 Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 85
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 85 |
I've spent a ton of time searching, reading and watching videos on you tube. I cannot find a definative ranking of pipes from quietest to loudest.
This is my best educated guess (quiet to loud). Can anyone comment?
Stock (sewing machine)
TORS (long)
TORS (short)
Stock (debaffle)
D&D
BUB
SS
Sceptre (baffle)
Sceptre (no baffle)
Has anyone had their bike side by side with a Harley with aftermarket exhaust? A few friends (lemmings) have XL1200C's with screaming eagle pipes. I don't want to be any louder than those...
Thanks!
Matthew
2007 Speedmaster w/ SS Long Slash Cuts, K&N, Polaris Bellmouth, and AI Removed
132/42/2.0 Turns Out/No Shims
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 86
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 86 |
I ride with mostly Harley riders. They say they cain't hear mine. After riding with them I cain't hardly hear any-thing else. I have D&D I want to hear my bike, but I don't want to disturb others. Any quiteter then mine, I would not like them.  I think your Rating has D&D right.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500 |
Sceptreshave two options for baffles. 1 in and 1.5 in. With the 1 inch they aren't much louder than stock.
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 85
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 85 |
Quote:
I ride with mostly Harley riders. They say they cain't hear mine. After riding with them I cain't hardly hear any-thing else. I have D&D I want to hear my bike, but I don't want to disturb others. Any quiteter then mine, I would not like them. I think your Rating has D&D right.
Good feedback, Thanks! I defintely do not want Harley loud/obnoxious. I do want to be heard, and I do want to hear the bike when I'm riding.
2007 Speedmaster w/ SS Long Slash Cuts, K&N, Polaris Bellmouth, and AI Removed
132/42/2.0 Turns Out/No Shims
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Quote:
Good feedback, Thanks! I defintely do not want Harley loud/obnoxious. I do want to be heard, and I do want to hear the bike when I'm riding.
My vote is, naturally, for Bubs. They are loud but not real obnoxious. They sound great at any speed and I got many compliments on them, even Zmilin complimented me on the sound of them when he rode my damaged bike to a dealer.
Some others, more knowledgeable than I, have stated that Bub engineers specifically tuned these pipes for the Triumphs.
All I know is I like them and they will go on my next bike, even if they are a little scratched up from my accident. 
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
|
|
|
 Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10 |
I have epco~s that are pretty darn loud!! ?? 
07 speedy black and maroone, AI gone, Freak, Epco's, dynojet kit.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I think the Bubs I've heard are louder than my SS, but I like the overall sound of mine better.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
 Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
The only thing I've heard louder than my JCW shorties, was during the one 10mi ride I took with no mufflers, just straight pipes.
I went through a tunnel at WFO and the sound hurt my chest.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I can't imagine that the SS pipe with no baffle isn't just as loud as the Sceptre. Pulled my baffles once, it's like a banshee. (also can't imagine why someone would want to ride w/o baffles for any length of time)
If you want HD screaming eagle type sound, better stick with the TOR's
Last edited by ssjones; 10/07/2008 7:54 AM.
Al
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 48
Greenhorn
|
|
Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 48 |
I'll add my 2 cents.
I removed one baffle from my stock pipes. Not much difference, maybe went from a sewing machine to a Volkswagan Bug. No rumble.
I only ever saw one of our bikes with loud pipes. The guy rode off before I could get a closer look or talk to him. The bike was way too loud for me,{and I got a '70 ironhead} you could still hear it when it was far away.
I tried getting an idea of exaust sounds from youtube videos and such. It didn't give me much of a clear picture just cause of the poor sound quality I get on my computer. They all sounded alike to me.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 86
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 86 |
If your exhust is engineered for your bike, did it need rejetting?
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Quote:
If your exhust is engineered for your bike, did it need rejetting?
I never rejetted. She seemed to run well, no issues with popping. However, after doing a lot of reading on the site, I did buy a set of jets (130's) and was planning on putting them in until my accident.
Perhaps it's more appropriate to say the Bubs are tuned for the bike. If you do a little research here, you should find the thread where some others chimed in about the Bubs were set up for the Triumphs. Either way, I was very happy with them.
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425 |
My pipes were looking ragged,,, good solid coat of gloss or semi-gloss grill paint. looks very good. i wrapped my headers w/ black header wrapp.
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425 |
I run the BUBB dresser dogs (discontinued) and I have recently removed the baffels and cut 14 in off the back side of them. still have plenty of back pressure and better volume. I like it much better!. I still need to shimm the carbs cause they do pop on decell, but not real bad.
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 44
Greenhorn
|
|
Greenhorn
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 44 |
I'm happy with my EPCOs, especially for the price & being stainless
Greg
04 BumbleBee SM
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Speaking of Stainless, I don't see the Staintune pipes being mentioned here. But of course they are not in the obnoxiously loud category which suits me anyway. Mind you, that's with me keeping the restrictor in. Taking it out and the decibel lever goes from 94 (tors are 91db) to 99 db' which may suit a few of you guys. Particularly as the staintunes have their own pure sound that give them their own fan club. Don't trust me? When you hear them, you'll know what I'm talking about  
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
Taking it out and the decibel lever goes from 94 (tors are 91db) to 99 db'
What instrument did you use to measure that? How far was the transducer from the pipes?
