Just curious as to how many are still running stock pipes on their bikes
#12
03-25-2011 | 08:06 AM
I have an 06 SG and went the SE A/C and slip ons when I first got it. Then I got over the loud bike thing and put the stocks back on. Never regretted it! I do a lot of long distance 2 up riding and we enjoy the low rumble and being able to talk without yelling. Plus I think it runs smoother and I can actually hear my motor which is cool.
#15
03-25-2011 | 08:25 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 646
Likes: 61
From: Raleigh NC
To kcflhtc... Finally! Someone has noticed that 10 touring bikes are quieter that the same model 11! I would love to know what they did and why to the 11s because they sound much better! My 10 cvo ultra was gold wing quiet when new and has gotten progressively louder with miles. It's still not going to win any exhaust note contests.
#16
03-25-2011 | 08:33 AM
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Morganton, NC
Left mine stock. I am concerned that a change will make it too loud and will have wasted the money. When you look at all of the opportunities to improve performance, changing slip-ons and leaving the cats in the header pipes seems to be a cosmetic change only. The cats are a big plug and changing pipes, for performance seems like a waste. My 2 cents.
#17
03-25-2011 | 09:06 AM
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colo
I did the stock pipes for the break in period. Then went with Sampson Rolled thunder slip ons and a stage one A/C. Very loud. After about two years or three years I put the stock exhaust back on because I was tired of all the noise, plus when I did that , the backfire on decelaration went away. I ran those about a year and wanted something a little louder, so I went with Cycle Shack slip ons. now I go back and forth between stock and the Cycle shacks and it only takes about 45 minutes to change them. There are benefits to both sets of pipes.
#18
03-25-2011 | 09:10 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: Eaton, OH
Here are my reasons in no particular order.
1. I do not care for loud pipes. I believe they create too many negatives in regards to the non-riding public. I like a nice sounding bike and car but I see no reason for obnoxiously loud vehicles.
2. I bought a set of EPA stamped Screaming Eagle slip on mufflers and although I generally liked the sound, they were still too loud for me in certain riding conditions so I took them off.
3. I had the Screaming Eagle air cleaner and dealer ECM download done thinking I would feel a performance difference. I can't say I noticed any change but that may be due to my riding style. If I rode more aggressively I may have noticed a difference. I probably would not do this modification again.
4. I have the stock ECM with the reflash and although I have thought about aftermarket tuners, I think I will probably keep it stock. The primary reason is two-fold. First, the bike runs fine the way it is now and second, the tuners I have seen are all labeled for off road use only. I like the idea of keeping my vehicles street legal. Also, although I have looked for and not found specific numbers, my understanding is that motorcycles in general produce higher exhaust emissions than cars already. My guess is that the aftermarket tuners probably increase emissions. I would not call myself a tree hugger, I do not see any valid reason to knowingly increase exhaust emissions. We all have to breathe and I'd rather breathe cleaner air.
5. I knew when I bought a Harley that it was not the fastest bike available. If I wanted to go fast I would have kept my Goldwing. I see no reason to spend a lot of money just to gain a few horsepower. The bike I bought has plenty of power for the type of riding I do.
6. I did add an oil cooler and the HD parade fan. These were added for engine longevity and not to enhance rider comfort. The only issue I have ever had with heat is when I stop and put my leg against the primary cover.
1. I do not care for loud pipes. I believe they create too many negatives in regards to the non-riding public. I like a nice sounding bike and car but I see no reason for obnoxiously loud vehicles.
2. I bought a set of EPA stamped Screaming Eagle slip on mufflers and although I generally liked the sound, they were still too loud for me in certain riding conditions so I took them off.
3. I had the Screaming Eagle air cleaner and dealer ECM download done thinking I would feel a performance difference. I can't say I noticed any change but that may be due to my riding style. If I rode more aggressively I may have noticed a difference. I probably would not do this modification again.
4. I have the stock ECM with the reflash and although I have thought about aftermarket tuners, I think I will probably keep it stock. The primary reason is two-fold. First, the bike runs fine the way it is now and second, the tuners I have seen are all labeled for off road use only. I like the idea of keeping my vehicles street legal. Also, although I have looked for and not found specific numbers, my understanding is that motorcycles in general produce higher exhaust emissions than cars already. My guess is that the aftermarket tuners probably increase emissions. I would not call myself a tree hugger, I do not see any valid reason to knowingly increase exhaust emissions. We all have to breathe and I'd rather breathe cleaner air.
