Db Reduction
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Stage II
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis, MO
Db Reduction
Morning! New member here, though I've been following the forums for a couple years. Lots of good information.
I recently bought a used 2019 RKS w/Stage II upgrades (Arlen Ness Big Sucker, HD Torquer Cam, Rinehart Slimline Duals, DBX45 w/2.5" DBX baffles). Awesome bike, but I'm finding it is much too loud for my circumstances (when I crack the throttle, it sounds like a loud gun firing). Rinehart's only suggestion was to replace the DBX baffles with standard baffles. Many other shops I called suggested going back to stock headpipes / mufflers.
Before I fork over the cash for new slip-ons with quiet baffles (VH Torquer 450s?), I wanted to check the forums for cheaper / simpler ideas. Thanks!
...oh, and before someone says 'ear plugs', this nose reduction is more about the neighborhood and people I visit than me.
I recently bought a used 2019 RKS w/Stage II upgrades (Arlen Ness Big Sucker, HD Torquer Cam, Rinehart Slimline Duals, DBX45 w/2.5" DBX baffles). Awesome bike, but I'm finding it is much too loud for my circumstances (when I crack the throttle, it sounds like a loud gun firing). Rinehart's only suggestion was to replace the DBX baffles with standard baffles. Many other shops I called suggested going back to stock headpipes / mufflers.
Before I fork over the cash for new slip-ons with quiet baffles (VH Torquer 450s?), I wanted to check the forums for cheaper / simpler ideas. Thanks!
...oh, and before someone says 'ear plugs', this nose reduction is more about the neighborhood and people I visit than me.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 307
Likes: 506
From: Saskatchewan Canada
The simplest and cheapest solution is simply do not crack the throttle when your in a residential neighborhood. Every bike I've owned had louder aftermarket exhaust on it and to date I have never had a neighbor complain. When I ride through any residential neighborhood I leave stop signs smoothly, ride at the speed limit, and don't rev my bike unnecessarily. Is it still louder than the average vehicle? Yes. But not to the point that I have had any complaints. Then again you may have fussier neighbors than I do as well.
If you do go to different slip ons or back to factory exhaust you must remember that quietness = restriction in the exhaust system. This will effect the performance you will get out of the stage 2 and you may need a new tune in order to avoid running too rich. Also the catalytic convertor in the stock exhaust will create heat, a lot of heat. If you do that I would recommend decating the header before installing.
I hope you can find a solution that works for you.
If you do go to different slip ons or back to factory exhaust you must remember that quietness = restriction in the exhaust system. This will effect the performance you will get out of the stage 2 and you may need a new tune in order to avoid running too rich. Also the catalytic convertor in the stock exhaust will create heat, a lot of heat. If you do that I would recommend decating the header before installing.
I hope you can find a solution that works for you.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
try changing the baffles in your existing slip ons before going to the expense of a completely new system. rineharts are nice pipes. would be a shame to get rid of them. try the standard baffles, and if that isn't enough, the fuel moto quiet baffles.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 456
Likes: 205
From: Manchester, MI
It would not surprise me that you find a pair of stock mufflers in the free section of Craigslist. Try them and you will have a baseline for the exhaust.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,681
Likes: 8,413
From: Utah
If you change head pipes back to stock you will need a new Map - Tune for the ECM. Did the bike come with a tuner like Power Vision ?
If you call Fuel Moto they can tell you what you can change before you need to re-tune the bike.
If you call Fuel Moto they can tell you what you can change before you need to re-tune the bike.