Muffler Question

[macx]

I did a search and got so many hits it would have taken all nite to read thru them.

What's a popular aftermarket muffler that doesn't increase the sound level too much?
I like a throaty exhaust note, but at least at cruise and moderate acceleration one that
doesn't get overly loud or raspy - for instance like pickups equipped with cherry bombs
or cars with Flowmasters. My ears are bad and loud exhausts, like Harleys with straight
pipes, are downright physically painful to be near.

thanks!

[bikermeow]

My vote is a Y-pipe and a Leo Vince. Low growl, occasional backfiring!

Cheers

[Ves]

Like you said, it's been covered. Take the muffler off... ride it like that for a bit... see if you like the sound... if you do, buy an $8 tip for it and you're done.

[shake1150]

I have a Zach stainless steel exhaust and I love it. bassier sound, but not loud. I had a Staintune muffler before that, and that was nice too, but the Zach sounds a bit better and looks more like a stock part. I have the staintune collector box as well. i'll post a pic when i have a sec...

I know other guys have just taken the can off and put a muffler tip on it, but thats not for me. i think it looks neat like that, but I like the look of having a muffler there. to each his own I guess.

the Zach can be bought here:
http://boxer-design.net/Zachauspuffeer1150radv.htm

[DJ Downunder]

My vote is a Y-pipe and a Leo Vince. Low growl, occasional backfiring!

Cheers

A friend has that set up and it's way louder than my cat only set up.

DJ

[shake1150]

here's a pic of the Zach can...

its the same diameter as stock, but its shorter.
this pipe sounds way better than stock and almost looks stock!

[ASQTec]

=1 on Zach.

Of all the muffler mods I've seen (and heard) over the years, I rate the Zach setup in a league of its own, based on sound alone. A couple of years back, there were quite a few examples on YouTube.

[Parkblu]

I had a Laser and sold it, didn't care for the sound. I now run a y-pipe and Remus without baffle, sounds nice but not so much louder that any neighbour has ever complained. For my ears though, by far the best sound I ever heard came from a GS with a Two Brothers exhaust. Blindfolded, I could not have identified that bike as a BeeEmm.

[mcollect]

I love the sound of a y pipe and a staintune pipe with restrictor in. Looks like stock and not loud but also definitely not a sewing machine!

[jeremell]

I've been happy with a ZTechnik.

http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1484

[AirForceDirt]

Like you said, it's been covered. Take the muffler off... ride it like that for a bit... see if you like the sound... if you do, buy an $8 tip for it and you're done.

Doesn't that make is waaaaaaay too loud?

[owldaddy]

Doesn't that make is waaaaaaay too loud?

Nope, give it a try, takes only a few minutes to remove the muffler, I have been running mine this way for a few years now.
Don

[AirForceDirt]

Is that even legal? The cat is under the engine, and doesn't come off with the muffler, I'm assuming. How do those of you that have removed the cat and replaced it with a y-pipe pass emissions (assuming someone here still has to do an emissions test for motorcycles)?

[owldaddy]

Yep, your right, the cat doesn't come off with the muffler. The cat turns out to be a very good muffler already. I used a chrome turn down tip for mine, it is 1.75" ID. Looks good, gets rid of about 13 pounds, and sounds like a motorcycle now. Not to loud, I think DJ had his tested to make sure it passed the laws of his land. and it did pass. That doesn't mean it will pass Arizona's laws, but it does mean it isn't all that loud.
Don

[AirForceDirt]

So, after removing said muffler (heavier than I expected), who makes a tip to cover up the unsightly pipe-end that remains? I've heard its 1 7/8 inch pipe, but I'm having difficulty finding something to fit over the pipe and not look too bad.

[ruddy]

You should be able to find a 1 3/4" chrome tip at a local auto parts store for no more than $8 or so. I found that I had to shim it a bit, because the pipe is a little smaller in diameter. I also drilled and tapped two holes for the exhaust tip screws. If you don't, you're likely to lose the tip. I don't think it matters what tap you use (SAE or metric). I just found that tapping the hole worked a lot better.

[shake1150]

here's a better pic of the Zach can & staintune collector (thinking of going back to stock cat)

[macx]

Wow, thanks for all the good input!

Being just becuz it's the least expensive route, I think I'll start by
removing the can & attach a simple turned down tip. Mite be
too loud for my bad ears (straight pipes on Harleys are physically
painful to be near for me), but easy to give it a shot and not much
to lose.

Not looking for loud, but would like a little growl when I get on it.

Just for S & G's, has anyone ever tried modifying or removing some
of the innards of the stock can? I see there are screws on the back
that look like it's possible to pull the guts out?

[macx]

Tried U Tube, only one I could find compared an r1200 with cans removed which I didn't like at all, to one with a Ztechnick exhaust which sounded pretty decent.

Any clues on how to find one with Zach's and/or Staintune or other aftermarket mufflers?

Thanks!!

[shake1150]

here's a video from youtube.com showing you what a Zach sounds like...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxBlflhFfOE

and here's one that compares the Zach to the stock can...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usf4vQRwh-0&NR=1

you cant go wrong with the Zach... looks like stock but sounds a lot better.