Exhaust 101
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
Exhaust 101
I'm fairly new to the world of motorcycles. I like to think I have a pretty good grasp on the basics but I'd like to learn more about the different types and styles of exhaust. I'm looking to buy a brand new Heritage when the time comes.
After hearing aftermarket exhaust compared to the stock system I was quite honestly shocked by the difference. I haven't been around to many bikes that have different manufacturers of exhaust. Pretty much the only aftermarket exhaust I've been around are Vance & Hines staggered and long shots.
My first question is, (hopefully without turning this into a pissing match and hopefully without sounding like a total noob) Do they sound pretty similar between the different manufacturers?(Cobra, V&H, Samson, etc.) or are they totally different than each other? I'm sure it all can be varied with the different baffles and what not but from the factory are they comparable?
My next question is how much of a difference is there (performance and sound) between longshots, drag, staggered, etc.? From what I gather 2-1 systems tend to give more horsepower but I don't care for the look of them personally so for the sake of this post let's leave them out.
I would love to hear each manufacturer in person but that probably won't happen. What I'll be looking for is a deep ground shaking rumble but I don't want it to be obnoxiously loud..........I do have neighbors.......lol. I also prefer the style of a V&H Big Shot Staggered but I also like the drag style as well. I could try to youtube the different types but it's hard to get a dependable example with different quality of microphones on each camera.
Anyway any input would certainly be appreciated. Thanks.
After hearing aftermarket exhaust compared to the stock system I was quite honestly shocked by the difference. I haven't been around to many bikes that have different manufacturers of exhaust. Pretty much the only aftermarket exhaust I've been around are Vance & Hines staggered and long shots.
My first question is, (hopefully without turning this into a pissing match and hopefully without sounding like a total noob) Do they sound pretty similar between the different manufacturers?(Cobra, V&H, Samson, etc.) or are they totally different than each other? I'm sure it all can be varied with the different baffles and what not but from the factory are they comparable?
My next question is how much of a difference is there (performance and sound) between longshots, drag, staggered, etc.? From what I gather 2-1 systems tend to give more horsepower but I don't care for the look of them personally so for the sake of this post let's leave them out.
I would love to hear each manufacturer in person but that probably won't happen. What I'll be looking for is a deep ground shaking rumble but I don't want it to be obnoxiously loud..........I do have neighbors.......lol. I also prefer the style of a V&H Big Shot Staggered but I also like the drag style as well. I could try to youtube the different types but it's hard to get a dependable example with different quality of microphones on each camera.
Anyway any input would certainly be appreciated. Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 934
Likes: 3
From: Northern California
I had the police come to my house because my neighbors complained about the exhaust on my bike. The officer told me to change it or I'd be cited. I do fire it up at 5:30 AM to leave for work, so I can see why some of my neighbors don't wish to be up at that time. I never let it warm up, I just clicked it in gear as soon as the oil pressure gauge showed I had oil pressure and hit the road. Since I put a White Bros E system on it I haven't gotten one complaint, but those are two into one systems.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 2
From: Central Coast of Cali
Hang out at some bike nights and see what sounds and looks good then ask a few questions. This can all be done while you are breaking in the new motor for the 1st 500 miles or so before doing pipes. I prefer to make pipes but there are many good pipes out there.
Performance - Thunderheader, Sampson, Bub, Reinhart
Style - up to you
Performance - Thunderheader, Sampson, Bub, Reinhart
Style - up to you
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Look into the ones on my ride. Just put them on and like them a lot. They are 90db and that's only 10db above stock.
Then again, I don't leave the house at 5:30am either as my bike is not my main mode of transportation.
Then again, I don't leave the house at 5:30am either as my bike is not my main mode of transportation.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 886
Likes: 3
From: NC Mountains
There's a good article in the August American Iron Magazine from Donnie...what's his name(tech writer) about exhaust as well as other mods commonly done. Read it...you may get a better idea of what you want and how they work.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 63
From: Eastern Washington State
If you live near a large Harley dealer hang out there on a Saturday afternoon. There probably will be a lot of different bikes coming in for service, parts, shopping or just hanging out (especially if they have free hot dogs and drinks). When you hear a bike you like ask the owner what kind of pipes they are. Haven't met a rider yet that doesn't like to talk about his ride.