There are numerous threads on here discussing the merits (or not) of various pipes. A lot of people have said that they found TORS too tinny, too quiet, too...whatever and so, I'd like to relay my observations, based on 6k miles of riding with them.
I had the long TORS fitted, unheard, prior to picking the bike up from the dealers. They sounded 'nice' and a big improvement over stock and continued to sound nice for the next 2000 miles. And then, something changed. I don't know what happened but they ceased to sound nice and started to sound how others heard them-tinny and quiet. I regretted buying them at that time but couldn't afford a replacement so had to persevere with them.
I'm glad I did. At about 4k miles, the sound changed again. They became slightly louder and slightly deeper than they did in the 'nice' phase and I was enjoying them again.
I've not long rolled over 6k miles and the sound has changed again. I'm not sure if it's coincidence but I've also upped the main jets to 126's but now they sound...awesome. The bike itself is running smoother, seems more powerful and is a joy to run at 6k rpm, whereas before, 6k sounded like it was going to explode.
Whether it's a factor of jetting change, the engine bedding in, the pipe-packing burning off or a combination of any of those but I don't want for anything in terms of tone or volume. They're still pretty quiet at idle, which is important to me as I live in a 15-house cul-de-sac, but from the saddle, on the roll, the sounds coming from them are magical. Prior to this change, I could hear a lot of 'airbox'; now, it's all exhaust.
Sadly, however, my fuel consumption has also increased. Maybe not from any physical changes in the pipes or due to bigger jets, but because I can now happily run it for long periods at 6k revs...and so I do.
As a result of all this, my bike not only sounds better but it also handles better as I feel confident revving it higher for longer, which, of course, means I can concentrate on picking a line, rather than thinking about changing and I also get the gyroscopic/stabilising effect of the faster-turning motor.
In summary, the only way I'd get rid of the TORS is if I could get the same sound and benefits with something made of stainless.
Just some thoughts, should anyone be interested.
