The gaskets (13 and 14) slide onto the header (Front pipes) and mufflers, then the gaskets slide inside the power chamber (collector). The clamps are then able to squeeze the tabs down onto the gaskets.

 

Thanks. I think I understand this much. It's just a matter of how far the front pipes and mufflers actually should be inserted into the collector. There's room for me to insert them so that the tabs go over (outside) the lips on the front pipes and the muffers, but I'm worried this will prevent the clamps from squeezing the tabs down sufficiently.

 

The clamps should be outside those lips, they serve to make sure the system cannot separate in any manner until the clamp is removed. Motorcycle mufflers are notorious for going loose and this is Honda's solution.

 

Got it. I have the original clamps for the front of the collector (aka power chamber? I can't figure out what to call that thing) so those went on nicely and should hold the front pipes in. For the rear, I don't have the original clamps anymore (when I bought the bike it had straight pipes on it and it sounded awful; I'm going to have to verify a previous owner didn't re-jet the carbs or anything one of these days...). I think they went on OK though. I torqued the nuts that secure the side of the exhaust pretty good, and the clamps as well, so hopefully won't lose one of them . I haven't started it back up yet but will check for leaks then. Thanks for the insight folks!