I just got some V&H straight shot slip ons (second hand) and put them on without baffles. I'm still running stock intake but I got a little spitting and popping at first but it seems to be less after a 10 mile trip. Do I have to install baffles or not?

 

No, you don't have to install the baffles, but if you don't the spitting and popping will never go completely away. The only reason you still have any after your 10 mile ride is because you have no back pressure. Your engine actually needs some back pressure to run correctly at throttle positions other than wide open throttle, which is why pipes without baffles are commonly referred to as "drag pipes." They're all about horsepower at top speed and sacrifice low to mid range torque which is where we do our daily riding.

Now that I've said all that, remember that your motor is really just a fancy air pump. It can only put out what it takes in. As long as you're running that stock air cleaner, the exhaust you're running won't make much difference to the health of the motor and the ECM will be able to compensate for the change. You also won't see any performance change by just changing the pipes. It is obviously louder though!

 

Yes. It does have a nice rumble to it now! :-)
I guess I'll start looking for a baffle that won't take to much of my rumble away. Any suggestions?

 

Looking at the website, it only shows the quiet baffle, is that my only option?

 

That's the only one from V&H, but a couple of options are Rush and Big City Thunder. I had the BCT QQ baffles on the same slipons you run and the sound was great. Check out their website: http://www.bigcitythunder.com/
Try doing a search here, there is a lot of experience with baffles.

 

The BCT QQ's are the way to go. I had then in my V&H Sideshots and I could feel the TQ difference.

 

Thanks for the help guys.

 

I have the V&H Big Shots with a ThunderMax, and SE Heavybreather. Cut the baffels in half! They are just loud enough to let grandma know I am in her blindspot and still provide a deep grumble.

 

I am running BCT baffles and empty Rush cans on my 88-95 inch build. Larger valves in ported, polished heads, SE Heavy Breather A/C, 10.25 to 1 pistons and 574 lift cams.....The above makes for a nice deep Harley rumble.

Karsten

 

I am running BCT baffles and empty Rush cans on my 88-95 inch build. Larger valves in ported, polished heads, SE Heavy Breather A/C, 10.25 to 1 pistons and 574 lift cams.....The above makes for a nice deep Harley rumble.

Karsten