| Author | Message | ||
     Lightningstrikes |
when I bought my XB9S it already had the race package with muffler ECU and Filter installed. I like the way it sounds, but it's no where near the sound level of my friends sportster I ride with sometimes. Looking at the exhaust comparison from american sportbike the D&D pipe is the loudest and the buell race is almost the most quiet besides the stock. Does anyone have the D&D pipe, or the Jardine, and how does they sound in comparison the the buell race muffler. I want more of a loud harley sound, I just don't think mine is loud enough. I'm sorry I have only the sportster and my dads Honda Shadow to compare to and my bike is the most quiet one of the lot. | ||
| Lightningrob |
Hey Lightningstrikes, I am running the D&D on my XB9S. I have a friend who is running the Buell Race pipe and another friend who has the Jardine, aluminum can. The D&D is by far the loudest. The Jardine is second in line and the Buell Race is the quietest. My friend with the Jardine just swapped his out for the stock muffler because it was too loud for him. My D&D sounds really good, but it is very loud. Almost too loud. When I ride with a group, I prefer to ride in the back of the pack just to be courteous. Some folks complain that they can't hear their bikes when I'm in front or beside them. I carry extra earplugs for them just to stay on their good side. If you're wanting a loud pipe, go with the D&D. It will sound as good as or better than your buddy's Sportster. | ||
| Xb12randy |
Your friend perhaps want to sell his used Jardine?? | ||
| Xb9er |
I have a D&D, race ecm, and open air box kit w/ k&n and it gave it a great deal of extra low end power(good for the power wheelies). | ||
| Lightningrob |
Randy, I will ask him if it's for sale. | ||
| Lightningrob |
Randy, the Jardine has been sold already. | ||
| Xb12randy |
Thanks for checking rob | ||
| Fmaxwell |
The idea behind a muffler is to make the vehicle quieter -- not louder. The best muffler is the one that makes the most power with the least noise. My motorcycle should not wake people, including babies and people who do shift work. It should not interfere with someone's ability to carry on a conversation. It should not disturb the peace and quiet of people who are out for a bicycle ride or a walk, those who are sitting on their porch, or those trying to enjoy a DVD. Someone who is listening to music should not be interrupted by something that sounds like a flatulent elephant passing by. It's the guys with the loud bikes that ruin it for everyone else. They are the ones who are noticed and then we get noise ordinances and equipment laws aimed at all motorcyclists. Like what happened in Denver, where they have basically outlawed non-stock mufflers on motorcycles. | ||
| Tm74 |
Ah yes, Lightningrob's D&D. It's LLLOOOUUUD!!! I'm the one who went back to stock. I don't like loud pipes but Rob's does sound good. My Jardine reverberated in my helmet and the D&D was even able to drown that out. | ||
| Blackbelt |
I agree to a point. I love the sound of a throaty bike. I agree that LOUD pipes are getting too loud. It may sound hypicriticle coming from me, since I used to have a D&D on my X1 (LOUD!!!). But now that I have my Firebolt, I want deep throaty sound and not Ear BLARRING. I will prolly get a Spec Ops pipe, cause it still retains the servo for the good power curve, and a decent sound w/o being obnoxious. | ||
| Js_buell |
The idea behind a muffler is to make the vehicle quieter -- not louder. The best muffler is the one that makes the most power with the least noise. My motorcycle should not wake people, including babies and people who do shift work. It should not interfere with someone's ability to carry on a conversation. It should not disturb the peace and quiet of people who are out for a bicycle ride or a walk, those who are sitting on their porch, or those trying to enjoy a DVD. Someone who is listening to music should not be interrupted by something that sounds like a flatulent elephant passing by. It's the guys with the loud bikes that ruin it for everyone else. They are the ones who are noticed and then we get noise ordinances and equipment laws aimed at all motorcyclists. Like what happened in Denver, where they have basically outlawed non-stock mufflers on motorcycles. Well even if I somewhat agree that some pipes are too loud I have to say that loud pipes save lives and it's true I have been on both side of the story where my loud pipe on my bike made people realized I was there and when I was drive my truck (tractor trailer) on the highway and changed lane to the fast lane I never saw the bike that was in my blind spot and when he sped up I heard him and avoid killing him by running over him. Thx to hes loud pipe, I'm pretty sure hes neighbor didn't likes the noise but he sure did appreciated it saved hes life. I think some people are going too loud but I'll alway have some after market pipe on my bike to prevent the cagers from killing me. | ||
| Tm74 |
I agree with Fmaxwell. I know it's not a popular opinion. I took off the Jardine for several reasons and that was one of them. Of course, there are exceptions...like Ducatis.  | ||
| Tm74 |
