Dunno...I built an FXSTC that dynos at 92 HP...loud as Hell...but, on road trips, I wear ear plugs. Most of the guys I ride with run the usual 5 mph over, don;t do street light stampedes, etc., so the hot rod is really kinda useless. I have an 05 FLHTCUI and run SE slip ons and the AC and remap...not loud, breathes fine and...what the Hell, it really is bout the ride and not the noise, isn't it? I guess loud is OK if that is the intent, but there is a trade off in $$$ and "performance"...and in real riding reliability and comfort.

 

Stock exhaust here also on my '04 Road King. I am on the fence about changing it. I would a better sound but I don't want to end up wearing earplugs when I read either.

 

Stock exhausts on my 04 1200 Custom (24,000 miles). Someone with SEs on an 05 Roadster commented that they were surprised mine were stock. I do believe they get louder as they age. It would make sense if you think of it. Mine are stock for a few reasons:

1) Warranty
2) Reliability (very few "It don't run right problems" are reported on stock bikes)
3) Money (couldn't see replacing perfectly good pipes for the sake of some decibels)
4) I can still do 120, and go from 0-whatever, quicker than the law allows
5) I'd rather do those things in #3 with stealth

If you drive fast all the time, and still feel a need to wring out a few HP, than it might be worth it. But if you do not regularly tax your own abilities, or the motorcycle's, than pipes are needed about as much as LED engine lighting. Get them if you really want them, but you don't need them to enjoy you're bike, or to go fast.

John

 

I have SE2 slip-ons on my Night Train, and the only reason I wear earplugs is because of wind noise.

Cheers!
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