OEM Pipes- Drilled Out Baffles

[Tommy G]

It has been mentioned before on the forum, but I wanted to report on my experience. I happen to like the look of the OEM pipes and after looking at options for re-core, decided to try drilling out the OEM baffles. Using a 1-3/8" bimetal hole saw, I cut out the entire small approximate 5" long baffles in about 1 minute. What is left is a hollow pipe with existing packing left in place. The sound is of course louder and deeper. Sounds awesome at idle and not too loud at speed. I did notice a bit of popping on decell however. After I remove the cat and add a high-flow AC, I'll remap the ECM. Thinking of using the Fuel-Moto one with a custom map. I'll try and post a photo of the removed baffle.

 

[OldMike]

If you are ok with the exhaust note, no reason not to like what you did.

 

[Tommy G]

Thanks OldMike. I do like the exhaust note. From what I've read on this forum, it will change once I gut the cat, install high flow AC and get it tuned. It should be then even deeper sounding and of course louder. I'm also thinking of adding a small baffle to the gutted cat chamber to direct some exhausts flow to the left side and add some backpressure. Has anyone done this? Not sure if I should dyno or just go with the custom fuel-moto map option. I'm leaning towards the fuel-moto to save some $$. Any recommendations would be welcome.

 

[Crumb]

If you don't plan on doing anything else and there is a good dyno guy in your area get it dynoed for sure it will run better than anything else you can do. The key is a GOOD dyno guy

 

[shaochieh.young]

Look at fullsac OEM pipe with larger baffles replacement for your bike!!


2014 Switchback
2014 SGS

 

[shaun]

Hey Tommy
I did something similar without cutting the baffle. I ordered stock slip ons from americancustom.com
They have a bunch of options, they basically cut out rear baffle put in a flange then you can bolt in your choice of 3 baffles or dont use one at all. $225 was cheap, I dont use a baffle and love the sound but decel popping is present. Tuning will fix that though. Your post reminded me of my bike thought you might like the videos they have on their website. Good luck with your pipes man..

 

[OldMike]

I use stock CVO mufflers which flow better than stock SGS mufflers. My bike sounded better when I installed a Fuel Moto 2-1-2 head pipe to get rid of the cat. The Power Vision tuner with Fuel Moto map and a bit of a fine tune works for me. I kept the stock air box but changed to a K&N filter.
So many combos to work with, sometimes it's down to what looks good to you.
My bike looks stock and runs good for me.

 

[Jiba6669]

Tommy G,

I want to do this. How hard is it and what steps did you take.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Tommy G]

Jim,

Not hard at all. Use a 1-3/8 bi-metal hole saw and cut them out. I used a little oil on the saw body and tap cutting fluid on the blades and went slow as to not overheat the blades. Takes about 30 seconds once you start up the drill. Take a pair of long needle-nose plyers to remove the sawn out baffles and your done. By doing this, you remove the baffles, but retain the OEM packing. If you remove the packing they will be very loud and tinny sounding. With just the baffles removed, they have a nice deep HD sound, but with the stock look. I think you will like the sound. Not too loud, but definitely a deep growl. Let me confirm the dia. of the correct saw- I said 1-3/8 but now I'm now not sure- I'll confirm this and get back to you.

 

[2014streetglide]

I used a 3" hole saw and cut the entire baffle out and removed the packing as well. I love the way it sounds. I've had a bunch of different people ask me about them. I know of 3 other guys that have done the same after hearing mine. Just another option for those out there trying to decide.

 

[Tommy G]

Jim,

I misspoke. You need a 1-5/8 inch hole saw to cut the baffle out. NOT A 1-3/8 inch. The inside dia. of the pipes from the rear forward is 1-3/4 inch, stepped down to 1-5/8 inch, stepped down to 1-3/8 inch. You want to cut out at the 1-5/8 inch and need that size hole saw. As has been pointed out you can use a 3 inch hole saw to cut out the baffle AND the packing. Cutting out just the baffle using the 1-5/8 inch hole saw you leave in the OEM packing. If you want louder after cutting out the baffle, then use the 3 inch and cut out the packing as well.

 

[Jiba6669]

Thanks buddy! Doing it tomorrow!

 

[Jiba6669]

Thanks my friend. I lived in Paden City Wv for 7 years