Welcome to my Clayton Mod site...

I put this site together to show what I did to do the Clayton Root Mod (sometimes known as the riley mod) on my bike.  I ride a 2004 Honda VTX1800S.  I personally like the look of the stock pipes on this bike, but wasn't too impressed with the sound from the factory.  I did a lot of research before I attempted this to make sure that I wouldn't lean out my bike and void the warranty.  So far, my bike hasn't been leaned out and I haven't checked the warranty since I will probably be getting new pipes anyway.  These pages contain:

- Tools Used
- Steps Taken
- Testing Results
- Links to other Clayton Mod Sites
- Links to shops that modify your pipes for you
 

Getting Started:

Starting out, you will need to make sure and check out the "Tools Used" link to the left to be adequately prepared.  I will tell you that this took me about 8 hours total from start to finish.  That includes test rides, just starting the bike, and finishing it up.

Please be aware that I am in no way a mechanic or any bike expert.  I make no guarantees that you will see the same results that I did by doing this mod or any mod listed on any other page.  I am satisfied with the sound for now.  I know that I will probably go to vtxexhaust.com to get my final pipes.  Also be aware that your pipes may look different than mine.  Again, mine is an '04 1800S.  These instructions may be modified to suit your bike.

Ride Safe all!!

You CAN do this!

The first thing to make sure of, is don't be scared to work on your bike.  If you go into this scared, you might be affected by judgment about sound, quality, volume, or looks and come out with something that either is damaging to your bike's looks or performance.

Be sure to review all the pages before actually starting to do the work... Every step taken was documented with pictures and/or notes.  Again, this is only what I did and may not be what you are wanting.  Don't hesitate to change any steps so that you can get your own unique note, volume, and look and feel.  Or visit the "Links" page and see what others have done too.  Maybe one of those modifications are what you are looking for.

I've tried to make this as easy as possible so that even a first time rider will be able to do the mod.  I know it's a little scary to go out and spend $600 for after market pipes, then the labor charge, and possibly having to mess with the fuel system and air system.  At least it was for me.  If any of you have any suggestions, comments, or changes that you would like to post, let me know.  Write everything down and take lots of pictures and then send them to me.  I will post them in the "Readers Bikes" section for everyone to see.  The best thing in the world of motorcycles is information that is shared.