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517 |
Yes, you need to rejet for the BUBS. use Pat's jet caculator and it'll be perfect. There will be a difference. I did a bit of experimenting with my BUBS for 10,000 miles and Pat's calcution is right on.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
LOVE my Sceptres. Open em up, and its a treat. I always get comments on how great it sounds, and havent had one complaint about being too loud.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
I have EPCOs, and they're too loud and 'raspy' for my tastes. I have to put in ear plugs before I ride, and I'll soon be puttingthem up for sale as soon as I get some replacements.
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
I'm now writing a small report on my Staintune pipes, so I suggest you read it and hopefully I'll answer your question there.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
I'm now writing a small report on my Staintune pipes, so I suggest you read it and hopefully I'll answer your question there.
OK, thanks. Was asking because I've been thinking about taking some measurements of my own. I currently use long TORS, and am getting ready to gut a set of stock pipes for grins. I have an older model Rat Shack SPL meter that's good for broadband measurements. I'd like to try and duplicate the methods that produced the numbers you quoted. That way, we could compare apples and apples.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Actually Jack, I reckon all pipes should have a decibel rating at a constant rpm. That way people can be informed of what they are buying and not just relying on someone else cos obviously it's very subjective.
I bought the SS pipes believing what others had said, and by no means was it their fault I found them to be a tad too loud. It's just that to them, they aren't too loud - simple
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I wonder if SS changed something in their baffles? Has anyone heard a side-by-side comparison of old SS versus a new set? When mine were stock, while throatier than my 1st Gen TOR's they were certainly weren't what I would call loud vs. an Epco or Sceptre. Shoot, I was at an event in VA two weeks ago and Presto was there with his new SS pipes. But I have pulled some packing material from mine, so they are now definitely louder. I didn't get a chance to hear his (now his wife's) bike running. Quote:
Actually Jack, I reckon all pipes should have a decibel rating at a constant rpm. That way people can be informed of what they are buying and not just relying on someone else cos obviously it's very subjective.
I bought the SS pipes believing what others had said, and by no means was it their fault I found them to be a tad too loud. It's just that to them, they aren't too loud - simple
Al
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3 |
I'll confess some amusement at the ratings stated in the first post. (No disagreement, just a chuckle). I took the original pipes off my '03 Speedmaster because, as most have noticed, they're too stinking quiet. I put the long TORs on it (they look great), but it's almost too painful to my ears to ride this thing. I'm working on placing some minor baffles in them, and I'm just curious why more owners aren't expressing the same complaint about the noise volume of these pipes. I've got some pretty good hearing, but I didn't think it was that sensitive.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Most would agree the tors aren't overly loud at all. Mind you, I always wear ear plugs regardless which I guess may explain somthing to you. I don't remember anyone wanting to quieten a set of tors down and in fact most want to take baffles out of them. 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3 |
I'll admit I'm a bit confused here. I don't recall seeing any baffles in these pipes (I can see straight through them). There does appear to be some internal perforations resembling a glasspack type design, but nothing in there that restricts or redirects the exhaust gas flow. Where am I getting lost here?
Thanks.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
I'll admit I'm a bit confused here. I don't recall seeing any baffles in these pipes (I can see straight through them). There does appear to be some internal perforations resembling a glasspack type design, but nothing in there that restricts or redirects the exhaust gas flow. Where am I getting lost here?
Thanks.
My TORS came from a local rider who hated the noise level while touring. I love 'em, because most of my riding is in traffic to and from work, and I want the cagers to hear me.
Anyway, my TORS look like you're describing, and I'm sure it is, in fact, a glasspack. The inside diameter of the perforated tube is smaller than the diameter of the entry pipe, and that creates a restriction. As a result of this restriction, a portion of the sound waves (exhaust pulses) travel into the perforations and through whatever dampening (fiberglass?) is behind them. That's how these pipes quiet the exhaust.
The problem with glasspacks is that they're notoriously inefficient. When I was building street rods, I avoided them at all cost. Many quieter designs, such as stock Corvette and Corvair replacement mufflers, actually exhibit less back pressure and greater flow. They also deliver a throatier sound. I guess there just isn't enough room in a bike muffler for the type of free-flow labyrinth construction that works so well for cars.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3 |
Quote:
Quote:
I'll admit I'm a bit confused here. I don't recall seeing any baffles in these pipes (I can see straight through them). There does appear to be some internal perforations resembling a glasspack type design, but nothing in there that restricts or redirects the exhaust gas flow. Where am I getting lost here?
Thanks.
My TORS came from a local rider who hated the noise level while touring. I love 'em, because most of my riding is in traffic to and from work, and I want the cagers to hear me.
