I put the Thunder City baffles in my SE IIs and there was a pretty significant mid-range improvement with no loss in low or top end. But they are LOUD; probably a bit sharper bark than the SE IIs with the original baffles. I like the performance and I'll not go back.

I wear a half-helmet and do wear foam earplugs, not because of the pipes but the wind roar. I wear a three-quarter in the winter and don't need the plugs.

 

Your helmet will definately make a differenvce. Riding without or at least a half helmet make the mufflers sound much better. But then the wind noise gets ya.

 

I modded my stocks; they're louder than original stock, but not nearly as loud as the SE's. I don't need to **** off the neighbors. Again.[:@]

 

Hi eggroll, sorry if this is something that you've explained on another tread ... what did you do to modify your stock pipes? Not only do I hurt my ears and **** offthe neighbours (I live in a condominium with a basement carpark that amplifies even a regular exhaust note!), but now my wife and daughter refuse to ride with me. Now for many, that may be a blessing in disguise! For me, I like the company from time to time.

 

WHAT? Speak up, sonny!

Actually, my 1994 XLH 883 was bopped to stage one 1200 w/scream eagle pipes, new intake w/KN filter and as long as I used 92 octane and don't drag race I swear it was quieter than stock.

Honest.

Bud.

 

I agree with SportyPig on this one. My SEII changed as the carbon built up in them. At first, they had a higher sound but as the carbon builds up they now sound lower and produce more of a rumble at any speed. I'd run them a couple hundred miles and see how you like them then, It took mine about 400 miles. I went on a run with the local Legion Riders and the first three bikes were Big Twins with straight pipes, I couldn't even tell if my bike was running at times!!!!!

 

You can always go back to stock pipes or commit the cardinal sin and go metric.

 

Wash your mouth out with soap!

 

I wear earplugs all the time. I can still hear the pipes just fine, but they keep the sharpness out, keeping the noise painless.

 

I have SE on my bike and find that I cant really hear them at 30+ without turning my head to the right.But all I can hear for the most part is wind and engine noise.