Does anyone know of a web site that has posted the DB rating of several leading pipes? Reason I'm asking is I see a heck of a lot of talk in here about folks wanting pipes that are loud but not too loud, and that's really a matter of personal taste or even hearing capabilities. I think my V&H's staggered straight shots are quiet as heck, but my one buddy thinks they are loud as all get out. Having a "scientific" listing someplace would help minimize the confusion I think.

Gregor

 

Pull the baffles

 

Actually, I don't mind them sounding quiet to me. The Martin Brother WTF's on the big dog more than make up for it. My point was just that we debate "loudness" of pipes all the time, and some folks base a buying decision on that info. It would be nice to say V&H Straight Shots with Fishtail tips are 98 db for example. Then have a chart that lists all pipes, quiet to loudest.

 

I can't find any kind of a chart that lists db's for exhaust systems, but I have a Dyna Low Rider with SE II slip-ons. The weigh in at 100db compaired to a stock H-D which is supposed to be 80db or lower. So my Dyna is twice as loud as a stock H-D. There is an article in the July issue of IronWorks mag that has an article on more power, lower noise exhaust systems.

 

Thats so true.

I have a co-worker that just put new pipes on his fake Harley
based solely on the testimony of people in a forum he looks at
and their claim that they are loud but not too loud.

DAMN they are loud. I was appalled, and so was he. It was WAY more than he
wanted or was expecting and now he wanting to replace them already.

Loud is just too subjective. A site that compared them and listed the DB levels
without the subjectiveness of personal opinion would be very valuable.
Now for me, I saw everyone talking SE II slip-ons. I finally heard a set on a new
bike the other night and they are exactly as advertised. Loud but not too loud and
all Harley

I got em and I know I'm happy.

 

If you call or e mail V & H they will tell you the db of their pipes.

 

Another thing to keep in mind when judging sound is whether you're cruising at a steady throttle or cracking it open. Most pipes will be MUCH louder at WOT than say 1/8 just putting around town. Judge for yourself. If they're obnoxious to you, they are likely not helping relations with the neighbors much either. Remember also that when you leave home (early a.m. for some of us) the louder the pipes when accelerating, the more pissed the neighbors seem to get. If you can keep the throttle back a bit under certain conditions, the pipes won't make you so noticeable and keep the neighbors more happy. Suggestion, get the loud pipes and then run at WOT through someone else's neighborhood! (Kidding)

Common sense is probably the best recommdation.

 

perfect response. When I ride the chopper, I make a point to "lug" more than I normally do when going through the "hood". Bottom line on loudness is, if we all respect others, the law will respect us. Like was said, common sense.

Gregor