Anyway, my TORS look like you're describing, and I'm sure it is, in fact, a glasspack. The inside diameter of the perforated tube is smaller than the diameter of the entry pipe, and that creates a restriction. As a result of this restriction, a portion of the sound waves (exhaust pulses) travel into the perforations and through whatever dampening (fiberglass?) is behind them. That's how these pipes quiet the exhaust.
The problem with glasspacks is that they're notoriously inefficient. When I was building street rods, I avoided them at all cost. Many quieter designs, such as stock Corvette and Corvair replacement mufflers, actually exhibit less back pressure and greater flow. They also deliver a throatier sound. I guess there just isn't enough room in a bike muffler for the type of free-flow labyrinth construction that works so well for cars.
Jack
Jack, I agree with everything you've said here. I guess I'm just surprised that the long TOR pipes were listed as the second quietest pipes in the original list, given how much of a headache I get with these pipes. Regardless, my next project on the bike is just going to be trying to quiet these pipes down a bit.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048 |
This thread should add the Tridents and Chevy605 pipes.
Anyone?
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457 |
P38- Do you wear earplugs? When I had my loud pipes on, I could not stand the sound with my helmet on. The helmet caused some kind of resonance or feedback-like echo that was unbearable. If I went around the block without a helmet, it wasn't bad. Since riding without a helmet isn't an option for me, I always wear earplugs.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
In my humble opinion gutted stock pipes (when I say gutted they still do have some of the three baffle plates left over from the bafflectomy, including the reducer cone) are not really that loud. They do have authority at WOT but under normal throttle riding they aren't that bad... certainly not bad enough to need earplugs.
The loudest pipes I have ever heard were the extra long epco drag pipes on Casey's bike (Clinton MD gang) and the others were the little shorty turn out pipes (basically a ten inch extension of the header pipes) that one of the members here in Northern Virginia has on his speedy.
Last edited by lylesdo; 04/05/2009 12:17 AM.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362 |
Another one that's missing is Thunderpipes... with the baffles in I'd put them between the D&D's and the Bubs. Haven't tried them with the baffles out yet.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 175
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 175 |
i have 3" turn downs of my headers....had them custom made to fit the end of the header...wrapped header in exhaust wrap...very very very loud...
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 56
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 56 |
Hey Matthew, here is a site that will give you some examples of exhaust sounds on some of the classics from the past. http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Sounds.htmPretty interesting. I had forgotten how great those older bikes sounded at open throttle.
"Youth and intelligence can always be trumped by old age and rat cunning"
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734 |
I just got a set of D&D pipes from Trumpy(thanks Mark), and they're on par or maybe even slightly louder than the Epcos I used to have on my bike. Being something of a pipe monger, I've also had Speedmaster short off-roads, Sceptres, drilled out stock Speedmasters, Epcos, and D&Ds. I've also heard the Thunderbikes and both Bubs.
There were a few different versions of the off-roads as far as sound levels go. My Speedmaters were not much louder than stock, but IIRC around the time our bikes first came out back in 02 and 03, we had about 3 variations of loudness with off-roads floating around the old forum.
My personal taste is a middle of the road sound. I like the punched out baffles sound of my Stock Speedmaster pipes, but I'd like them to be lighter and shorter...about even with the axle. The D&Ds look good, but after riding for about 30 miles yesterday, I wish they were a bit more muffled. I might try some fiberglass.
A few years back I put my bike into a loud pipes contest at a local bike night when I had the Epcos just to see what kind of decibel level they put out. They used a digital sound pressure level meter from Rat Shack and they used it straight back from the bike about 20-25 ft. Yeah, it was a less than scientific test. My bike put out 110 dbs, and drag pipe Harley Big Twins were 125. A friend had a 1200 Sportster with short drag pipes and it was only 1 or 2 decibels less than the Big Twins.
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Scepters vs D&Ds
Both loud. But the D&D's absolutely BARK! Hands down the D&D's are louder than the Sceptres.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 175
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 175 |
Sal...I would not use that rat shack meter...coming from a guy who used to compete in audio competions do not use it...you are better off judging by ear..that 125 is almost tapping out that meter if it had not done it already...the rat shack meters also don't take frequency into account...it will pick up on resonance...Just judge them by ear..... the numbers the rat shack meter put out are worthless and would not use it for anything above 100 db
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Keep in mind that each 3dB(A) increase is a doubling of the sound pressure...
|
|
|
Re: Exhaust Loudness Ranking
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
I have EPCOs, and they're too loud and 'raspy' for my tastes.
I missed this thread on the first go-round. I also have had Epco pipes for about 5-6 years. Granted I know they are bit loud on heavy acceleration, but I've asked pillon riders and others for their opinion.
Motoring through Ward & June Cleaver neighborhoods and cruising down the byways they "seem" pretty civilized?? At least I receive a "thumbs ups" from most of the blue-haired lady crowd.
Then again years of music, from when bands produced music worth listening to, may have altered my perception.  .
I still have the stock pipes in the back shed.
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
|
|
|
|
|
