Thanks ... He hasn't posted a ride report yet ... looks great though ... The Resonator doesn't appear to be creating much restriction .. I would think the power loss, if any, wouldn't be noticeable.
I think you get this, but just for others reading the thread, the interesting point here is that removing the extra piece of pipe will *lower* power, not increase it.
This is counter intuitive. As Dmhines notes, there is not much restriction in the extra resonator, so its addition is not costing power in terms of pumping efficiency.
But it does something very important in that it reflects the pressure wave from previous events back to help current events, to effectively close the exhaust valve more sharply, or effectively suck the intake charge in faster.
This isn't fantasy. You can actually build an entire functioning engine using just a correctly tuned pipe, fuel, and air (no pistons, no moving parts at all).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEHw9lInIfg
It is a carefully tuned system though, so when you "remove something" or "adjust something" it messes up everything else.
Agreed Reep, but I'll bet all the anticipated problems could be tuned out very easily with an ECM re-program. If EBR does not offer a "race" ECM due to EPA restrictions, someone will.
When any aftermarket muffler builder engineered a slip on system they all needed a programmed "race" ECM from Buell at the time from all the F.I. tubers thru the 1125's and it turned almost all of them into great running bikes. That is a positive statement and my own 1125R never ran better after my own slip on system was installed and a Buell ECM tuned to it. All the dyno's prove this out with good increases all across the rpm range. I also believe EBR made their mufflers easy to put on and off for this reason. I may be wrong though. Bob
One of the comments I continually get is how good the stock bike sounds. Its not as loud as a Panigale or aftermarket exhaust but the note is still clearly audible and distinguishable even when parked or running at speed right next to "louder" bikes. I am inclined to keep it and find a way to lighten the main exhaust under the bike, ditch the cats may be.
I'm wondering if just capping off the bottom exhaust pipe and just leaving the upper pipe open would be better than leaving both open when removing the resonator. With the resonator installed all exhaust exits from the upper pipe only.
Good luck on that front. I didn't take a pic of it, but if I'm correct, it's dead center in the large part of the muffler on the bottom. You can see the channel of tubing along the bottom, it's in that part. Looked like it was 3-3.5" in diameter. Almost like a cross section of honeycomb material, just very fine holes, maybe 1/16" or so. If that's actually it, it will be somewhat difficult to remove without doing significant damage to the muffler itself.
We are going to learn a lot, see a lot and get a lot smarter.
I'm not really on the front line of this topic but . . if I were . . .I'd be "communing" with the bike, getting to know it inside and out, learning to "become one" with it, it's quirks, likes and dislikes first.
I suspect that the couple hundred new owners in the first couple weeks may not be alone in pursuing performance options.
When I saw a EBR1190RX in person at Motor Cycle Center in Villa Park Illinois, it was sitting right next to a KTM and my only dislike about the new EBR1190RX was that ugly secondary muffler. The KTM had the under the motor style muffler like the old Buells were famous for and it looked far better. I feel the aftermarket EBR muffler business will grow tremendously.
Other than that ugly-ass muffler, the bike was great looking! Just not my style of motorcycle. Can't wait to see the AX!
After these first 2800 miles, I'm finding the bike is pretty well sorted for smooth performance as is. Still I'd like to put it on a diet and uncork a little more sound.
^ After 3600 miles I'm torn- Loosing weight is always a good thing, the under exhaust is very heavy. The quarter wave tuning has to stay. on a DB meter the bike is only 5db quieter than a Panigale(which makes it legal of our tracks)but the note is lower so it carries further but is perceived as being too LOUD. In other words it doesn't attract unwanted attention from the locals. There's a definite step in power between 7-8K but there is KICK or Hit of power just additional thrust. Low- Mid and Top end this bike is nearly electric. What ever exhaust companies do, unless its purely for racing, the resonator should stay. IMHO
I think they did a fine job with the resonator understanding its use and legal requirements.
That being said, I'd like something to open up the exhaust a bit and allow that throaty, deep tone to come to life. The bike already sounds so damn angry at 7000 rpm; I can't imagine how awesome it will be opened up a bit, but I like loud stuff.
I _think_ I have all the materials to build a test pipe now. I'd imagine it will be similar to an 1125 for sound though, it's close enough in displacement as it is. I'll let you know when I get it done.
One thing I've always liked about the under slung muffler on all the air cooled Buells is that I never have to worry about burning myself on the muffler. It is just a great design and keeps that mass down low.
Read the engine development information. If it ain't broke, don't fix it guys. Just my opinion but I believe it has merit.
I had an interesting conversation with Erik at the race track about the exhaust valve actuator on my XB12STT once, and left there realizing even more than ever (what I was drawn to by the Buell brand and Erik's forward thinking) was that he and his crew know what they are about, and I was a fool for thinking I knew better just for fiddling with parts and reading stuff on the internet. Regarding the resonator - I don't think removing a beneficial, power producing part of the bike is a good plan...
Yeah, that's a toughie. I have no doubt the EBR guys know exactly what they're doing. But the reality is, they need to deliver bikes that comply with a bunch of stuff that is pertinent for legal "on road" riding.
My 1125CR definitely runs better with it's Barker & EBR tune than stock. Louder, yes. Less emissions friendly - probably yes. But that's not to say they didn't know what they were doing at the factory.
Just count on it taking a lot of experimentation and failed attempts before significant improvements on the stock configuration are realized. They do a great job optimizing within the constraints they have to live with. It's not going to be as simple as chopping off the resonator...
I'm sure you are right there swamp, and I'm still curious what sort of beautiful creation Dean will build - not trying to criticize your work buddy, bit I think this is going to be a tough project.
Dan, I also like the muffler under the bike design of the older BUells, and it is a design feature that drew me in. But if (when) I can get hands on an 1190, I think there won't be much for me to do with it but ride.