After much self-debate and angst over which direction I wanted to go, I've decided to do away with the open drags on the 76 FXE 74" I've been bringing back to life.
I'm asking what y'all think would be a good set of pipes to keep the law off my back, while at the same time giving me a good HD thump. Most of my riding is on quiet back roads in the mountains of upstate NY and western VT. Small towns around here like to hand out loud exhaust tickets, from what I hear. Plus I know the drags aren't suited for my casual riding style.
I realize I'll probably get several differing answers, but I welcome all opinions.
Also, adding baffles to my drags isn't an option, since they're so beat up I won't be keeping them anyway. Thanks, Rich

 

I should also add I'm not a huge fan of the 2into1 pipes, and performance or horsepower aren't my top priority. Just a good all-around set of pipes.

 

I'd get a set of cycle shack mufflers for what you are looking to do. The bike will run ton's better and you won't be bringing bad attention to yourself. It's 2014, not 1970, times are not favoring loud pipes... especially as you say, in small quiet towns.

 

Adding to Cycle Shacks....I also dig Pauchco's
http://paughco.com/2008-catalog/indi...ct%20Page.html

Have a set of these on mine. Not the quietest....but you can control that with baffles after you get the set you like.

I got the staggered slash cuts...although I'm wanting to do a set of fatter true duals on each side.
http://paughco.com/2008-catalog/indi...20Paughco.html

 

I ran straits on my '81 since buying it new till about 4 years ago after giving it a redo. I went with a set of factory staggered duals that I found on the Kansas City C.L. They were asking $50 and shipping costs were $60 but they were perfect, all brackets,hangers and covers. I had to "ding" the front muffler slightly as they came off a FXWG that didn't use mid pegs. The only downside is the factory crossover really seems to drown out the exhaust note even after removing the baffles. I can hear the stator whining again after 30 years.
I was leaning to the Cycle Shacks when these came along, nice mellow sound but just a little louder than stock.
I think the best sounding exhaust was the '73 up FX duals that have what I call welded mufflers, they are hard to find but worth the search.
I really enjoy the quiet but there is still something brutal about hammering a strait piped shovel into 3rd gear!
WUZFUZ