t had to happen. With the price of custom choppers reaching that of luxury automobiles, the market for one-off and limited-production customs is showing signs of flattening out. But just because the party’s slowing down doesn’t mean nobody’s having any fun. The appeal of radical custom bikes hasn’t gone away, it’s simply been transferred to production bikes with a few well-chosen radical custom touches like the new exhaust systems from Martin Bros., which are designed to give stock bikes that radical custom look.
     Keith McCann of Martin Bros. says that although the company made its reputation building wild exhaust systems for equally wild bikes, the new trend is to accessorize mostly stock bikes with radically styled bolt-ons. He says Martin Bros.’ new systems will also introduce the brand to a wider market segment. “One thing we really want these new systems to do is put us in the forefront as an exhaust company, not just a maker of crazy, one-off pipes,” he says. “At the same time we know performance is a big word in this market, and we want to meet those needs as well.”
     To make sure their pipes’ performance lives up to their looks, Martin Bros. performed extensive dyno testing on every system. The resultant power increases vary slightly depending on the particular system, but in general, says McCann, “you can expect about 9 horsepower and 8 ft-lbs of torque over stock for our touring pipes, and about 8 horsepower and 7 ft-lbs for our Softail pipes.”
     There are eight new Martin Bros. systems, and for the first time all are available in chrome or black, with heat shields (except Slickstas2) to keep each system looking its best for years to come. Here’s the rundown, including features and fitment:

Money Shots–stepped from 1.75-in. to 2.25-in., transmission mounted, available in chrome or black, with heat shields and baffle, for ‘86-and-later Softails

The Collector–stepped from 1.75-in. to 3-in., transmission mounted, available in chrome or black, with heat shields and baffle, for ‘86-and-later Softails

Shockwaves–stepped from 1.75-in. to 2.25-in., transmission mounted, available in chrome or black, with heat shields and baffle, for ‘86-and-later Softails

Slickstas2–stepped from 1.75-in. to 2-in. to 3-in., transmission mounted, heat shields and baffle are not available, now available in black as well as chrome, for ‘86-‘06 Softails

Medustas–stepped from 1.75-in. to 2-in., transmission mounted, available in chrome or black, with heat shields and baffles, now available in black as well as chrome, for ‘86-‘06 Softails

Trendkill–stepped from 1.75-in. to 2-in. to 2.25-in., transmission mounted (XL models use OEM mount), heat shields and baffles included unless noted, available in black and chrome, for ‘04-‘08 XL models

Two Downs–stepped from 1.75-in. to 2.25-in., use OEM mount, available in chrome or black, with heat shields and baffle, for ‘04-‘08 XL models

Blunts–stepped 1.75-in. to 3-in., use OEM mount, available in chrome or black, with heat shields and baffle, for ‘04-‘08 XL models

     You’ll find all of these Martin Bros. systems in the 2008 FatBook. Keep an eye out for the midyear catalog, too, which will include another new pipe from Martin Bros…this one for ‘99-and-later touring models. This fully heat-shielded system fits 1999 and later touring models, features a bold 3.5-in. tip, and O2 sensor bungs for applicable models. It also boosts power over the stock system by more than 9 horsepower, and 8 ft-lbs. of torque.
     With Martin Bros. exhaust systems, your customers don’t need to own radical customs to get a radically custom look–all they need is a factory Harley and a few wrenches to turn a mild bike into a wild one. Talk to your Drag Specialties rep about the entire Martin Bros. line, which you can check out on page 276 of the FatBook.