I understand an open exhaust like my VH Straight shots allows air to be sucked up the pipe during closed throttle and any unburned gas then ignites and pops.. I have leaned the carb to no avail.
I would guess a 2-1 exhaust would stop the reversion and stop the pop. Hate to spend $700 on new exhaust. Anyone have an idea?

 

Try putting a lollipop (eye bolt) or a bolt with 5-6 nuts on it in the end of each pipe. That should help and also can bump torque up a bit too

 

Exhaust popping on deceleration is natural and nothing to worry about. The OEM cans just muffle it to the point that you don't hear it.

 

Decel popping can be caused by an intake manifold air leak. It can also be caused by either a lean or rich condition. So going lean can even make the problem worse. It isn't always unburnt fuel making the pop. It could be CO. And finally a loose exhaust flange can cause decal popping. The basic idea is to eliminate all oxygen from the pipes and close all air leaks.

 

...but if all you've done is changed the cans - it's normal and nothing to worry about.

 

I have already changed the exh gaskets. Plugs are a nice gray color so lean rich should be good. Not too worried about it. just popping more than usual.
When I leave throttle slightly open during decel it wont pop.
I do have the original full length baffles still in the VH straight shots.

 

Popping or backfiring? An exhaust leak up by the head can cause backfiring and lead to other problems. Ask Me How I Know...

 

just popping and it did it before and after the new exh gaskets.

 

Plug color doesn't mean much these days due to non-leaded ethanol fuels. If the popping bothers you try opening the idle mixture a bit. You're probably running a bit lean on idle.

 

Spider I have richened till I got dark plugs. Then leaned until a perfect lite gray. Did not make a difference.