 Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Jul 2008
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OP
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A lot's been posted here about removing the baffles from the stock pipes. I've also seen mention of the reducer at the front, and how removing it reduces low-end torque. I'm wondering if anyone has tried removing only the reducer, and leaving the baffles in place. Also, how about removing the reducer and only the first (rearmost) baffle? I'm thinking this approach might produce a deeper tone due to the effectively longer reflection chamber in the pipes (but still keep enough backpressure to preserve good low-end). Anyone?
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457 |
I removed the reducer and first baffle and lost low end torque.
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Quote:
I removed the reducer and first baffle and lost low end torque.
Thanks for that info. Did you happen to try it with only the reducer removed, or did you remove the baffle first?
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
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I had a set of totally gutted pipes, no baffles. When I took out the reducer, lost torque. Once it got up into higher RPMs, it would fly. Had another set that I removed only the baffle tube closest to the header working through the reducer (which was difficult), didn't notice any difference. Had a set of Epco pipes that are much more open at the header end, less torque than stock, more power at higher RPMs. Right now I have a set of short TORs. Power and sound wise, I was happiest with the long slash cuts with three baffles out, leaving the reducer and 1 baffle.
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 Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6 |
how many baffles is there? i have a 06 america with the stock long slash cut pipes and iam looking for it to be louder and tips before i tackle this and mess up my good pipes thanks DAN 
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 386
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 386 |
I basically put straight pipes on my 05 TBA and I haven't noticed a difference in low end torque at all. I really like the sound I just don't pin it when the heat is near. I've been told that it's tame compared to most of the harley's around here but if I rev it in the paking lot at work it sort of sounds like a NASCAR or dragster...   Just my 2 cents...
1982 Pontiac Trans Am...K.I.T.T. in progress.
"It looks like Darth Vaders bathroom in here..."
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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There are 4. Start at the tail end, remove one at a time til you like it. Do a search, plenty of different methods posted.
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Quote:
There are 4. Start at the tail end, remove one at a time til you like it. Do a search, plenty of different methods posted.
The stock pipes I worked on only seem to have two baffles, not counting the front reducer and whatever is directly attached to it. Each of the baffles I removed was about 8-10" long. The pipes look exactly like the ones that came stock on my bike, although they're actually used pipes from an older model Speedmaster.
I just had a chance to install the modified pipes this afternoon, and there's a huge difference in the sound compared to long, slash cut TORS. The modified pipes have a much lower tone, more of a deep rumble, but they're not nearly as loud as the TORS. In fact, the sound reminds me of the aftermarket pipes I had on my HD dresser years ago; very refined and excellent for touring. By comparison, the TORS are loud and raucous, especially at higher RPM. Cruising at 75 MPH with the TORS isn't all that comfortable, and the pitch can be annoying (it really begs for a taller gear).
I'll leave the modified pipes on for a while, just to get used to them, but I think they're probbly not loud enough for commuting in heavy traffic. If they were louder (but without the harsher note of the TORS) they'd be perfect.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58 |
I have yet to work on a set of stock Triumph pipes (BA or SM) that had less than 3 baffles and I always leave the reducer.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Quote:
I have yet to work on a set of stock Triumph pipes (BA or SM) that had less than 3 baffles and I always leave the reducer.
Guess I need to take another look then. The baffles I removed ended more than half way into the pipe. Not sure how I would even reach anything farther.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58 |
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457 |
Quote:
Quote:
I have yet to work on a set of stock Triumph pipes (BA or SM) that had less than 3 baffles and I always leave the reducer.
Guess I need to take another look then. The baffles I removed ended more than half way into the pipe. Not sure how I would even reach anything farther.
Just noticed your sig says TORs. They will differ from the stock pipes. I have the short, untampered with TORs, don't know whats in the new style long ones. The old style TORs were straight-thru, like glass packs.
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Dog, I checked the pipes with a 3' length of dowell rod. Sure enough, there's one more obstruction in the pipes at a location that could make it a third baffle. Unfortunately, I don't have tools like the ones you posted. Maybe I can pick up some heavy angle iron or rebar at Home Depot and grind it to a point.
Lonzo, I'm gutting a pair of long tapered stock pipes, not TORS.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,200 Likes: 58 |
Be sure of what you are doing before you go at it. Your 08 has the cat in there and you don't want to squish that up since I have heard it is soft and will seal off the pipe and is then hard to get out. I haven't done a set with the cat yet so it could be possible they only have 2 and then the cat medium.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Not to worry - the pipes I'm modifying came off a '05 or '06 Speedy. Picked 'em up cheap, so I can afford to experiment. Thanks for the advice, I might decide to gut the original pipes someday.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: Modification - Stock Pipes
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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OP
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As I suspected, removing two baffles isn't enough. I almost got smacked on my way home today by a driver who couldn't be bothered to turn around and look (or use a signal) before moving into my lane. Of course, she was yappin' on her cell. Soon as the bike cooled off at home, I pulled the pipes and put the TORS back on. Don't care much for the tone, but at least drivers can hear 'em. Hey... this bike sounds really good with open headers. Hadn't tried that before. 
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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