remove baffle
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
I just got back from a test ride. I removed the fiberglass packing and reinstalled the unmolested baffles. It does sound a little better but nothing like a set of Samson Streetsweepers. So there is a noticable sound differance but it could be a little louder.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Thanks for the information.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Upstate, SC
The stock muffs even with the packing removed will not be anywhere near as loud as aftermarket muffs. If that's the sound level you're looking for, you won't be satisfied with unpacked stock muffs. But if "sounds good" doesn't necessarily equate to "loud" for you, then I would encourage you to get someone you trust to ride your bike now and you stand on the sidelines and listen. To me, the unpacked muffs sound like V&H slips ons, but at near stock sound levels.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,718
Likes: 11
From: Back in the Good Ole USA. South Carolina to be exact.
I reasoned that the exhaust pressure would blow em out when I cranked it up. If you're concerned, you can put some grease on the saw to catch em but I don't think you need to.
I wasn't pleased w/the sound either, but I was ok w/it until I could get something better. Right now I'm about ready to just pull everything out of my Rushes.
Last edited by jluvs2ride; Aug 11, 2009 at 07:55 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 166
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
I think I am going to break into mine tomorrow. I am going to take the pipes off so I can drill the rivets out and then I am going to take one step at a time. First the packing, then enlarging the existing holes, and then possibly drilling the entire plug. I plan to re-assemble them with screws in between runs so I can see what I like. If I do this, I will take video to post here.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Upstate, SC
I think I am going to break into mine tomorrow. I am going to take the pipes off so I can drill the rivets out and then I am going to take one step at a time. First the packing, then enlarging the existing holes, and then possibly drilling the entire plug. I plan to re-assemble them with screws in between runs so I can see what I like. If I do this, I will take video to post here.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Upstate, SC
Here is what the Street Bob mufflers sound like with the glass packing removed. (My camcorder doesn't do well with low frequencies, so these do sound better in person.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujSPGApR9vE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujSPGApR9vE
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
plugs
From someone who experimented constantly with my Sportster mufflers, trust me when I tell you that completely removing the center plug on the baffles does not sound good. It invariably results in an odd chirping noise. If you do anything to the center plug, just drill a 3/8 to 5/8 size hole in it. That will make your exhaust louder but you won't get the chirping.
Red.