Air box removal definately changes the sound. I can hear my pipes and Wendys too in front of me when I ride with no helmet but put my 1/2 helmet on and the wind noise drowns them out at highway speeds. We both run straight pipes as I stated before. When I wear my 1/2 helmet if I don't wear ear plugs I can't hear at the end of the ride.

I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!