Popping exhaust
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Near Springfield MO
Popping exhaust
Hi everyone! I am a newbie...rode many years ago and just getting back into it...just bought a 99 ultraclassic, and learning many things here on the forums! Would like to pose a couple of questions...
The bike pops/backfires badly when downshifting or with rapid throttle closure (fuel injected)...previous owner said it has always done so, and a friend (Vrod owner) took it for a test ride and didn't think anything was wrong. But in reading some posts, I am seeing where certain mufflers create a lot of "popping" and it's got me wondering!!!....and so leads me to my next question:
Can someone please identifiy what exhaust/mufflers I have here? I assume probably stock/original but not sure.
Thanks in advance! You'all are great!!
Chucky
The bike pops/backfires badly when downshifting or with rapid throttle closure (fuel injected)...previous owner said it has always done so, and a friend (Vrod owner) took it for a test ride and didn't think anything was wrong. But in reading some posts, I am seeing where certain mufflers create a lot of "popping" and it's got me wondering!!!....and so leads me to my next question:
Can someone please identifiy what exhaust/mufflers I have here? I assume probably stock/original but not sure.
Thanks in advance! You'all are great!!
Chucky
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 320
From: Vancouver, WA
Those are not stock mufflers. The popping can be caused by a couple of things: Exhaust leak allowing fresh air into the exhaust system causing combustion of unburned fuel and/or improper tuning of the EFI system. Is there a tuner on the bike or did it ever have a custom tune? One option is to get a flash tuner and it will dial in the tune for you depending on your exhaust, intake or other mods.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Oh
Check your intake boots/seals on the manifold. Spray some wd-40 and if the idle changes you have a leak. If the intake seals are okay it may be running lean and you'll have to richen it up a bit to get rid of the popping on decel.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 307
From: mid Michigan
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 39
From: Olive & Oak
First off, decel popping is not an indicator that anything is wrong. It just means that conditions are right for fuel to ignite in your exhaust.
You may have an engine that is perfectly tuned for performance or you may not have a tuned engine at all.
If the engine runs well enough for you and you don't mind the decel pop, then do nothing.
If you want a better running engine or less pop, then either get it tuned or purchase a flash tuner and do it yourself.
You may have an engine that is perfectly tuned for performance or you may not have a tuned engine at all.
If the engine runs well enough for you and you don't mind the decel pop, then do nothing.
If you want a better running engine or less pop, then either get it tuned or purchase a flash tuner and do it yourself.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Oh
That's not what I was told by the fine folks at Dynojet and following their advice helped eliminate my issues but Im not a tuner.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
At some point in the life of a bike certain parts should be replaced, or a least checked periodically.
For suspected exhaust leaks, new "donut" gaskets and all new muffler and pipe clamps are fairly cheap and not too much work if you have the proper tools.
A thorough inspection of the "Y" pike is also a great idea.
Mine was cracked and I had no idea of how long the condition existed.
On an EVO, replacing the intake seals is also a good idea, and again, not very expensive but it does take some time and a few tools. Well worth doing even it requires paying someone to do it for you.
If you do these things, along with new spark plugs, a new air filter. and the bike still doesn't idle/run correctly, it's time for a visit to the H-D doctor.
For suspected exhaust leaks, new "donut" gaskets and all new muffler and pipe clamps are fairly cheap and not too much work if you have the proper tools.
A thorough inspection of the "Y" pike is also a great idea.
Mine was cracked and I had no idea of how long the condition existed.
On an EVO, replacing the intake seals is also a good idea, and again, not very expensive but it does take some time and a few tools. Well worth doing even it requires paying someone to do it for you.
If you do these things, along with new spark plugs, a new air filter. and the bike still doesn't idle/run correctly, it's time for a visit to the H-D doctor.