Dr. Strangelove wrote:actually there is an audio file of the before and after sound, but other than searching here or googling, don't know where it is.
Y'all are worrying too much over this. I replaced my muffler couple of years ago with an aluminum tip, about 4" long and beveled. To make it fit I had them cut two longitudinal cuts in the cat end about 1.5 " long. I got a compression bracket from a Harley store that looks just like the ones BMW uses. I believe the size was 1 7/8". There are three ways you can go with materials, all with advantages and disadvantages:
Chrome is shiny and Y chromosomes are attracted to shiny; but there really isn't anything that is chrome on the bike ( the muffler is stainless)
Stainless steel is the same material as the rest of the exhaust system and will likely "blue" in the same way--SS is more expensive
Aluminum, cheaper and the same color as the wheels.
I thought 4" looked best and the length affects the throatiness of the exhaust note. I originally had it at 6, but had it cut down to 4".
Re the exhaust note. It is not louder, or if it is , not by much, but the note is much more pleasing, deeper and sportier sounding. The change in volume is such that a normal conversation can be just as easily had as with the muffler in place.
I have never been sorry I switched out the muffler. The 4" length and the bevel pointing outward does not overheat or smudge the rear foot peg assembly nor the side case---at all.
The 4" tip was fabricated at a local Mitey Muffler for about $25 iirc, while I waited and we could try it right there. Its finish was at first a little rough, but was easily smoothed out with a brass wheel brush. Steel wool gave it a very clean matte finish.
here is a picture of it
Hope this helps
Thanks for the write up, I really appreciate it.
I have googled and youtubed for the footage, but I must have lost my touch.
Chris
2002 BMW R 1150R ABS, Black, 27,000+
Life is a Game. Play to win.
Any of you guys that have gone with a tip alone found any performance change??????
Even though the catalyst converter provides some backpressure, I think a simple tip does have some effect on the engine's torque curve.
I was riding around with a simple stainless tip for about 6-8 months, and everything seemed OK -- but the exhaust note was a bit too loud.
I added the Supertrapp tip and definately noticed a difference in how well the engine was able to pull (accelerate) from lower RPM's in a given gear. I didn't have to downshift as much, so that would indicate more low-end and/or mid-range torque. I have no dyno results to back up this obsevation, but I believe there is a difference -- just unsure of its magnitude.
It would be interesting to quantify the observation, but I have no easy way of doing so.
2005 R1150R -- Granite Grey Metallic
Lifetime Member #566
subtle, maybe; but the bike is lighter after. I think my mileage improved. When I first took it off my average went from 42ish to ~~46-47. For the past couple of thousand miles it has come back to 41-42, but riding style migh be a factor
others may have diff experiences.
'09 SchwarzeBlanche DuBois Well, don't do that-Hippocrates
I just tried this on my Rock yesterday... Here are my observations.
1. The bike sort of sounds like a wet fart in a tin can. (You can either eat some baked beans and use that can or I'll try to post a video clip of the bike )
2. It seems to shift slightly smoother (back pressure maybe?)
3. The engine does rev a bit more happily
4. I felt a small loss in torque off the line (butt dyno)
4. The bike seemed slightly lighter when transferring directions side to side
5. Did I mention it sounds like a wet fart?
$20 for the tip and a 1 3/4-2 1/4 adapter and about 30 minutes worth of fiddlin' = Worth a shot
I did put my muffler back on last night. I'm going to save the bones up for a Staintune Collector Box.
This looks like something I'll wind up doing lol. So just so were straight. You simply remove the stock muffler and then put a tip of your choosing on (with some mods to the tip for install) and then reset the Motronic and your done. No ECU retune or anything??
I know I'm digging up an old thread here I was just wanting some clarification.
jeepinbanditrider wrote:This looks like something I'll wind up doing lol. So just so were straight. You simply remove the stock muffler and then put a tip of your choosing on (with some mods to the tip for install) and then reset the Motronic and your done. No ECU retune or anything??
I know I'm digging up an old thread here I was just wanting some clarification.
Yes that's it.
I did it a few years ago and I love the sound and the looks of it.
Here's the most elegant solution I've seen for R1150** muffler removal tip options:
And from the back:
This bike is similarly well-implemented from front to back. Belongs to an independent bike mechanic in my area, great guy. He cut off the tip and welded it in turn-down position.
I am very tempted to do the same if I can find a good OE cat for cheap in my area... will consider replacing the Ztechnik titanium system currently on my Rockster.
)
