I just had the stock pipes put back on my '97 FXDL and (surprise...) they're too quiet. Is it possible to remove the baffle to open them up a tad, or would that make them obnoxiously loud? I'm looking for something a little louder than stock with a nice bassy rumble, and have been thinking about slip-ons. Guess I'll hafta stop by a dealer open house to see/hear something I'd like.

 

I punched out the 1" baffle in stock pipes on a 07 Fatboy and have done it on an 01 Springer. I use a 12" long chisel and a flash light to see down in there. It will give you a little more sound.

 

my 97 FXD mufflers had a sea shell shaped barrier in the baffles. i used a prybar tobend them enough to be able drive a piece of 1" id iron pipe into the muffler to make the barrier flat. worked out real well.

 

The problem with altering the stock mufflers is there is a good chance of having a tinny, metallic sounding exhaust note. You're much better off to spend $150 for aftermarket mufflers that will increase the performance as well as improve the sound.

 

Punched out the stocks on my bike first thing. Sounded louder, but the "tinny" sound was there....and I lost a lot of power. Id suggest that you try a good set of slipons. I had good luck on ebay finding what I wanted.