Cutting out the baffles.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines, Fl.
Cutting out the baffles.
I have a 2013 FLHTK and thinking about cutting the baffles. Anyone have Bad or Good experience with this. I have a K&N Filter with a modified stock box and a Power vision installed.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
I wouldn't do it. Generally they don't sound that good and you'll end up buying a set of performance mufflers anyway. Plus, you won't have the stockers in case you need them.
And why would you need them? Trading the bike, got a fixit ticket, going somewhere with oppressive noise laws etc.
And why would you need them? Trading the bike, got a fixit ticket, going somewhere with oppressive noise laws etc.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 4
From: The Great River Road, Wisconsin
I have done it on a couple sets of pipes, on a couple different bikes, and they sound better, but just wet your appetite to replace with something "better" as said above.
If you don't plan on keeping the original for resale, it will buy you time until you pick some aftermarket or can afford the ones you really want.
A hole saw in the *** end makes short order of the task.
If you don't plan on keeping the original for resale, it will buy you time until you pick some aftermarket or can afford the ones you really want.
A hole saw in the *** end makes short order of the task.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
I did it and it runs fine with a stock intake. When I upgrade the intake I will tune the bike as it will be too lean most likely. I also drilled out my cat so I have $0 invested in some pretty good sounding pipes and I like the way they look wide open.. If yours are the same as mine the right baffle is almost as large as the pipe so you will be running bassically 4" or more open pipes. Nice deep sound at idle and not the loudest I have heard but pretty loud. They don't sound maybe as good as some $800 pipe set ups but again I have spent $0. My RKC pipe has a mesh screen over fiberglass that is no more than 1/4" think that runs the length of the pipe. If you are carefull it is sealed in and wont blow out when you remove the baffle.
Remove the fear and go for it! I can get you pix and video sound later if you want it. Rain in the afternoon here so its in the garage.
Remove the fear and go for it! I can get you pix and video sound later if you want it. Rain in the afternoon here so its in the garage.
Last edited by Ben221; Aug 30, 2013 at 08:04 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 136
Likes: 3
From: NE, PA
I have aftermarket pipes and cut the 10" baffle down to about 2". Sounds great and works well. I also have a K&N and Commander on it though.
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Supporter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 627
Likes: 2
From: Salem, OR
On a 2010 or newer bike with a stock air intake and a catalytic in the crossover cutting out the baffles makes a very minimal change in how the bike runs and only affects sound. I did it to mine and sounds decent. Not quite as smooth a sound as the high end exhaust but definitely comparable with the cheaper slip ons. Without the catalytic to keep some back pressure and reduce the sound it's not a good choice. You can however lolipop them later if you want to keep the stock exhaust after you mod the other stuff, you just won't find much support for a fuel map if you have a tuner with no auto tune ability. I have used DK customs TT inserts a few times and they work really good for a budget exhaust setup but I also use a power vision with auto tune so I can ride it till it adjusts to where I like it.
