Vance n Hines for Rocker
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,280
Likes: 3
From: Portland Oregon
when I switched from the V&H's to the Martin Brother's Shockwaves I got nearly 5 more horsepowers and much more torque...yes they are louder also...but you can keep them quieter if you like, they come from the company with a pretty good dampening baffle in them..I took it out and cut most of the baffle off to make it louder but kept enough in it for some back pressure...so just keep the factory baffle as it is when it comes to you and it should be quieter for you...there really isn't much more room left between tire and fender to really allow you to lower it anymore than the 2"... I mean it's possible but you would probably hit the tire and fender whenever you hit a bump...I wouldn't use another solution except maybe do an air suspension so that you could adjust the height easier but am happy with the Progressives
Last edited by 57RebelRocker; Dec 15, 2008 at 03:52 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 611
Likes: 2
From: Czech republic
when I switched from the V&H's to the Martin Brother's Shockwaves I got nearly 5 more horsepowers and much more torque...yes they are louder also...but you can keep them quieter if you like, they come from the company with a pretty good dampening baffle in them..I took it out and cut most of the baffle off to make it louder but kept enough in it for some back pressure...so just keep the factory baffle as it is when it comes to you and it should be quieter for you...there really isn't much more room left between tire and fender to really allow you to lower it anymore than the 2"... I mean it's possible but you would probably hit the tire and fender whenever you hit a bump...I wouldn't use another solution except maybe do an air suspension so that you could adjust the height easier but am happy with the Progressives
So comparison of V&H versus Martin Brothers as received new from them - is V&H noticably quiter? Does V&H also possibility to play in future with the baffle?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 611
Likes: 2
From: Czech republic
Sorry for last question. Stock V&H Big radius versus stock Martin Bros Shockwaves, both with all the baffles in as received new. What is sound difference in terms of loudness and tone? Prices and shape are similar.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,280
Likes: 3
From: Portland Oregon
it's a matter of preference really...I didn't like the sound of the V&H and love the sound of the Martin's...I can say I know a few people in my area that have taken their's off because it was seeming everybody was going with the big radius's for their rocker...make your bike fit your personality and not what everybody is doing...I do get alot of looks and compliments about the shockwaves and the number one I like the best is that they say they're glad to see someone put something else on a rocker besides V&H's
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 921
Likes: 22
From: Houston, TX
along with the Heartland you also have to lower your bike 2" to get the fender to lower and wrap around the tire ...instead of it sitting high off the tire...it lowers the bike obviously and the Heartland definately sits you in the bike more instead of you feeling like you're sitting on top of it...you sit a bit further back and it does give it a way cooler riding experience...plus it looks great slammed lower to the ground...the ride is still a bit stiff as far as suspension goes but as I said looks good though... I also did a 2" lift on my tank also... I used progressive shocks to lower it the 2" needed..I hope this helps you some..if you have anymore questions feel free to aski
Regarding your assessment of the Heartland kit, I did the same stuff including using the Progressive 422's however I found the seat moved me more forward.. It did lower the riding position but I had to put 2" control extensions on to be comfortable again.. This might just be in the seat itself and they might vary from one to the next..
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 611
Likes: 2
From: Czech republic
As you say, i will follow my taste with no regards to others. For me it does not matter if BR of Shockwaves - i like them both. The OEM issue with BR is not my problem, because its just few Rockers in my country (according HD dealer only 5 were sold last year ) and from these few no one with BR at least what is known. My problem is that i love that shape, just do not want to be too loud. I visited HD dealer today to see bike again. we discussed few issues and asked them about sound difference between stock / open exhaust. The guy likes mods (he showed me Heartland conversion, etc..) so he was basically on my side, but he said that sound difference in terms of loudness is HUGE. I am little bit afraid about this. I can not hear it personaly and video does not prove the reality...... Any thoughts?
BTW today price for Rocker C in black is 28500 usd here.....
BTW today price for Rocker C in black is 28500 usd here.....
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,280
Likes: 3
From: Portland Oregon
contact the company who makes the pipes you want and let them know about your concerns you have about not wanting loud pipes...I know for a fact that Vance and Hines,for example, makes baffles just for the customers who want quieter pipes
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern Minnesota-college in Duluth
i have said the br's are OEM for a few months now.....i am getting the medustas or shockwaves.....tom.....how is the bluing on the shockwaves to the heat shields completely cover it or is a two piece? wehre did you get yours?