Any luck with baffles?

[canoli]

I tried the 4" perforated metal baffles but they didn't do anything to quiet the exhaust. They were cheap enough - about $20 - but I'd rather not keep experimenting if there's no point. Will the ceramic make any appreciable difference in lowering the noise? Or maybe the longer metal ones?

Thanks - I appreciate any suggestions ... and so will the neighbors!

[koolbreeze]

Get a set of used stock take off mufflers.

You did not state the type of exhaust system/mufflers you current have on the bike.

[canoli]

Thanks - it's a 1981 FXWG with drags. Replacing the exhaust is an expensive proposition even if I could find a set. I'm not partial to drag pipes but I don't hate them - on a shovel I like the sound a lot - but I live in NYC and they're just too damn loud.

The WG has forward controls, electric start and a kicker. The only one I've found so far is made by Paughco - pretty sure it'll fit but it's over $700, which is normal I know, but it's more than I can afford right now.

So for now I'm looking to muffle the sound without spending big bucks. If I thought I could cut the drags down and clamp on slip-ons I think I'd do that but I've never messed with slip-ons before.

[JB in NC]

The Krome Works perforated baffles will work MUCH better than the 4" can opener style baffles. Might even boost your mid-range a bit. They won't quiet the motor much, but will take the harshness out of the exhaust note, that is perceived as annoying. WELL worth the price. Available for 1 3/4" and 2" pipes, so be sure you get the right size.

Jim

[koolbreeze]

Originally Posted by canoli

Thanks - it's a 1981 FXWG with drags. Replacing the exhaust is an expensive proposition even if I could find a set. I'm not partial to drag pipes but I don't hate them - on a shovel I like the sound a lot - but I live in NYC and they're just too damn loud.

The WG has forward controls, electric start and a kicker. The only one I've found so far is made by Paughco - pretty sure it'll fit but it's over $700, which is normal I know, but it's more than I can afford right now.

So for now I'm looking to muffle the sound without spending big bucks. If I thought I could cut the drags down and clamp on slip-ons I think I'd do that but I've never messed with slip-ons before.

Okay, thought you were taking about the 1992 Sportster.

[canoli]

Originally Posted by JB in NC

The Krome Works perforated baffles will work MUCH better than the 4" can opener style baffles. Might even boost your mid-range a bit. They won't quiet the motor much, but will take the harshness out of the exhaust note, that is perceived as annoying. WELL worth the price. Available for 1 3/4" and 2" pipes, so be sure you get the right size.

Jim

Thanks Jim I will look for those. I like Khrome Werks. I've used their handlebars on different bikes. But I really need to lower the dBs on this thing. The noise doesn't bother me and shovels have plenty of low-end torque even with drag pipes. It's just that I have to consider the neighbors. They already hate my Sportster and that has mufflers.

But I sympathize with them I really do. The bike is ridiculously loud. Everybody comments on it. Some of it was due to bad alignment but I fixed that. Shovelheads have just one exhaust stud, which makes it a challenge to get a good seal.

Wow I just looked up Khrome Werks baffles they are not cheap! Before I spend $100 on baffles I will have to do some serious research. Thanks again for the reply.

[bustert]

by using packing, you can change the pitch but not necessarily db.
by in the sixties allen ladder who did some racing and dirt invented the snuff-r-nots
they were popular on the honda as i also installed them. they make a huge diff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw8-AXQ8yAA

this is a home version, the original looked wayyyyyy better

[kitabel]

The intended purpose of a baffle is not to provide backpressure.
A baffle should confuse the pressure waves in the exhaust pipe by adding (partial) obstructions, changes in shape, volume, etc., and minimize their effect.

[Kingrabbit]

Cheap ‘fix:’
You can try this. It worked for me.
Put lollipops in the ends of the open pipes. I used large thumb screws. It gave me back low and middle range power.
Someday I plan to buy a new exhaust system but for now the lollipops work.

[bustert]

hugely depends upon baffle design on how they work.
a perf baffle fairs better on a 2" than a 1 3/4" .
you can actually muffle the sound without anything in the pipe. sadly there is no room for that on a mc so something has to be added.
a good baffle design also restricts reversion.
no confusion there, strictly science. ever see gravity get corn-fuse
well if you are corn liquored you might think so. squeezings and figure 8's do not mix like JB shaken and not stirred. been there done that, carried the scar decades.

https://youtu.be/p1F8zMMS1is

was done for reversion issues and not sound but it did mellow it out, the perf could never tune in