Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Exhaust Baffles Out

I just finished removing the end baffles from my BA... A much easier task than I thought. I drilled 3/8" pilot holes, and than 1/2" holes.. The sound is much better than it was and am thinking about just drilling the next set.

I drilled holes in the second set in and then immediately removed them.I am very happy with the sound and the second set comes out much easier than the first.Some people stayed with drilling the second set so I would try that first and see how you like it.I am running lean now so will have to rejet.I did not check my plugs when I just had second set drilled so don't know what effect that had on my engine.
Enjoy,
Mike

I'm seriously getting too anxious to take out the second set. I'm only hoping that I don't have them sounding too loud. It's too bad there weren't any links or sound bites to enable one to hear the bike in the various stages of taking out the baffles; before one goes too far. I am pleased but would like a little more noise.

Ronnie,
Don't worry, they won't be too loud. My 99 cent Speedmaster pipes have nothing after the front pair of baffle plates and the connecting tube. Now, when idling, my friends fire up their bikes and drown me out - and none of them have loud pipes. Tonight, I am drilling out the last tubes and sealing the connection to head pipe with red RTV. By the way, my front baffle plates have a 3/4" hole next to the 1/2" tube still in place. You won't be too loud.

Even with two baffles removed from each pipe the bike is not loud,it just has better deeper sound than stock.When riding I still hear engine noise more than exhaust,but at least I can hear exhaust now.I am guessing that because our pipes are so long they will always be somewhat muffled, I think short pipes would be louder.Anyway just drill one hole at a time then try it.I doubt it could get too loud without actually removing all three baffles
Mike

Dennis I was thinking of removing first baffle(or last baffle,closest to header)also but was worried about lack of back pressure.What do you think?
Mike

I'm going ahead to take out the second set. Never thought about the lack of not hearing the exhaust because the pipes are so long...good point.

The second set comes out easier then the first.It is just attached by a few tack welds.A long screw driver and a hammer will pop it loose with very little effort.I used a coat hanger with a loop at the end to pull it out.
Mike

Hey I have to ask this. I am taking delivery on a new america, and I will upgrade on the pipes. Drilling,cutting burning out the weld,not to mention working with the jets. Is this really worth it. I know you are saving money,but I for one would rather pay and have a certified triumph tech preform the work. I might add doing this could also void your warranty. Don't get me wrong you are saving a ton of money but the job does sound tough for the beginner.

It is definitely worth it to do it yourself. I got my BA new last year and did not want to take off perfectly great looking stock pipes and pay a whole lot for new louder ones. With everything I read on this site about how to do it and what to expect, I am very pleased with the results. I am taking it in to the shop for its 12 month check-up and will have the carbs rejetted at that time, if required. Some say yes, yet others say re-jetting is not required. I'll let the shop figure that out. I suggest you try it yourself just prior to taking the bike in for it's first check up and then have them re-jet, if needed.
Good luck

Post deleted by Grump

Grump, you are wise man. That would be step 1 along with a truly stock bike at the 500 mile check.

Without a doubt, check with the shop first. As the dealer will sell after market pipes, slip-ons, re-jet, etc. as required on new bikes, I'm sure it shouldn't be a problem but checking would be a first.