I like the look of the stock muffler - so I am thinking about using a 3/4" metal
stake and punching out the crimped end of the rear baffle. I've used this method
before on a couple of bikes with very favorable results. With Stage 1 mods they
worked quite nice as far as sound and throttle response goes. I will be putting
a new Heavy Breather Forcewinder Air Intake on in conjunction with muffler
mod. I'm assuming I have to remap the ECU as I did with my Springer. Any
input will be appreciated.

 

Have you thought about the cutting the baffles out with a 3" hole saw? I did that maybe a month ago. I like the way the stock pipes look and now in my opinion they sound a lot better.

 

I used a hole saw on a rod extension I welded on and cut an one inch hole in the mufflers. Put them on my friends RK with no other mods and it sounds a lot better even running with the CAT.

 

Did you have to remap the ECU?

 

I'm not a louder is better kinda rider. Prefer louder than stock, but not a straight pipe. Have a
V & H True Duals on my Springer now but truthfully only
for looks. Too loud but throttle
Response is outstanding.

 

I know what you mean. They aren't as loud as you think they would be. Definitely louder than stock and maybe the screaming eagle slip ons. Nothing remotely close to a straight pipe at all. I didn't want LOUD, just louder than stock and still hear the radio good lmao. Removing the baffle did just that and saved me a few hundred bucks. Also, just doing the baffles you don't need to use a tuner. If you change the air cleaner then yes you will need to use a tuner.

 

I don't think it would be necessary if you aren't also changing the air cleaner to a high flow. All of the back pressure is in the headpipe with the catalytic.

No of course many will say you need to remap the stock setup even without any of the above due to the way it comes from the factory...

 

Thanks u confirmed my thoughts

 

You might be able to punch the crimp opened. If the crimp is also spot welded it could be more difficult. I like the hole saw idea too.
If you leave the mufflers alone and remove the cat, the exhaust note will get louder. I did this and did not like the exhaust note.
I added stock, late model CVO mufflers for $200 after cat removal and love the sound of my bike. Once you get past just changing the mufflers a tuner is needed, a tuner is recommended even on a stock bike. Stock air cleaner flows enough air for a stage one but I did change to a K&N element.

 

Also look into American Custom Exhaust, may be best for performance and sound.