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.
