2-1-2 vs 2-2 Headers Explained: Performance, Sound, & Install - TAB Performance

Sean from TAB Performance dives deep into the differences between 2-1-2 and 2-2 header systems on Harley-Davidson models. This comprehensive video begins with direct sound clips of both headers on a 107 stock Road Glide, followed by comparisons on a 114 Street Glide with RS 468 cams.
2 into 2
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2-1-2
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Sean breaks down the design, performance, sound, and installation nuances of each system, providing a clear understanding of what makes each unique. Whether you're interested in the balanced performance of a 2-1-2 system or the distinct appearance and mid to upper RPM range benefits of a 2-2 system, this video has you covered. Discover which header system aligns with your riding style and performance goals, and learn about the ease of installation for both options.
#TABPerformance #HarleyHeaders #MotorcycleExhaust

[@davidholbrook1118]

Just so y'all know, I love the 4.5 w/the 2.5 baffles. Looks great. It sounds really good. Thank you, TAB Performance

[@Sul33]

I love that all videos have samples of 107 stock bike. That's why I'm buying these pipes!!

[@Kingdlack]

Thanks for explaining the differences between both pipes. This video was very informational and provided great answers to questions I definitely had!🤘🏾👏🏾💪🏾

[@TABPerformance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@silence6210]

This video made me decide on the 2-1-2 header instead of the 2-2

[@micahstrange9651]

Any sound difference?

[@fiddler181-twowheelin]

I am stoked to get these on my 21 RGL!

[@CHILANGOSTALLION]

Tab Performance, Inc found it. Very informative. Clarified information.

[@TABPerformance]

Awesome, thanks for giving it a watch.

[@jjs8046]

Great video! 114 stage 2 2-2 clear winner ❤

[@TABPerformance]

Thanks! 😊

[@Aprojeep]

I learned something new....thank you for the explanation ☺

[@Liveharley1]

Thank you for explaining the difference. What I don't like is the popping when you decelerate with the 2-2. I bought a 2022 Road King still looking at what to put on.

[@BeTheBossOfYourMotorcycle]

Thanks for this!

[@TABPerformance]

Sure thing!

[@mikepsly73]

You guys will be seeing an order from me in the next couple of weeks. Killer video. Going with the 2-2 header pipe. That idle and decel is awesome. Be the last piece to my aftermarket stage 2 kit.

[@TABPerformance]

Awesome! Thanks for watching the video and the feedback.

[@Hhhhhgggihgdd]

That's the only difference I noticed between the 2 was the idle.

[@jamesmarcum2323]

Can't afford them, but they are bad ass, great work 👏

[@alanpratt5580]

Thanks really imformative.

[@AdaLopez-nw3zh]

Thank you so much for this video and explanation. Been looking at exactly an explanation why there is more flow out of the right muffler than the left (minute 11:10). I have been trying to get a sense of what slip on would be better for the 2-1-2 and If I understood you explanation correctly, the muffler that provides better exhaust velocity on the left side (traffic side) would be the better one, correct?

[@junbarz361]

Thank you!

[@TABPerformance]

You bet!

[@harleydave2316]

Great video!! I am curious how either of those stack up to an X pipe. Is there an added benefit or downside to that type of pipe?

[@TABPerformance]

Hello, an X pipe is going to be similar to the 2-1-2 pipe as both exhaust fully intersect. X pipes are also great for balancing exhaust and very popular in the automotive side of things.

[@jonnyboi9459]

difference between this 2-1-2 vs the stock 2-1-2 header ?? besides the m18 bungs. what makes this different than stock.?

[@glenngorman5957]

No CAT in the TAB head pipes.

[@Hhhhhgggihgdd]

Thinking about going with the 2-1-2 matched with the 50 caliber pipes on my 18 Street glide I see you like the power vision do they have a good base map for this set up and after I use the base map is there anything else I would have to do ? I'm not good with computers.

[@TABPerformance]

Hey there, the Power Vision is a good unit and it has some good base maps on there. They are fairly user friendly but depending on your level of computer knowledge you may want to enlist some help from a friend getting it set-up and dialed in.

