2011 Wide Glide modifying stock baffles
Stage I
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Pa.
REAPER GGY, I like what you did with your cat. Today I just did the same thing. The sound and low end torque was awesome!! I have a 12 wg 103. I took it a step further and welded a small shelf in there connecting the pipes, eliminating the "open chamber". It is a true duel set up with the stock header now. Thanks for your ideas.
Last edited by ydna; Feb 6, 2012 at 07:00 PM. Reason: misspelled
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1,936
From: Formerly Tampa Bay, FL, Currently Western PA
I don't have the ability to remove the cat, and everything I have heard is that if you don't remove it, not only won't you get the reduced heat and better performance, but you won't get decent sound. So I just waited until I could afford the exhaust I really wanted, the vh comp 2-1. I love it!
I drilled out the baffle plug on my 2013 Wide Glide recently. It's an easy mod to perform by just removing the mufflers and drilling from the slip-on end with a 1" metal hole saw.
The sound at idle is hardly different. It's definitely louder when accelerating, but the loss of back pressure brings on some minor issues;
1. Popping when decelerating
2. Added vibration
3. Running lean
4. Loss of low end torque
Considering that if all you want is louder pipes, save up for new ones and do it right. HD bikes are finely tuned machines that already run lean when stock. Remove the baffle plugs and it runs even leaner.
I was assured by the dealer that it will probably work itself out and that once the weather is warmer it will be fine. But if I wanted to fix it today it would be a matter of a new air intake and a fuel management module, re-maping, plus labour. It all amounts to $500 CDN. I could buy new pipes, intake, module, and have it mapped for around $1000-$1200 CDN.
Lesson learned. Don't mess with your stock exhaust. Save your money and buy the aftermarket pipes and air intake you really want.
The best fix I can find for under $100 is to remove the baffles entirely and install aftermarket Rush baffles.
The sound at idle is hardly different. It's definitely louder when accelerating, but the loss of back pressure brings on some minor issues;
1. Popping when decelerating
2. Added vibration
3. Running lean
4. Loss of low end torque
Considering that if all you want is louder pipes, save up for new ones and do it right. HD bikes are finely tuned machines that already run lean when stock. Remove the baffle plugs and it runs even leaner.
I was assured by the dealer that it will probably work itself out and that once the weather is warmer it will be fine. But if I wanted to fix it today it would be a matter of a new air intake and a fuel management module, re-maping, plus labour. It all amounts to $500 CDN. I could buy new pipes, intake, module, and have it mapped for around $1000-$1200 CDN.
Lesson learned. Don't mess with your stock exhaust. Save your money and buy the aftermarket pipes and air intake you really want.
The best fix I can find for under $100 is to remove the baffles entirely and install aftermarket Rush baffles.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 686
Likes: 1
From: Mn
I pulled the stock baffles. Sounded like crap. Bought a used set of SE Slip-ons. Ran them last season. Better sounding than stock, but not too loud. They are now for sale if anyone is interested in them. I will sell them for cheap. Part of the problem with the tommy gun exhaust is the CAT restricts the flow so much. I could notice a difference between my wifes 08 Super Glide without the CAT and my 11WG with a CAT.
I put on the V&H 2-1 exhaust on and waiting for warm weather be able to hear how she sounds going down the road.
I put on the V&H 2-1 exhaust on and waiting for warm weather be able to hear how she sounds going down the road.
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