Overall I don't care if someone runs loud pipes. It's sometimes annoying but I can deal with it. I don't really buy the whole "Loud pipes saves lives" bit though. I can understand where you are coming from but that's not why 99.9% of people put loud pipes on their bikes. If that logic were true then you would do absolutely everything you could to get cagers to notice you as well as stay safe. That would include wearing hi-viz clothing at all times. You don't see much of that. You would also be ATGATT. Don't see a lot of that either. It's really more of an excuse for loud pipes than anything but again, to each his own. There are also performance gains to consider but that's another topic. | ||
| Lightningrob |
I agree with Fmaxwell too, even though my bike is loud. There is a difference between having a loud exhaust on your bike and purposely disturbing the peace. Personally, I don't over-rev the engine or redline it through town. That's just disrespectful. On the other hand, I agree with Js_buell. There are plenty of deer roaming around where I live at and if it wasn't for the loud exhaust, I may have been roadkill a time or two. I'm just glad that I live in America, where I can choose to have a loud exhaust on my ride if I want it. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
js_buell wrote: Well even if I somewhat agree that some pipes are too loud I have to say that loud pipes save lives and it's true I have been on both side of the story You don't have a right to disturb everyone else's peace -- even if it makes you safer. A siren would get you noticed and could save your life, but that doesn't mean that you have a right, legal or moral, to ride down the road with one blaring on your bike. Cars get cut off, too, and sometimes that results in serious injury or death. Does that mean that every car should be driving down the road with 3" straight pipes? but I'll alway have some after market pipe on my bike to prevent the cagers from killing me. That works real well when the cagers are listening to 130db Hip Hop, doesn't it? Loud pipes don't save lives. Riding skill does. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
Lightningrob wrote: I'm just glad that I live in America, where I can choose to have a loud exhaust on my ride if I want it. So anyone who is in favor of laws against overly loud exhaust is un-American? Sorry, but people who are not on your bike have rights, as Americans, too. People who live in Denver are Americans, too, but Denver has outlawed loud pipes. It's happened in other cities, too. Here's what the AMA has to say about it: The [AMA] believes that few other factors contribute more to misunderstanding and prejudice against the motorcycling community than excessively noisy motorcycles. ... Shifting blame and failing to adopt responsible policies on a voluntary basis can only result in greater prejudice and discrimination against motorcycling. The consequences of continuing to ignore this issue will likely result in excessively rigorous state and federal standards, ……[and] abusive enforcement of current laws and other solutions undesirable to riders and the motorcycle industry As Neal Stephenson said: if you've put yourself in a position where someone has to see you in order for you to be safe--to see you, and to give a f**k--you've already blown it. | ||
| Bads1 |
That works real well when the cagers are listening to 130db Hip Hop, doesn't it? sounds like a larger problem if you ask me. | ||
| Lightningstrikes |
Wow, I didn't know I was going to start such a debate. Sorry, I just wanted my exhaust to be equal to every other Harley out there on the road. Didn't want anything ear shattering if i wanted that i'd run straight pipes. Anyways, thanks for all the info in the beginning of the thread before the loud pipe debate started. I went ahead and ordered a D&D pipe and I'm going to try it out and If it's too loud I'll send it back. | ||
| Lightningrob |
Fmaxwell, if I insinuated that you, (or anyone else who didn't like noisy exhaust systems), were un-American in my last message, that was not my intention. You have the right to have a quiet pipe on your bike if you want it that way, and I'm cool with that. More power to ya, Bro. Lightningstrikes, I think you're going to like the D&D. It won't be quite as obnoxious as a Harley. It will sound better. Just in case you didn't already, you should order an extra strap to hang the muffler. It only comes with one. American Sportbike sells them. Let us know how you like the new pipe. | ||
| Lightningrob |
Lightningstrikes, when you get the D&D installed, we should plan a road trip to Denver  | ||
| Lightningstrikes |
American sportbike has a $20 minimum order and the exhaust clamp is only $15. So I went ahead and ordered a turn signal flasher to slow my signals down after changing to the LED Brake Light/Turnsignal combo when I got rid of the grater. | ||
| Js_buell |
