Howdy folks! I am in the process of building some custom pipes for my Speedy. In the interim, I bought some pipes from a 2015 Speedmaster and got them in today. Looking in the 'engine/input' side, I see what looks like catalytic converter material. Is that what it really is? If so, has anyone debaffeled 2015 pipes? Can that catalytic converter material be removed easily?
I have debaffeled stock pipes before, but nothing with this stuff in them.

It is and it can but not all that easy, the material is soft.

Besides getting rid of the extra weight (them pipes is heavy....), is there a compelling reason to remove the catalyst? Does it appreciably reduce exhaust flow? Will it hurt my bike to keep it intact?

Won't hurt anything until it starts getting clogged with carbon.

That pretty much sums up what I've been reading. They are some heavy pipes though. Will probably gut the cats when I find the time and energy.

will probably change the tune for your carbs though if left in. Make you run a little richer.

They are on my 2012 Speedy. No carbs - has EFI.

I know - My 03Cruiser handle is a misdirection.

Should be fine then, no worries.