A couple of years back, we had the chance to visit with Mark Dooley, owner of DG Performance who, through the business name of Hard-Krome, has come to design and build some of the finest aftermarket exhaust systems for Harley-Davidsons and metric cruisers.  Recently, we had the opportunity to visit with Mark again about some of the new things happening at Hard-Krome and we were impressed with what we saw.  But, before we go ahead, we want to give you a short history lesson about the company and its famous Double D pipes.

Mark told us about the process used to make their Double D pipes that are guaranteed not to turn blue.  First, they considered using heat shields, but they discovered that the clamps holding the shields to the pipes either rattled or came off.  Finally, after attending a trade show in Chicago, the idea hit to have two pipes—one inside the other!  Consequently, the only pipe that the rider sees is the outer 3-inch pipe that is always shining!  Mark told us that there was an air gap of ¼” to ½” between the outer and inner pipe and that space still allows a sleek look and yet offers enough space to keep the outer pipes from bluing!  Pretty cool, huh?  Also, while there are plenty of other after-market exhaust systems, Hard-Krome is the only manufacturer that offers a one-year guarantee against bluing!  So, where has the company gone from there?

With the big boom in the custom bike industry, and with the success of their line of Double-D pipes, Mark saw the need for a custom looking pipe with double-wall construction.  At that point, Mark got together with custom bike builder Matt Hotch to create a line of custom pipes that wouldn’t turn blue.  Form this meeting the Matt Hotch Design Series was born.  Matt offers his thoughts by saying, “Pipes are real important in tying the lines of the bike together.  Pipes look bad when bluing occurs.  With these pipes, the double-wall construction keeps the pipe’s chrome and the bike’s lines looking good.”

To try out the new line, Mark and Matt got together and went to work designing some custom pipes for a Yamaha Road Star.  Matt designed the pipes and then, using the latest technology, the double-wall construction was applied.  After the process was complete the results were astounding!  “Mark can take my designs and can create exact replicas with double-wall construction,” Matt said.  Mark went on to emphasize that these pipes are, “the most accurate, highest-tech pipes in the industry.”  We use state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment,” Mark added.  And, the best part is that this new line of CLR/Slant Pipes is available for Softails and metric cruisers!

So, what else is new at Hard-Krome?  Well, how about new duals for Baggers!  Mark mentioned that the interest in this new line of pipes had been outstanding.  “We’re excited,” Mark said with a smile, “we’re combining high-tech production with the best looking pipes.  Our goal is to make the best product available.”  We have no doubt that they are well on their way.

If you would like more information on exhaust systems from Hard-Krome, then give them a visit on the web at www.hardkrome.com.

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