5. I knew when I bought a Harley that it was not the fastest bike available. If I wanted to go fast I would have kept my Goldwing. I see no reason to spend a lot of money just to gain a few horsepower. The bike I bought has plenty of power for the type of riding I do.
6. I did add an oil cooler and the HD parade fan. These were added for engine longevity and not to enhance rider comfort. The only issue I have ever had with heat is when I stop and put my leg against the primary cover.
#19
03-25-2011 | 09:12 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,944
Likes: 29
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Stock pipes on the new 103 bikes sound good. I like the look, the sound, and the fact that EPA restrictions in the years to come will not be an issue.
Like the stock air box as well. The jump from 96 to 103 made up for leaving it this way. Feels like a 96 with a stage 1 and hi flow mufflers.
Adding my XIEDS in about a week...that's it for the drivetrain.
(eventually a drop in K&N filter)
~Joe
Like the stock air box as well. The jump from 96 to 103 made up for leaving it this way. Feels like a 96 with a stage 1 and hi flow mufflers.
Adding my XIEDS in about a week...that's it for the drivetrain.
(eventually a drop in K&N filter)
~Joe
#20
03-25-2011 | 09:16 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,944
Likes: 29
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Here are my reasons in no particular order.
1. I do not care for loud pipes. I believe they create too many negatives in regards to the non-riding public. I like a nice sounding bike and car but I see no reason for obnoxiously loud vehicles.
2. I bought a set of EPA stamped Screaming Eagle slip on mufflers and although I generally liked the sound, they were still too loud for me in certain riding conditions so I took them off.
3. I had the Screaming Eagle air cleaner and dealer ECM download done thinking I would feel a performance difference. I can't say I noticed any change but that may be due to my riding style. If I rode more aggressively I may have noticed a difference. I probably would not do this modification again.
4. I have the stock ECM with the reflash and although I have thought about aftermarket tuners, I think I will probably keep it stock. The primary reason is two-fold. First, the bike runs fine the way it is now and second, the tuners I have seen are all labeled for off road use only. I like the idea of keeping my vehicles street legal. Also, although I have looked for and not found specific numbers, my understanding is that motorcycles in general produce higher exhaust emissions than cars already. My guess is that the aftermarket tuners probably increase emissions. I would not call myself a tree hugger, I do not see any valid reason to knowingly increase exhaust emissions. We all have to breathe and I'd rather breathe cleaner air.
5. I knew when I bought a Harley that it was not the fastest bike available. If I wanted to go fast I would have kept my Goldwing. I see no reason to spend a lot of money just to gain a few horsepower. The bike I bought has plenty of power for the type of riding I do.
6. I did add an oil cooler and the HD parade fan. These were added for engine longevity and not to enhance rider comfort. The only issue I have ever had with heat is when I stop and put my leg against the primary cover.
1. I do not care for loud pipes. I believe they create too many negatives in regards to the non-riding public. I like a nice sounding bike and car but I see no reason for obnoxiously loud vehicles.
2. I bought a set of EPA stamped Screaming Eagle slip on mufflers and although I generally liked the sound, they were still too loud for me in certain riding conditions so I took them off.
3. I had the Screaming Eagle air cleaner and dealer ECM download done thinking I would feel a performance difference. I can't say I noticed any change but that may be due to my riding style. If I rode more aggressively I may have noticed a difference. I probably would not do this modification again.
4. I have the stock ECM with the reflash and although I have thought about aftermarket tuners, I think I will probably keep it stock. The primary reason is two-fold. First, the bike runs fine the way it is now and second, the tuners I have seen are all labeled for off road use only. I like the idea of keeping my vehicles street legal. Also, although I have looked for and not found specific numbers, my understanding is that motorcycles in general produce higher exhaust emissions than cars already. My guess is that the aftermarket tuners probably increase emissions. I would not call myself a tree hugger, I do not see any valid reason to knowingly increase exhaust emissions. We all have to breathe and I'd rather breathe cleaner air.
5. I knew when I bought a Harley that it was not the fastest bike available. If I wanted to go fast I would have kept my Goldwing. I see no reason to spend a lot of money just to gain a few horsepower. The bike I bought has plenty of power for the type of riding I do.
6. I did add an oil cooler and the HD parade fan. These were added for engine longevity and not to enhance rider comfort. The only issue I have ever had with heat is when I stop and put my leg against the primary cover.
Of course some custom touches are being done, but the drivetrain will stay stock and reliable at 103C.I.
~Joe