I have run my Vance & Hines with and without baffles... with = more torque better gas mileage... without = loss of low end and mid range torque and high end hp and gas mileage fell off 10 mpg.

 

Ok the only way open pipes will hurt the engine is if you don't adjust the A/F for them. Open pipes just like any aftermarket pipes will make the engine run lean and lean will burn the engine up. As long as you have the A/F adjusted for the open pipes it will not hurt the engine at all. I have open pipes on my XL50 and it runs great, but I do have the PC III dyno tuned for them. No matter how well you have the A/F tuned you will still lose some low end punch with open pipes-I know I did, but not tons.

 

The previous owner of my bike had taken the baffles out but when I got it I put them back in. It seems just as loud but it's a deeper tone now and it sure runs better.

 

Most aftermarket pipes a plenty loud

I don't kno5w why anyone (Probably 10%) would run pipes without baffles.. They give us other 90% a bad rap that try to be decent and care about others. Ur killing the low end TQ by running no baffles and IMO most just do it to say LOOK AT ME.....

Then those 10% of riders raise the most chit/vell when some city's want to have a NOISE law....

I like a good sounding bike, and mines not quiet when I get on her...BUT I know when to do it and when NOT to.....

 

I think it depends on the pipes. I ran a set of Samson Warlords which were really long drag pipes, no baffles, on my last bike. The roll ons from 60-90 were awesome, and the sound was incredible. Like mentioned earlier, the motor has to be jetted/tuned correctly for the pipes.