We tried the homologated kesstech escapes for Harley-Davidson

It is a fact. One of the first things that users modify on any motorcycle (especially in custom models) is the escape system.
Due to the current regulations, sound emissions are regulated, this is what makes manufacturers have to use increasingly bulky and restrictive escapes, which for practical purposes and in most cases makes our motorcycles sound more to Appliance that explosion engine, and the worst thing is that this closed escape affects the power that the engine is capable of subtracting efficiency.
The truth is that deciding how far you can do noise or not, without disturbing anyone but letting our machine work optimally, and at the same time comply with the regulations is a very complicated balance.

Options
There are enough escape marks that are offering "legal" products and news as an option to original escapes, trying to improve the appearance, sound and benefits. Although the great American manufacturers are already beginning to offer their products adapted to European regulations (it must be sold) the reality is that the companies of the old continent have a lot of advantage in this matter. Manufacturers such as BSL Austrians, Slovenians of Akrapovic, or Kesstech Germans have a wide range of exhaust options that meet the norm and playing better and delivering more power.

Kesstech's solution
Precisely we are going to talk about the last variable sound system for the escape of Kesstech boys. The truth is that design technicians have done a good job by offering a hoarse and powerful sound, with a gain in benefits of up to 15CV reinventing the old mobile valve system (which by the way Harley-Davidson has incorporated since 2007 in the Big models Twin to be able to homologate their motorcycles in Europe under the name of "Active Exhaust" or active escape).
The system basically consists of an opening valve operated by an electromotor through a small connection axis.

The really interesting thing about this configuration is that it has been provided with software that allows the system to always be left operational while being legal. This is achieved by applying the regulations, and closing the valve depending on the speed and rpm of the motor, summarized in a few words in an approximate way: the valve remains completely open (with the maximum sound) a idle, 1st, 4th, 5th, 5th and 6th speeds and closes in 2nd and 3rd. Of course the system also allows us to always circulate with the valve closed or always with the open valve (only for non-public roads ;-).

Facility
We will set up our kit on a Harley-Davidson Road King Screamin 'Eagle.

Despite the technical complexity in its development, the installation is really simple. To do this we simply have to disassemble the original exhaust queues (as always consult your model's workshop manual) and slide the new escapes.
Next we will squeeze the rear holding screws

and then we will tighten the escape clamps. For optimal seal we must ensure that the clamps are in their correct location before tightening.

The next step is to carry the connection cable of each of the engines of the exhaust valves to the area below the seat,

where we will perform the corresponding welds following the assembly instructions.

We have to install the system starting button in an accessible handlebar area

And we can finish with the connections and assemble the seat again.

Check and adjustment
Before starting the motorcycle for the first time we will make sure that the valve opens and closes completely when pressing the button.

If the operation is correct we can already go to the road to check the sound, and we will take advantage to record data and make a new injection and ignition map, remember that we have modified the amount of air that comes out of the engine and you have to update the information reprogramming The ECM switchboard.

Finally you can listen to the sound difference with the exhaust valve open or closed in the following video:

Frank Burguera

#mecanicaharley