They do ride better. Now if i could figure out the constant back firing, i'd be straight. It acts like im getting air in the exaust.  The sportster muffler is welded and not leaking. But i cant hear or feel any leak from the header gasket area. I even used smoke around it .   ???

I'd still bet on the header to cylinder head gasket.  I saw no evidence of a leak either (except for the backfires) but once I replaced the gasket all was well.  Part #2 on this fiche at RonAyers.com... $3.58 + S/H.