Just a random thought that crossed my mind. I don't hate, but I'm not a huge fan of the staggered straight shots on my bike. I was wondering if the longer of the two could be cut off to be the same length as the bottom one. Or will it make it not run right with the one pipe being shorter in over all length? I'm asking cause I'm a cheap bastard and I like doing things myself, but not if it's going to mess anything up or sacrifice the way it runs. Fire away!

 

most exhaust system have different length pipes... but they are "tuned". I am not sure how cutting one will impact the tuning (back pressure) but it is probably minimal.

 

You can simply cut them in a chop saw with a compound blade. You should try to keep them the same length (This is why many are staggered) You could do this with a string or something and yes, they do need some kind of baffle to cause backpressure. You could use anything from a "Lolly-Pop" (Washer on a Bolt") to an inexpensive "Can Opener" type baffle which you can get on ebay for about $5 each. Or you could spend some bucks and get any verity of pro baffles. Remember, when you cause less backpressure your bike will run leaner which means you may have to adjust for more gas. EDIT: This isn't as necessary with todays fuel injection and fuel management systems but is important when feeding both cylinders with 1 carb.

 

I cut the slash ended drag pipes on my old sportster. Do your pipes have a removable endcap? I would take it apart, pull the baffles if you have any, and use a pipe cutter so you know it's straight. You may have to drill a hole or two for the endcap to screw into if applicable.

 

I cut back my V&H Big Radius pipes after continuously grounding the tips.
Being curved pipes it was easier to cut then in situ on the bike .

I had to move the baffles back slightly to ensure they weren't protruding which just required another tapped hole.

Only issue I had was the chrome peeling off like tin foil on one of the heat shields, I later discovered the the whole shield was rusty behind the chrome - the othe shield was fine.
I eventually had the heat shields black powder coated with the same stuff used on car engine headers.

 

I've already removed the baffles and the thunder torque inserts should be here tomorrow. My only concern is if I cut the top pipe off to the same or close to the same length as the back it's going to be quite a bit shorter. No I don't have end caps. Here's what I'm dealing with

 

On second thought the top pie is supported back past were I'd want to cut it. Not sure if it will work.

 

Your bike, your thing. Asceticley I think it would look horrible. Performance wise, I don't think you'd notice a difference.

 

The more I look at it the more I think your right. I was thinking I could get them to look similar to the short shot style exhaust, but I don't think they're gonna get there. I guess I'll just live with them til I can afford different pipes

 

#1 You need to use the rear mounds, do not let the pipes hang! So maybe work your way backwards once you get your baffles. Originally these pipes were the same length about another 8" (not pictured) I measured with a string to get them the same length each and cut, then put the cap back on. A few weeks later decided they were still too long so cut another 6 or 8 inches off.