Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Exhaust Clanging in pipes-Epco Stainless-Need Help

Hello:

I had my dealer(questionable Mechanics at that time) install the Epco stainless muffles on my Speedmaster. After the install there was this clanging noice after I hit a bump. This summer I wore a short helmet and its pretty loud.

I checked the bike all over, tightening everything I thought was loose and thought maybe it might be comming from inside the pipe.

Does anyone have any suggestions or previous experience. I may have to get some new pipes. But I like the sound of the Epcos.

The clanging happens everytime I hit a bump.

The dealer that did the install had some not so great mechanics, so I would'nt doubt that the pipes might have been dropped, maybe the internal baffles are loose.

I also sent a note to Epco for some assistance.

The pipes seem securely fastened. So I don't know what to do.

Next step may be to buy new pipes.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Deborah

First thing to do is make sure all the bolts are tight. Check the bolts holding the rear peg hangers too, as the lower one also holds the rear pipe hanger.
Next, make sure the left side clamp that holds the muffler to the exhaust pipe is set at an angle inward toward the center of the bike about 45 degrees. If it is straight down, the kickstand will hit it.
If all is OK so far, start from the rear and follow the exhaust system forward on both sides (don't forget the crossover pipe under the engine) to see if there is a chance it is contacting the frame or other parts.
Last resort, take each muffler off and give it a good shake. It could be that a baffle is loose (tighten the screw in the side of the pipe) or someone dropped something in the muffler.
I've had Epcos on mine for about a year and a half now and they've been great.

Are you sure it's the pipes? A lot of the freak brackets "clang" when you go over bumps and the chain hits the little metal tab.

If you insalled a "freak" to replace the airbox that is where it is coming from. pull the side cover off and bent the tab that is over the chain out of the way. I know it dosen't look as if the chain could hit this little piece of metal but it does. Also, you can make the rear shocks a little stiffer one notch should do it.

Hey Thanks for your input. I do have the freak installed. I will check all the things you mentioned.

Deborah