Before an update, let me start off with a couple of questions. Should the exhaust pipes fit perfectly? What I mean is does the pipe at the sleeve need to slide all the way up to the engine in order to seal the exhaust or does the exhaust clamp help seal it? Also, when bolted up, can the pipes take some tension created by forcing the header pipe up to the engine about 5 or 6 mm?
Update: Using 3/8" all thread rod to length, installed both guard bars, put on the right exhausts and the left inside (#2). Could not get t he left outside (#1) exhaust to fit properly. It would slide almost all the way on to the exhaust pipe flange but not far enough to seal the exhaust, short by about 5 or 6 mm. The guard bar lower bracket (bolts to the bike's "A" hanger) contacted the bottom of the alternator cover preventing the exhaust header pipe from sliding up far enough up the exhaust flange. Also kept the rear foot peg bolt misaligned.
Attached pic shows the lower bracket that contacts the bottom of the alternator cover. If this bracket were about 5 mm narrower I think the interference would not be an issue. Any comments or suggestions?