Let me start off by saying that there are probably tons of aftermarket pipes available, and likely something that looks similar to what I made. But the total cost of mine was less than $50...
I am redoing the look of my C50 and I wanted something besides those huge stock mufflers. I loved the sound of the drilled stockers, but really wanted something deepr in tone and shorter in length. Since the new look of the bike was more of a bobber style - I needed a more drag pipe styled exhaust.
I came across a deal on craigslist for a pair of chrome 1 1/2" drag pipes that were made for a Honda Shadow Spirit. They were only $20 and since the chrome was good and I was planning to make my own baffles - I thought it was a decent place to start.
So with my Honda pipes, I disassembled the stock C50 pipes and mufflers. I used the header pipes and heat shields to keep things clean looking and follow the correct contours of the bike.
The stock pipes are deceiving in size. Although the heat shields give the appearance of a pair of 1 3/4" pipes - the internal diameter pipes are only 1". So the stock flow of exhaust gases is not as much as you'd think to begin with.
My next step was to install a pair of 1 1/2" x 4" universal baffles I bought from J&P Cycles for $4 each. Normal operation of these baffles is that they go in the ends of open pipes to slightly reduce the output - usually sound more than performance. Well - I flipped the baffle and welded the end to the tip of the stock C50 header. This wont really change the effectiveness of the baffle, but made it easier to install. I also welded a small 1/2 circle to the end of the baffle so its sort of 1/2 capped to slow down the exit flow a little.
Then I chopped the honda chrome pipes and welded them to the ends of the stock C50 headers. They slipped right over the baffles I welded to the ends of the headers. This made the baffles about midway in the pipes - and will create the deep tone I wanted. Then I slipped the stock heat shields back on the headers and they covered the welded sections.
I am going to try them out as soon as I can get the bike back together.
I'm pretty confident tho because I built a set of pipes similar to these for 2 old Honda Shadows I had and didnt have to rejet either one. Plugs burned perfectly too. And the sound was incredible!
Plus - I figured if it does need to be reprogrammed, then its a good time to do the naked jug kit I got from TallAnnie a few months ago. Been holding off on doing it because it needs a power commander. So either way I'm good.
I'll post more info as I finish up. I still need to fab up a rear bracket, but they look pretty good...
