de-baffle jitters

[Brett]

Hi everyone, I've been lurking around for a while soaking up info on de-baffling. I just wanted to know what some of the cons are? what bad things, if any, could come from gutting the pipes on my '06 C-50?
Thank you for your time,
Brett

[techgesture]

Since I debaffled 3 months ago, I have only enjoyed the bike more and more!

[Rockhead]

With a C-50 I wouldnt worry about it unless your changing your airbox.

[Brett]

Thanks for the input fellas, I'm still not sure whether or not I'll do it, but I'm trying to work up the nerve!

[Ext1jdh]

The only problems I've had are nasty looks from the neighbors when I fire her up in the wee hours

The more I rev, the more they leave me alone

oh, and I fried the cheap drill I used for the debaffle.

[peter-reebok]

Cons - It is louder!

Pros - cars can hear you and will look in their mirrors!

[Uncle B]

Myth 1: Loud Pipes Save Lives
Yeah, there are a few situations—like where you are right next to a driver with his window down who is about the to change lanes—where full-time noise-makers might help a driver notice you, but all that noise directed rearward doesn't do much in the most common and much more dangerous conflict where a car turns in front of you. Maybe it's the fatigue caused by the noise, maybe it's the attitudes of riders who insist on making annoying noise, or perhaps loud bikes annoy enough drivers to make them aggressive. Whatever the reason, the research shows that bikes with modified exhaust systems crash more frequently than those with stock pipes. If you really want to save lives, turn to a loud jacket or a bright helmet color, which have been proven to do the job. Or install a louder horn. Otherwise, just shut up.

[Danr]

Originally Posted by Brett

Hi everyone, I've been lurking around for a while soaking up info on de-baffling. I just wanted to know what some of the cons are? what bad things, if any, could come from gutting the pipes on my '06 C-50?
Thank you for your time,
Brett

You cant undo it.

BTW

[Ridgerunner]

Where can I get the info on how to drill the baffles correctly?

[floridafish]

Before you debaffle try to drill first. What I did to my C50T was to drill 4 holes 5/8" wide. If you center them equally (up, down, left and right) around each pipe I think you will like that sound. If you don't you can always plug the holes and your not out anything. DEBAFFLING IS PERMANENT!! Also if you want it a little louder, you can drill 8 holes in each pipe. Good luck

[Brett]

Thanks, I think I'll drill them to see if I like it first, then like you say, I can plug the holes back up if I want to later.

[Novice]

I de-baffled my c50 about three weeks after I bought it and since then, I have not experienced any cons performance wise. However, once you have removed the baffles it will be noticeably louder. Just keep that in mind when you are riding late or after hours when your neighbors will get pissed. A couple of times I wanted to ride late and didn't because I was afraid of waking the neighbors. Other than that I think it is a good idea to do it. It sounds great and other motorists will definately hear you which is a nice safety factor. Plus, it is very easy to do. There is a video somewhere on this site (or google it) on how to do it. I followed it to the letter and did not have any problems. One tip: I finished it off by taking a mat black spray paint (for metal) and lightly sprayed the inside of the pipes where I drilled. This gave it a more finished look. Good luck and ride safe.

[ex_spy_guy]

Originally Posted by Brett

Thanks, I think I'll drill them to see if I like it first, then like you say, I can plug the holes back up if I want to later.

I posted a video in this thread: http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...-debaffle.html

if you want another opinion on how they might sound.

[Miker15677]

I just went and bought new Classic II pipes I figure that if the EPA changed the rules on noise I can put the old pipes back on in a hurry.

[automogul]

For those that drilled/debaffled their pipes, what is the highway ride like? I usually run 75-80 on the highways around here, and I'll hold that speed for typically 45-50 minutes before I'm taking a break or reaching my destination. I'm anxious as well to jump on this, but I'm really worried that the droning on the highway might be too much to handle on long rides. However, I think the sound would be oh so sweet. Can't make up my mind!

[blackie1491]

Just remember that after the pipes break in they sound better.
Depending on how you ride the break in is between 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

[automogul]

Mine changed noticeably a while back. I'm up over 7k pushing 8 now. I like the sound, but I still am left craving just a little more if not a lot more. I'm wishy-washy on the subject. One minute, I love that loud rumble, the next I think of that loud rumble on the interstate for a long multi-hour ride. I'm thinking it would drive me NUTS for that. I don't usually ride for less than an hour every time I throw my leg over my C50, and commonly, I take day long tours of several hours.

I'd LOVE to have a rumble grumble for my own satisfaction, but I get really worried about getting sick of the droning after a while. I was eyeballing some Cruizers a while back, and backed off because I thought the noise level might get aggrivating. Of course, this isn't my daily rider, and I only end up on it a few times a week at best some times. Perhaps I should let loose and enjoy the rumble.

Still, I figure I could play it safe and just drill some holes. If I don't like that, then I certainly won't like it sans baffle. Around town from stoplight to stoplight, I know I'd love it. Mostly, it's that droning steady RPM noise that I think would bother me.

I put an exhaust system on my old truck once and kept it for quite a few years. I ended up taking it off eventually because I got sick of the droning. However, that was my daily driver at the time. I hardly drive it now, so I may put it back on. Why not, ya know?

Anyways, I'm just fishing for thoughts on the highway ride. I'm not in either camp on the pros/cons for loud pipes. I'm not after performance mods. I'm not out to make people like me. I like the sound, and I won't beat around the bush that that's all I'm after with the mod. If I wanted performance, there are a million things I could do to soup it up.

[Jerryzuki]

I ride with a half helmet and de-baffled, I've been on several long (200+miles) and it is not too loud to me.

[peter-reebok]

Drilled mine at 1000 km - Eight x 1/2 inch holes.

Now at 7500 km - love the sound - I probably won't debaffle - found the level for me.

Went for one long ride - 3600km in 4 days - no probs with droning, and I sat on 140kmh most of the way, with odd forays into higher territory, and lower through towns.

I wanted to be noticed more - but not too much.
The kicker was when a C50 pulled up beside me at the lights (I was in the car) and I couldn't hear him at all.
Went home that day and drilled the pipes - haven't looked back.
When I am close to cars - they know I am there.
Neighbours dont mind the noise level.

[SNAFU]

How do you plug the holes after it is drilled?