Why such a limited selection of quieter ehausts?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
Why such a limited selection of quieter ehausts?
It seems there are hardly any aftermarket exhaust systems to choose from that are reasonably quiet.
The reason I bring this up is I started off with drag pipes, that the previous owner had installed. They were obnoxiously loud. After 2 years I switched them for a 2 into 1 Fat Cat with what I thought had the quiet baffle. It surprised me how loud the bike still was.
After several years I yanked the baffle and found out it was the regular one, so I ordered a quiet baffle and replaced it.
Even though I am now 2 levels lower in noise level then the drag pipes, I wish it was a bit quieter.
I realize that quite a few Harley owners want the loudest exhaust possible, but there is a certain percentage that would opt for a bit quieter exhaust if they could find one.
Is it not possible to change out the stock exhaust for one that is more free flowing and has a noise level about half way between the too quiet stock and most loud aftermarket pipes?
Let the flaming begin.
Tom
The reason I bring this up is I started off with drag pipes, that the previous owner had installed. They were obnoxiously loud. After 2 years I switched them for a 2 into 1 Fat Cat with what I thought had the quiet baffle. It surprised me how loud the bike still was.
After several years I yanked the baffle and found out it was the regular one, so I ordered a quiet baffle and replaced it.
Even though I am now 2 levels lower in noise level then the drag pipes, I wish it was a bit quieter.
I realize that quite a few Harley owners want the loudest exhaust possible, but there is a certain percentage that would opt for a bit quieter exhaust if they could find one.
Is it not possible to change out the stock exhaust for one that is more free flowing and has a noise level about half way between the too quiet stock and most loud aftermarket pipes?
Let the flaming begin.
Tom
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 5
From: Florida
I would imagine most that want a more subdued exhaust note just leave it alone.
When guys change their exhaust, it 's usually to have a more aggressive (and usually louder) sound. The aftermarket realizes and caters to this.
Opening up the stock baffles could be a good comprimise. You could also wrap the baffles in certain pipes to tone them down a bit.
It is possible, just not popular.
When guys change their exhaust, it 's usually to have a more aggressive (and usually louder) sound. The aftermarket realizes and caters to this.
Opening up the stock baffles could be a good comprimise. You could also wrap the baffles in certain pipes to tone them down a bit.
It is possible, just not popular.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I don't like "obnoxiously loud" pipes, which is why I didn't get the V&H Short or Long Shots. Mine are loud, only if I get on it. But just regular riding, they're apparently not, since I've had police and sheriffs all around me. Going through the gears they're loud but not like some pipes I've heard.
If you want quiet pipes, go back to stock.
If you want quiet pipes, go back to stock.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
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From: Midwest
When you go with quiet pipes, what the heck will you use to draw attention to yourself ? Sorry to break the news to you but if you ditch the loud pipes, you are going to have to start waving your arms in the air or something to get everyone to look at you at a stoplight. Do you really want to have to do this? You might hit five or six lights before you get to the bar. Not only will this wear you down, you might also lose a new fingerless glove from all that flailing around.
j/k
j/k
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
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From: NC, USA
Punch out some of the baffle on a stock set up and that might bridge the gap between not too quiet and not too loud. I can't hear my pipes too much when I'm riding so if someone tells me there loud I take it as a compliment.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Western NC
You can't hide cool!
Honda makes a pretty quiet bike.
Honda makes a pretty quiet bike.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Los Angeles
SE pipes will get you there. VH slip ons with well packed quiet baffles might also do the trick. I really dig my Paughcos. They have an angled swiss cheese baffle welded into the pipe. Perfect note for me.
You are dead on in your assessment of what's out there, but supply meets demand. After a while, you learn the difference between sounding like a loud Harley and sounding like a well running Harley.
But there's still enough Harley riders out there who don't know, or don't care, that they are shortchanging their performance with snotty, short pipes with no baffles.
Some back pressure (baffling) makes the bike quicker. And it gives you an exhaust note that is still deep and throaty with plenty of volume, but not stupid loud.
You are dead on in your assessment of what's out there, but supply meets demand. After a while, you learn the difference between sounding like a loud Harley and sounding like a well running Harley.
But there's still enough Harley riders out there who don't know, or don't care, that they are shortchanging their performance with snotty, short pipes with no baffles.
Some back pressure (baffling) makes the bike quicker. And it gives you an exhaust note that is still deep and throaty with plenty of volume, but not stupid loud.
Last edited by SoCalSoftailSlim; May 22, 2014 at 03:42 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,109
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From: Connecticut
You could try packing your baffle a little tighter and that should add some quiet, The supertrap may be good for you though as it won't add as much backpressure. My pipes are loud but really don't hear them much going down the road. I have been in the downtown areas with the cops around and never a problem, I do take it easy through the towns. The Stock or SE is about as quiet as you can get, you will give up some performance, there is always a trade off