[The VTX Monk]

The stock pipes on my 1300s look fantastic and I love the look. Very satisfied with the design. I noticed a lot of other bikes with aftermarket pipes and always thought they looked good as well. I just want to keep the stock look on the bike.

However, I keep hearing about the Clayton Mod and how the sound is louder. After talking with another rider, he told me that he changed his pipes on his Road King to make sure he is heard on the highway. He also mentioned that when he goes on runs with other bikers, everyone needs to be heard within the group on the run (blind spots, etc).

I think I'm finally getting the point on different pipes and mods. Rather than drill holes or change out pipes, will new exhaust tips with new baffles work?

I would prefer not to drill holes but try to acheive a louder exhaust this way if it will work.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

Monk

 

[Retro Rich]

You can cut the pipes open or try to break the baffles loose in the stock mufflers (some guys have done it with a broomstick) and basically "gut them." You might have a hard time finding baffles that will just bolt in, since they are a large diameter can but there's probably something out there.

One thing you can try, if you want to keep the stock look on the pipes and open them up for better sound, is to consider the Sturgis Thunder Pipe Works modification. It's somewhat pricey (almost as much as some of the cheaper full aftermarket exhaust), but they do sound great. But, I'd warn you to consider whether or not you will upgrade the airbox to an aftermarket one before you would get this modification done. I had a time trying to get mine tuned and ended up selling my STPW modded pipes when I changed out to an aftermarket airbox/kit. If you want to leave the stock airbox on it and go no farther than probably just adding a K&N filter to it and shimming the needle a little (like one or two shims), then STPW pipes would be a very good option for you.

Otherwise, you'll probably just want to go with a full aftermarket exhaust. BTW, if you take the stock tips off you might have a gap in your chrome with one of the tips you're talking about in the picture (most likely). I'd measure carefully before spending the money on doing that.

 

[rod1300s]

replaceing the tips will not do anything the exhaust has an end cap on it. if you try and brek up the baffle all you will end up with is a nice rattle in the exhaus. it will sound better but a good rattle. beside the tip of the exhaust is so small you will have to use a long half inch drive extension to do it. if you remove the whole baffle your back pressuser will also drop because your going from a inch an a half front pipe to a three inch pipe. the performace will drop. i never did the drill method i just removed the end cap from the exhaust . and replaced the chrome tip. it sounds great and performace stayed . besides it doesn't cost anything to do. it's real easy.

 

[The VTX Monk]

Thanks guys for the info. I talked with my dealership about drilling holes in the baffles and they told me that may result in the loss of my warranty and they mentioned I may develop rust as well. I live in the rust belt.

For now I think I'll leave the pipes alone and maybe just change out the pipes later if the gov't hasn't changed the aftermarket law by then. The new law will state that the pipes that come with the bike cannot be changed out for different pipes!!

Now that I know one of the main purposes for the louder noise, I think the law is not a good one.

Monk

 

[NC Hammer]

Drilling the pipes will NOT void your warranty.

Here's a thought, replace your stock horn with 2 car horns. At 128 decibls. when you hit it, they'll hear ya. And, I don't think this will void the warranty either. LOL

 

[Green Ghost]

oooh-ga

Drilling the pipes will NOT void your warranty.

Here's a thought, replace your stock horn with 2 car horns. At 128 decibls. when you hit it, they'll hear ya. And, I don't think this will void the warranty either. LOL

Great idea Hammer !! That would let them know your'e comming. :choppersm

 

[bgrd1]

i am trying to understand how loud pipes help. here is why, when you are in your car and you look in the rearview mirror and there is an ambulance with lights and siren going, when do you hear the siren. pretty much when they 2 or so car lengths from you, now this is a loud high pitch sound facing forward and you can't hear that how do the cagers hear low pitch pipes facing the rear hear you coming any quicker. just curious. I completely agree with the louder horns for in town trafiic use etc.

 

[rod1300s]

your right sometimes it doesn't help! i just got my bike back last month after being rear ended while i was rideing it! by a jeep grad cherokee! let me tell ya they can drive right up the back fender ! but i do think that the load pipes do help and besides it still sounds good. don't care how old i get (47) right now i still like my bike and truck load.

 

[bgrd1]

thats the best reason for changing pipes I just don't agree with trying to justify it by saying that it saves lives or something like that based on the above reasoning. If you like it and it is quote unquote legal then do it thats all

 

[The VTX Monk]

Well, I found these bike horns for sale for a hundred bucks for the pair. They're rated at 125Db.



Do you think this will be loud enough? (Ha, ha!)

Monk

 

[Gills]

Those bike horns look AWSOME!!! I don't like loud pipes but I could sure use something for this weak horn. When I want to let someone know I am here I want to let them know I AM HERE.

Gills

 

[cronicdrummer]

when a hd comes up from any direction u hear a rumble and are at least aware that a bike is near...when i was a kid id look in every direction to see where it is.i think that a louder pipe will "let them know youre here", horn of cource but u hit the horn when something is happaning, louder pipes just let everyone know!!!!!I love to hear "those pipes are too loud, i can hear you comin a mile away....! " That's the point...

higher pitches travle in shorter distances than lower sounds, also u here that ambulance about 2 or so car lengths? Great u just herd me comin, meening: if u hear me 2 car lengths behinde you u know im there hence the "saving lifes". when my buds on there crotch rockets have a car comming in to a there lane they don't hit the horn they hard rev those things.But as i said befor i had a bike i knew when a big fat hd was comming up behind us and ill do everything to help ensure my safety, Helmet ,Gear, and some loud mother f ing pipes....and if u don't hear me ill be going out in vtx style.

 

[barttoday]

I have Cobra Slip-ons, and I took the baffles out of them. They are so loud that my ears ring when I am done riding. I also put on an air-horn with a micro-compressor. For those times when I need to get louder than the guy with the thumping stereo. :choppersm

 

[country boy]

drill them holes

Monk there a'int no easier whey to get a little better sound from your x than drilling a few holes i started with 2 ended up with 6 spaced around back plate it is not to loud at all aftermarket pipes are just to loud and expensive for me you'll love the growl you get between shifts:cheers: