftermarket exhaust system. Congratulations to Cobra and to Victory for an excellent design.
 
#14 ·
Great to hear all of the positive feedback about the Tri-Ovals. I am just selling my 2004 Kingpin and have ordered a 2013 CCT with Tri-Ovals. There were several other aftermarket exhaust systems that I was considering but my dealer (Chesapeake Cycles in Annapolis, Maryland) convinced me that the Tri-Ovals were the way to go. My buddy and I are planning a cross-country trip in September (northern route out, southern route returning)...I'm sure that by the time we get back, the Tri-Ovals will be completely broke in. I'll let you know if there is any difference before and after!
 
#16 ·
It came down to D & D vs the tri ovals for me, couldnt go wrong either way, but the look of the tri ovals put it over the d&d for me. thumb upthumb up
 
#21 ·
The Tri Ovals are indeed made by Cobra. You may want to try another dealer because mine certainly allows you to purchase either the entire Tri Ovals package or just the Tri Ovals themselves. Certainly if you already have the Victory fuel map downloaded and the K&N type air cleaner. My most excellent dealer, Randy's Cycle in Marengo, IL, even substituted the K&N type air filter for the Lloyds air filter. I only had to pay the difference in price between the two air filters.
 
#22 ·
I went to Mesa Victory on the recommendation of AZ Dave. Certainly nice enough people and I bought some apparel there. I asked the guy behind the parts counter and he told me there was no was no way to,order the pipes separate the pipes from the rest of the stage 1 kit, even knowing that all I wanted was the pipes because I had the stage 1 from Ma Vic already. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm. Thanks for the info...... I will have to,ask,around at other dealers since Cobra doesn't have Victory on their web site,,hence no part numbers from them.
 
#24 ·
They can order the pipes and flash card separate but it sounds like alot of dealers are just plain lazy or not very interested in you business.
 
#26 ·
I asked paul at hondaeasttoledo and he said you cant order just the tri ovals without the kit. Would have saved me some $$$ for sure
 
#32 · (Edited)
My dealer, Randy's Cycle, likely just breaks out the pricing himself to accomodate their customers. In my case, my CCT was brand new so I needed the Tri Ovals, the fuel map download and the performance filter. I wanted the Lloyds air filter so they simply put the Victory Performance air filter in their stock to sell to the next customer who wants one. They only charged me the difference in price between the two air filters.

The other day when I was their buying the 4.5 quart oil change kit, they were wrinting up another customer on the Tri Ovals kit. That customer already had the download and the air filter so they only charged him for the Tri Ovals.

Certainly not all dealers are as accomodating as Randy's Cycle and simply go 'by the book'. Yes, I know, I'm blessed to have a dealer like Randy's Cycle as my dealer. If your dealer isn't accomodating, give Randy's Cycle a call (877-586-9446) and do your business with them.
 
#31 ·
So what happens if you were to get into an accident or mishap where the exhaust is damaged and needs to be replaced? Are they going to make you buy the whole S1 setup just to replace the damaged pipes? Probably doesn't matter, Polaris would probably charge more for 1 pipe than for the whole S1 kit together kind of like they do with the saddlebags. The way Polaris prices some of their stuff is crazy IMO. My last bike was a suzuki M50 which was not a popular motorcycle and they did not sell or make too many of them but the replacement parts for it were much more reasonable than ones I have seen price for the Vics. A painted plastic side cover for the zuki was $150, for the Vic it is close to $400. If you look up the parts for the saddlebags they want as much for a lid as you can just buy the whole set for. Sorry about the rant, leaving for Maggie Valley in a few minutes to check out some cool old motorcycles.
 
#33 ·
yah that is a good point to bring up to whomever on this forum ahs Ma Vic's ear. Is there any flexibility on thier part to replace only the pipes if (A) the customer already has a Stage 1 Vic kit and wants a better looking pipe or (B) has the pipes damaged by collison,upset or other such malfeasence? There should be some common sense on the part of the manufacturere in these cases......
 
#35 ·
I don't know but maybe Polaris was involved with some R&D with Cobra on the Tri Ovals/air filter and the fuel map. Maybe, maybe not. There's likely a timeframe or a date set where any Cobra dealer will be able to sell the Victory Tri Ovals. But I don't know for sure.

I have no problem with Victory selling them as a '3 piece kit' to their distribution chain. That simply makes logistical sense. It's up to the individual dealer to accommodate their customers or not. It likely depends on how busy the individual Victory dealer is. If they move a lot of performance items, they may break up the kit and accommodate their customer. But then again if they don't move a lot of performance parts they simply blame Polaris as being difficult to work with. Sad really as the internet makes it easy for the customer to know what's really going on. That part of it isn't on Victory's shoulders IMHO.
 
#36 ·
Guys, slightly off topic. I live in the Middle East, and need to ship a set of tri-ovals from the US. What is the approximate weight of a set?

The dealer in this area is not willing or able to help!thumb up
 
#39 ·
catalytic converter

I went to install the tri ovals last night and noticed that the right header pipe contains a honey comb looking blockage. Does this need to be left in place for the correct back pressure? I'm installing them on a xct and am taking it to the dealer to do the re map. Thanks for any insight.
 
#40 ·
The honey cone thing is the catalytic converter. It could be removed to reduce the felt heat coming off the exhaust system. There's also one further up the pipe for the other cylinder.
 
#43 ·
Do the tri-ovals sound as good as the D&D's and have the same performance gains in the lower rpm spectrum as the D&D's?
 
#51 ·
no they dont
 
#47 ·
I was one who removed his cats because I wanted to be a part of the "me too" crowd without really knowing how it would impact performance. In order to replace them, I need to buy a new crossover pipe. Cheapest I have seen was $250 on eBay. Just gonna have to live without it...
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top