sound not wanted
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2007
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sound not wanted
OK, I've read and read and everyone seems to be fixated on making their bikes louder with performance possibly beinga secondary issue. I think I understand the technical posts that explain why the proper exhaust improves performance. I have many questions that I don't see answered here. I like the sound level on my stock 2007 Heritage Classic. I would like to be able to hear conversations when I'm seventy and I love to show people that you can carry on a conversation while the bike is running without yelling.
1) Can you get improved performance with an exhaust change without increasing the sound?
2) Does increased performance improve or hurt gas milage?
3) What are the long term effects of running lean (factory settings)and using stock pipes?
Please don't tell me that my Harley isn't a Harley unless it sounds like a Harley and all my neighbors hate me.
1) Can you get improved performance with an exhaust change without increasing the sound?
2) Does increased performance improve or hurt gas milage?
3) What are the long term effects of running lean (factory settings)and using stock pipes?
Please don't tell me that my Harley isn't a Harley unless it sounds like a Harley and all my neighbors hate me.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
RE: sound not wanted
I wouldn't say that it is a secondary issue...
Some people do want the loudest bike there is, that's for sure. I haven't found that to be typical, however.
I want >others< to hear me since they aren't paying any attention and talking on their cell phones.THAT's my primary interest. It works for farmers pulling out on a secondary road from their blind driveway that doesn't meet DOT spec, too.
New Corvettes have performance exhaust, stock. They use an x-pipe and catalytic converters. They still have enhanced exhaust packages available. Does Harley put that much research into their stock exhaust? I don't know.
I like the idea behind V&H's crossover pipe... but I haven't heard them with their quiet baffle. That might be a reasonable alternative for you. The crossover pipe scavenges the exhaust from the system, in theory, and improves flow by sucking the exhaust out of the firing cylinder with the outflow from the previously firing cylinder. I have never seen them dynaflowed, so there's no confirming the truth to this, but it isa theory used in high performance headers.
C#
Some people do want the loudest bike there is, that's for sure. I haven't found that to be typical, however.
I want >others< to hear me since they aren't paying any attention and talking on their cell phones.THAT's my primary interest. It works for farmers pulling out on a secondary road from their blind driveway that doesn't meet DOT spec, too.
New Corvettes have performance exhaust, stock. They use an x-pipe and catalytic converters. They still have enhanced exhaust packages available. Does Harley put that much research into their stock exhaust? I don't know.
I like the idea behind V&H's crossover pipe... but I haven't heard them with their quiet baffle. That might be a reasonable alternative for you. The crossover pipe scavenges the exhaust from the system, in theory, and improves flow by sucking the exhaust out of the firing cylinder with the outflow from the previously firing cylinder. I have never seen them dynaflowed, so there's no confirming the truth to this, but it isa theory used in high performance headers.
C#
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Boiling Springs, SC
RE: sound not wanted
I don't like loud either. I don't need to be the center of attention. I do like performance. I installed the stage 1 with screaming eagle touring exhaust. Just added PCIII. Performance seems much better, fuel mileage with minimal change.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From:
RE: sound not wanted
ORIGINAL: Glenn_Md
OK, I've read and read and everyone seems to be fixated on making their bikes louder with performance possibly beinga secondary issue. I think I understand the technical posts that explain why the proper exhaust improves performance. I have many questions that I don't see answered here. I like the sound level on my stock 2007 Heritage Classic. I would like to be able to hear conversations when I'm seventy and I love to show people that you can carry on a conversation while the bike is running without yelling.
1) Can you get improved performance with an exhaust change without increasing the sound?
If you choose an exhaust like an RB Racing LSR 2-1 "Black Hole". It is quiet performance. There are other quiet performance pipes too.
2) Does increased performance improve or hurt gas milage?
Typically, modest performance improvements can actually improve gas mileage...so long as you don't thrash it.
3) What are the long term effects of running lean (factory settings)and using stock pipes?
Excessive heat, shortened engine life, decreased oil performance/longevity, etc. I am sure others can add to this list.
Please don't tell me that my Harley isn't a Harley unless it sounds like a Harley and all my neighbors hate me.
OK, I've read and read and everyone seems to be fixated on making their bikes louder with performance possibly beinga secondary issue. I think I understand the technical posts that explain why the proper exhaust improves performance. I have many questions that I don't see answered here. I like the sound level on my stock 2007 Heritage Classic. I would like to be able to hear conversations when I'm seventy and I love to show people that you can carry on a conversation while the bike is running without yelling.
1) Can you get improved performance with an exhaust change without increasing the sound?
If you choose an exhaust like an RB Racing LSR 2-1 "Black Hole". It is quiet performance. There are other quiet performance pipes too.
2) Does increased performance improve or hurt gas milage?
Typically, modest performance improvements can actually improve gas mileage...so long as you don't thrash it.
3) What are the long term effects of running lean (factory settings)and using stock pipes?
Excessive heat, shortened engine life, decreased oil performance/longevity, etc. I am sure others can add to this list.
Please don't tell me that my Harley isn't a Harley unless it sounds like a Harley and all my neighbors hate me.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 809
Likes: 3
From: Anaheim
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 88
From: NJ
RE: sound not wanted
If you want more kick without the sound get the 07 se slip ons, se air cleaner and a sert or other type of tuner. I had the 07 se slip ons and you can talk without any problems at cruising speeds. The performance is night and day over stock. I just wanted more sound and with my rush 2.00 came more performance.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
RE: sound not wanted
i am in the same boat as you regarding sound.
i hav eordered the 2/1 black hole and when i get it we will see if it is or not quiet ?
ff
i hav eordered the 2/1 black hole and when i get it we will see if it is or not quiet ?
ff
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
RE: sound not wanted
i just put on the rush slip ons with 1.75 baffles. havent got to ride yet due to weather but damn! it sounds good in the garage. this is my first ride with a sterio and i want to be able to hear it. after reading posts in this forum, a few seem to love this set up and can still hear their tunes. cant wait to find out. lets face it, you gotta like harley for their sound too. why not improve on it a little?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 17
From:
RE: sound not wanted
There are more and more performance exhausts coming out with quiet baffles. I'm sure they're a little louder than stock, but should really help free the power imprisoned in your hot-running '07. If you upgrade to the mildest cam, like the Andrews TW21, you will likely improve your fuel mileage slightly, assuming your riding style doesn't change. I didn't notice any difference in mpg when my bike had free-flowing air cleaner and exhaust alone.