Not sure if they were welded in or not, IMHO the sound is Awesome on the stock SE slipons. Not tooo loud, but has a nice deep throaty sound. I have had and spent way more $$$$$ than I want to admit too changing pipes/mufflers/baffels etc. maybe I am jst get old.
But I like riding without ear plugs and being able to hear the folks that I am riding with talk when we stop at a traffic light. Spending 3+ years onboard CVA-63 back in the 60's didn't help my hearing either.

WD

 

Not welded they were kind of a pain to get out but they came out (Rubber Mallet) I love the sound. Not quite as loud as the thunderheader but almost. I still set off car alarms in parking garages. Got my bike back today. Go figure. I bought the dark custom derby in timing covers n put em on. Can't go into Harley w/o buyin something. Kinda like my ex-wife at the mall. Looks good to me. I dig the looks of the fatboy lo. I almost got a flat black one. Glad I didn't after mine arrived. I ordered it with the se pipes. They do sound cool. Way better than stock for sure but not loud enough for me. Ride safe fellow Vet/s.