[@glenngorman5957]

Maybe I missed it, but which mufflers are you running when doing the sound check?

[@mrchip2362]

I have RG 2020 with the STAGE 4 Kit (128 CI) and the TAB Zombie Mufflers. However, I am still running the stock head pipe. I am considering change to your 2-1-2 head pipe. Will their be a possible increase in HP or Torque. I was unable to find any DYNO results for a big Bore using your 2-1-2 Head Pipe.

[@TABPerformance]

I don't have any direct charts with a big bore kit but have a lot of folks who have done the 131 and 128 kits with our 2-1-2 header and reported back being very happy. The depth of sound is much better with an open header and the reduction in heat for rider comfort alone make it a worth while upgrade, but they do report seeing better performance as well.

[@TABPerformance]

I will say though that the performance side on an open header on builds like these are not as large as the other two benefits mentioned more of a minor change. Many of our customers who do this build report back the zombies are too loud after this change and end up swapping to the 2.5" louvered baffles.

[@HDMann292]

@@TABPerformance No such thing as to loud of a Harley. lol

[@jamespeterson7587]

How’s the tab header2-1-2/zombie baffles pair with a stage 2 cam? They sound great but will they perform with the other headers/mufflers out there. I have the zombie baffles and love them.

[@TABPerformance]

They perform very well. You can find some competition 2-1 that will perform slightly better, but not really something you would feel significantly, but those systems won't sound as good or look as balanced as what you are asking about.

[@paulrevere4326]

Does the 2-1-2 have a CAT converter? I decat my factory exhaust and lost low end torque. I have a 107 with a red-shift 468 cam.

[@TABPerformance]

It does not have a cat. What header do you have currently?

[@98thagrenlatern]

do you rec'm doing a dyno with the header change? Is it absolutley neccessary for motor to operate correctly?

[@TABPerformance]

It is necessary to have the bike tuned. If you have a good base map to use though the Dyno itself is not necessary until you get into bigger builds.

[@luismontanez5097]

How would you compare these to the true duals down under being that those prices I ridiculously different from each other what makes them so much more expensive then these is it quality or performance maybe both?

[@TABPerformance]

Hello, the Bassani true duals are a little less than our 2-2 mainly because they are true duals and don't have a balancing chamber pulling them together. This requires much less weld fixturing and much less labor. The 2-1-2 is much less than all of them, because you have no heat shields and no cross under so no need for high labor content pieces. None of the 3 really are worse quality or performance, just different time and material as well as different performance. For example the true duals are typically more sound focused and high end HP, but don't do as well on the low end torque. Then the 2-1-2 is actually your best performing and still sound great, our most popular option, but they reuse the stock heat shields and some guys like the look of the true duals and the sound, which is where our 2-2 comes in. You get the look of true duals, most of the sound, but get some performance boost from the hidden balance chamber. It is much easier to help guide customers through over the phone, if you are confused than when you started after reading this blurb, please feel free to call in to one of our great Customer Service reps for more information and discussion. 402-413-5090

[@terrible1kid]

How much more power would you typically get just by swapping out the factory header for the 2-1-2? I have a Red Shift 468, aftermarket air cleaner and slip-ons

[@lawrencemikos565]

On the 2 1 2 header what would happen if I weld the cross over pipe shut and make that muffler a ghost pipe?

[@TABPerformance]

I have had a few people do that, unfortunately the only potential issue is the lack of additional support for the exhaust system could potentially cause a weld to break or something like that. It looks like it "should" work but only way to know for sure would be to test it and we haven't tested that out yet.

[@charlieschanel9203]

Hello, just changing the headpipe (2 in 1 in 2) and slipons with a tune/air cleaner reduce or increase low end torque due to less restriction vs stock?

