I encountered a gal today, on a NIghtster with un-baffled Short Shots. Aside from not having enough back pressure, I noticed that the bike was louder than crap. Louder than what I remember my Street Bob being, without baffles in my SS's.

Is it just my imagination, or are straight pipes on a 1200, louder than those on a 96 cu inch bike?

 

You ever have someone else ride your bike and follow it? Will sound way different from riding as opposed to being behind it. The baffles are designed for flow and reversion so I can't see the benefit of pulling them to begin with.

 

Some think a free flowing exhaust is better than a restricted and it every well could be if the motor is setup for it but most Street Legal bikes are not so by removing the baffles and allowing the exhaust to run feely actually kills performance, Yes it will make the bike sound louder and to some sound meaner but sound isn't **** if the bike performs badly..

Also don't quote me on this but I would think a 78 ci would sound louder than a 88 or higher ci only because the stroke is less on the 1200...

 

That's the point I'm interested in. I don't run my bikes with straight pipes, so I'm really not interested in the arguments for, or against.

I'm wondering if anyone has published a comparison test, or just dB's of comparable pipes on both Sportsters and late model larger twins? My ears say there's something to it...

 

I dont think its the db but rather the pitch. Bigger cubes will have a lower pitch therefore more pleasing to the ear.