Exhaust question and hearing
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Hartley, IA
Exhaust question and hearing
I picked up a 2015 Ultra Limited last year that has V&H Hi Output Slip On's that I love the bark when you hit the power but the tone at cruising speed is deafening inside my full face helmet.
I was at the dealer this week for 25k service and asked about options to tone it down a little.
The parts guy suggested a set of Screamin Eagle Street Cannons but not being able to hear them I was a little leery about dropping more money on the counter since once there on the bike, you own 'em. (the also didn't have any in stock).
I ended up with a set of stock take off's and now I love the cruising tone but getting there and back makes me want to put the V&H back on.
The bike came with individual head pipes (aka no cat) so that's a done deal.
Since most of my riding is longer distance at highway speed (60 to 70) can anyone recommend some slip on's that have a bit of a bark when you want but more importantly quiet down closer to stock at speed?
I was at the dealer this week for 25k service and asked about options to tone it down a little.
The parts guy suggested a set of Screamin Eagle Street Cannons but not being able to hear them I was a little leery about dropping more money on the counter since once there on the bike, you own 'em. (the also didn't have any in stock).
I ended up with a set of stock take off's and now I love the cruising tone but getting there and back makes me want to put the V&H back on.
The bike came with individual head pipes (aka no cat) so that's a done deal.
Since most of my riding is longer distance at highway speed (60 to 70) can anyone recommend some slip on's that have a bit of a bark when you want but more importantly quiet down closer to stock at speed?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Denver CO
I have loved the V&H Twin Slash pipes. I have a gutted head pipe, and find them louder than stock but not deafening at highway speeds.
Edit: Also check to see if V&H has quiet baffles for your pipes.
Edit: Also check to see if V&H has quiet baffles for your pipes.
Last edited by Kermie; Aug 31, 2019 at 11:23 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Pennsylvania
Do you wear ear plugs? Might want to try them before putting more money into pipes. They will cut the noise and you will still be able to hear the bark. Get some cheap foam ones from Walmart.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: San Diego, CA
I picked up a 2015 Ultra Limited last year that has V&H Hi Output Slip On's that I love the bark when you hit the power but the tone at cruising speed is deafening inside my full face helmet.
Since most of my riding is longer distance at highway speed (60 to 70) can anyone recommend some slip on's that have a bit of a bark when you want but more importantly quiet down closer to stock at speed?
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Hartley, IA
Kermie,
I've looked in to the Quiet Baffles, from research and talking with the Service Department, there some question about being able to get the ends off without doing damage to put the quiet baffles in. Plus what I've read, they only drop the sound by ~5db, I'm not sure that's enough to keep my ears from ringing after a couple hundred miles. Service also talked about the V&H Slash Cuts being a little quieter that what I have. I appreciate your knowledge
I've looked in to the Quiet Baffles, from research and talking with the Service Department, there some question about being able to get the ends off without doing damage to put the quiet baffles in. Plus what I've read, they only drop the sound by ~5db, I'm not sure that's enough to keep my ears from ringing after a couple hundred miles. Service also talked about the V&H Slash Cuts being a little quieter that what I have. I appreciate your knowledge
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Hartley, IA
I've tried wearing earplugs but with music piped into our helmets I can't find that happy medium of music to background noise and it gets really old when the back seat keeps jabbing you in the ribs because your not hearing them on the intercom, but thanks!
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 610
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From: Indiana
Agreed. Bark pretty loud in acceleration, sound good on decel, and not so loud when cruising.
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 92
Likes: 13
From: florida
I like my fuel moto e series- "supper trap" style with stackers. reasonable but not deafening. exhaust sucks to sort out if your looking for something really specific, nothing like being able to hear it on the road- and it's different once it's your bike. good luck
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 997
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From: Louisville, KY
I give another vote for the V & H Twin Slash Rounds. Put them on my '16 RGU and love them. They definitely provide that Harley sound and sound off some when you go WOT but aren't obnoxious like the 4" Rinehart Tru Duals I had on my '13 RGC.
Also, I bought my lightly used '16 RGU 2 years ago and the PO had put V & H HI-OUTPUTS on with a de-catted head pipe. Didn't ride the bike before I bought it but at idle it sounded nice. But dangit, running down the road and even at WOT you can barely hear them. I mean, like almost no sound at all. Thought maybe the ones I had had the optional "quiet baffles" in them but spoke with V & H on the phone and they told me to look into the end of a muffler with a flashlight and if mine had the quiet baffles I would know it. Well, apparently mine didn't have the quiet baffles so I took them off and put on the Twin Slash Rounds and I'm pleased as punch.
And I almost never finally sold the HI-OUTPUTS. I mean I think they are actually quieter than stock mufflers.
Also, I bought my lightly used '16 RGU 2 years ago and the PO had put V & H HI-OUTPUTS on with a de-catted head pipe. Didn't ride the bike before I bought it but at idle it sounded nice. But dangit, running down the road and even at WOT you can barely hear them. I mean, like almost no sound at all. Thought maybe the ones I had had the optional "quiet baffles" in them but spoke with V & H on the phone and they told me to look into the end of a muffler with a flashlight and if mine had the quiet baffles I would know it. Well, apparently mine didn't have the quiet baffles so I took them off and put on the Twin Slash Rounds and I'm pleased as punch.
And I almost never finally sold the HI-OUTPUTS. I mean I think they are actually quieter than stock mufflers.