American Custom (exhaust)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
I too have their slip-on mufflers. The rest of my bike is stock. When I first got the slip-ons, I was amazed at the rumble and how loud they were with the CAT still in place. But I was having a problem with a lot more decel pop, and at the time, a drop in performance that I didn't realize.
So I ordered their mid-rumble baffles. When I got them, three things were very noticeable. First, the decel pop was gone! Second, the bike ran like a raped ape. I didn't realize that I'd lost any performance, and maybe I didn't. But I sure noticed an increase when I installed the baffles. And the third thing I noticed was how quiet the bike was now. Too quiet. Honda quiet.
So I pulled the baffles out and studied on it a bit. There were two rows of six 3/8" holes around the circumference of the baffles. So I grabbed the drill and added another set of six holes making the baffles with a total of 18 holes instead of the 12 it came with. I gained some noticeable sound, and an even deeper rumble, without a loss in power or creating any new decel pop.
I'm very happy with them now. And they look stock, so I get a lot of questions about them when I pull up somewhere.
So I ordered their mid-rumble baffles. When I got them, three things were very noticeable. First, the decel pop was gone! Second, the bike ran like a raped ape. I didn't realize that I'd lost any performance, and maybe I didn't. But I sure noticed an increase when I installed the baffles. And the third thing I noticed was how quiet the bike was now. Too quiet. Honda quiet.
So I pulled the baffles out and studied on it a bit. There were two rows of six 3/8" holes around the circumference of the baffles. So I grabbed the drill and added another set of six holes making the baffles with a total of 18 holes instead of the 12 it came with. I gained some noticeable sound, and an even deeper rumble, without a loss in power or creating any new decel pop.
I'm very happy with them now. And they look stock, so I get a lot of questions about them when I pull up somewhere.
On my favorite set of baffles I increased the size of the holes to 1/2" and doubled the number of them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 7
From: Hoffman Estates, IL
Wrote a bunch about 'em here -- http://www.johnscrip.com/html/blog_f...d_mufflers.php
In short, pretty darn happy. Wanted a set that looked basically 'stock' - even under a certain amount of scrutiny (someone looking at factory stamps if you know what I mean) that was 'tunable' to some extent.
Then I added those incredibly sexy black end caps... Still, factory stamps. :-) And when you drill out the "medium" baffles enough, you get a good amount of air through them but there's still that all-important "stop" when certain types of people try to make sure there's still a baffle in them...
In short, pretty darn happy. Wanted a set that looked basically 'stock' - even under a certain amount of scrutiny (someone looking at factory stamps if you know what I mean) that was 'tunable' to some extent.
Then I added those incredibly sexy black end caps... Still, factory stamps. :-) And when you drill out the "medium" baffles enough, you get a good amount of air through them but there's still that all-important "stop" when certain types of people try to make sure there's still a baffle in them...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
Wrote a bunch about 'em here -- http://www.johnscrip.com/html/blog_f...d_mufflers.php
In short, pretty darn happy. Wanted a set that looked basically 'stock' - even under a certain amount of scrutiny (someone looking at factory stamps if you know what I mean) that was 'tunable' to some extent.
Then I added those incredibly sexy black end caps... Still, factory stamps. :-) And when you drill out the "medium" baffles enough, you get a good amount of air through them but there's still that all-important "stop" when certain types of people try to make sure there's still a baffle in them...
In short, pretty darn happy. Wanted a set that looked basically 'stock' - even under a certain amount of scrutiny (someone looking at factory stamps if you know what I mean) that was 'tunable' to some extent.
Then I added those incredibly sexy black end caps... Still, factory stamps. :-) And when you drill out the "medium" baffles enough, you get a good amount of air through them but there's still that all-important "stop" when certain types of people try to make sure there's still a baffle in them...
Thanks for the link. Good reading. I like the idea that I can modify the baffles and if I really mess them up they can be replaced easily. And cheaply. ride safe
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Farmington
AC with Rush
thinking about buying some American Custom Headers. I have Rush slip ons with 2.25 baffles. gonna call in the morning but was wondering if anyone thinks my mufflers will work with the AC headers?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: Staten Island, NY
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
I Like Them
I have an 09 Road King I purchased their "bomber" slip ons for. I got their slash forward mufflers and mid range baffles with the black end cap inserts. The rest of my bike is stock. When I originally put the mufflers on I opted to not use any baffles. I loved the loud but gained a very noticable decel popping. I contacted Vance & Hines about their Fuelpak - put it on - and wah-lah, no more popping. Fuel mileage wasn't effected AT ALL, so I'm guessing it is running at about the same fuel mixture as stock.
At the end of last year the wife commented that her ears were ringing after a prolonged highway run so I put the mid range baffles back in. I also drilled additional holes in them (to me they made the bike to quiet) and I'm happy with the results.
To me they were an extremely affordable, quality alternative with more than acceptable results. Without the baffles I am constantly asked what work I've had done to the motor. Loud = performance? I wouldn't hesitate to do it again!
At the end of last year the wife commented that her ears were ringing after a prolonged highway run so I put the mid range baffles back in. I also drilled additional holes in them (to me they made the bike to quiet) and I'm happy with the results.
To me they were an extremely affordable, quality alternative with more than acceptable results. Without the baffles I am constantly asked what work I've had done to the motor. Loud = performance? I wouldn't hesitate to do it again!
Stage II
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ridgely, MD.
Just put the Whole system on my 2012 RKC. Love it. The sound is awsome and a deep rumble. I have not noticed any popping during decel but only have about 100 miles on them today. No other changes other than no baffles for the time. Was at the Delmarva Bike fest and took them about 60 minutes to change out my complete system with theirs. You can't even tell the system was changed out other than the sound when started. They will send me the super quite baffles once they retun to the shop I was told. After reading all the post's I may need to by one mid baffle as I like the sound just don't want to wake the neighbors. I must say they were very informative and had several different bikes that I was able to listen to before I made my decision. As for V/H their price was the same as the dealer and the system they started for me sounds just like what I have. And I paid a grand less. AC was great.