[@TABPerformance]

I'm not sure exactly what you are asking, but I think the answer is no. If the bike is properly tuned a 2-1-2 system with air cleaner will have better low end torque. Depending on the restriction you choose for muffler you may have a lag before it hits the main curve or power band, but the entire line of usable power should be above stock. That is what we have seen on every dyno sheet.

[@wolfemanbog4176]

What fuel programmer can I use with this pipes for my ultra m8 17

[@TABPerformance]

We use the Dynojet PV-2B www.tabperformance.com/power-vision-harley-davidson-tuner-p/power-vision.htm

[@wolfemanbog4176]

@@TABPerformance wow awesome I’ll try to purchase but say they will not ship to California ??!!

[@TABPerformance]

Sorry, that is correct, no Dynojet dealer is allowed to ship anything in to California due to EPA regulations.

[@chrstofuchaos]

How to get a deeper rumble sound? These two are too raspy and high pitched for me.

[@TABPerformance]

The 2.5" louvered baffle would be a good option for a deeper but slightly quieter tone than the zombie baffle.

[@PJMCG19]

Pros and cons? Your 2-1-2 vs stock header de-catted?

[@TABPerformance]

The stock decatted pipe is a larger volume chamber so your exhaust velocity will slow causing a reduction in scavenging.

[@PJMCG19]

@@TABPerformance Ok thank you. Makes sense.

[@crazylouie68]

Fors the 2-1-2 come in black ? I can’t find them anywhere, and if not why ?

[@TABPerformance]

The 2-1-2 reuses the stock heat shields so it will be the same as whatever the stock color is, that is why its only offered in chrome.

[@srad98ful]

Is this information good for a twin cam 103”

[@TABPerformance]

Similar yes, we don't carry a 2-1-2 for that model though that one is for 17-up only.

[@wb4514]

Which pipe is stock on a 2019 M8/107, 2-1-2 or 2-2 ?

[@TABPerformance]

2-1-2 is stock

[@wb4514]

@@TABPerformance So you make both, 2-2 and 2-1-2? Other than being catless what is the advantage in replacing the stock head pipe ?

[@TABPerformance]

You get 3 things with a header upgrade. You will get improved performance, improved rider comfort through heat reduction, and improved sound. We do make both styles mentioned above and the video explains the differences between the two styles.

[@wb4514]

@@TABPerformance OK thank You.

[@mikeleago1]

Thought you were going to cover 2-1 ?

[@TABPerformance]

Thank you for catching the Typo is is supposed to be 2-1-2

[@danreid9363]

your 114 stage 2 2-1-2 ? what cam ?

[@TABPerformance]

RS 468 www.tabperformance.com/product-p/red-shift-cam-kit.htm

[@wolfemanbog4176]

What tuner was used

[@TABPerformance]

Power Vision

[@johndeykers2622]

How much HP will you get

[@TABPerformance]

Hello, we don't really claim specific numbers. Much depends on other components, if it is run on a hot dyno or atmospheric conditions. I think you would be better off to hop on our Facebook group #zombienation and ask the group about their experience with the product. It will give you a boost if tuned properly but to give you a specific number would not be fair to you or the product to be honest.

[@Ishootfilm412]

Is 2-2 the same as true dual?

[@TABPerformance]

No, a true dual has independent pipes a 2:2 has a balance chamber that is hidden behind the shields so it is a hybrid. A lot like a true dual with better performance and balance.

[@toddbajar5361]

is there a cat in the 2-1-2?

[@Yessssz]

The 2-2 has the fartier sound I like

[@trekbsg]

2-2 sounds lazier, almost like the engine is lugging somewhat.

[@Hipporider]

That repeatative music is distracting and makes it hard to concentrate on what's being said

[@stevenpierce4359]

Does it have cats in them

[@TABPerformance]

no

[@thatguy8718]

tab has alot of Shawns or Shawn changes his hair and face ALOT

[@TABPerformance]

Sean does like to change his facial hair and hair cut a lot. Only one Sean here, no Shawns :)

[@thatguy8718]

@@TABPerformance hahaha makes sense. And of course it's the classic spelling. My bad. Either way....Sean has some awesome info