Fmaxwell I think you didn't read me correctly. I will translate for you there is loud and LOUD; and LOUD is to loud you have to get the right level too much will be annoying for everybody else and even for you but a certain level of noise will attract just enough attention to you so nobody can say they didn't see you cause they obviously heard you. That was my point with loud pipes save life. The other thing is people have to respect the others I have a very loud pipe on my current bike but in my neighborhood I don't rev the shit out of my motor, no I run it in a higher gear just to keep the noise down and I believe that everybody with loud pipes should respect the others and be careful of the noise at all time when your near houses. (Message edited by js_buell on July 27, 2007) | ||
| Tm74 |
There's nothing wrong with a little debate on the subject. It keeps things interesting. Good luck with the D&D Lightningstrikes, I hope you like it. | ||
| Xb12randy |
If you have to wear ear plugs when you ride your pipes to loud IMO LOL | ||
| Nevrenuf |
if you look at fmaxwells profile, i don't see one buell/harley. is he just jealous of what we ride or is he just one of these bleeding heart liberals that like to run everyones life. yes, riding skill means alot on the road and being observant of your surroundings is what has kept me from getting hit again. the first time i got hit, i was on a quiet honda in a parkinglot. the second time i was at a stop on my 83 which has straight pipes. neither time was i making any noise. before you come off with the holier than though attitude go ride a bike with loud pipes and see if you get noticed on a busy street or not. | ||
| Xb12randy |
No I'd rather not as there is nothing more annoying or beligerent than a Harley or now the hot ticket is Metric Cruisers with straight pipes. Anyone who swears loud pipes save lives is fooling themselves. I believe it has more to do with small penis syndrome  Oh and I do own a Buell if it matters. Do I want a better pipe that doesn't sound like a sewing machine?? Yes but not if it's going to be obnoxious. I'll most likely end up with a Drummer. | ||
| Tm74 |
Xb12andy. Try wearing ear plugs for a while(like a week or something) then go for a ride without them. You'd be surprised at how loud even the wind is! I always wear earplugs now even with the stock exhaust. I've since started using my iPod while riding. I have different headphones that are basically like earplugs. The problem is that's probably worse for my hearing than going without earplugs. I tend to play it really loud.  | ||
| Xb12randy |
Tm74 I also ride with my Ipod and probably have the same earphones you do. The Sony $40.00 earbuds fit just like an earplug. But I don't listen to it blaring loud either. My days of ripping loud music have passed. Damn I feel old at 36  | ||
| Tm74 |
I've got the Koss. They were only $18 and they are the one's that you roll in your fingers and insert, just like the earplugs. They expand in your ear. I must be immature, I'm 33.  | ||
| Lightningrob |
I work 2nd shift and get off work at midnight every night. I have a 23 mile commute. Within that 23 mile stretch are a lot of woods and cornfields. I'm not saying that loud pipes saves lives, but they do help out. Have you ever had a deer run out in front of you? It isn't pretty if you're in a car. You can bet it isn't pretty on a bike. When a deer hears something coming, it will stop dead in its tracks and quickly run away, (hopefully it will run away from the incoming traffic). Riding skills have more to do with saving lives, but a little rumble is always a welcome help, too. About the Small Penis Syndrome comment, Randy is probably right. When I throw a leg over my XB and fire it up, it makes me feel like I've got more swinging meat than an Oscar Meyer slaughterhouse. It makes me feel like a "Big Man"   | ||
| Xb12randy |
LMFAO I don't care who you are ^^^^^ that was funny | ||
| Fmaxwell |
Nevrenuf wrote: if you look at fmaxwells profile, i don't see one buell/harley. I joined this board just before buying my new (7 miles on it) 2006 XB12Ss Lightning Long from Whitt's HD/Buell in Manassas, VA. I've now updated my profile to include that bike. is he just jealous of what we ride Since I own a Buell and wouldn't want to own a Harley, why would I be jealous? or is he just one of these bleeding heart liberals that like to run everyones life. No, I'm one of those liberals who believes that everyone has rights -- not just me. And I don't want to lose my right to modify my bike because the louder-is-better crowd has pissed off the public to the point where laws like Denver's (prohibiting most aftermarket exhausts) become the norm. before you come off with the holier than though attitude go ride a bike with loud pipes and see if you get noticed on a busy street or not. As I said before, riding with a siren blaring will get you noticed, too, but it doesn't mean that you have a right to do it. Yeah, I've ridden loud bikes owned by friends and coworkers and I'm always embarrassed when I've done it. If you think that it's so important to be noticed on your bike, do you wear a day-glow fluorescent orange or yellow vest? Do you have a headlight and/or brake light modulator (I have the latter). Does your helmet have reflective material on it? Is your bike a bright color (mine's Sunset Orange)? Or do you just pretend to ride a loud bike for safety when, in reality, it's just a selfish, macho, look-at-me thing? | ||
| Nevrenuf |
first of all, welcome to the world of buell, saying that so i don't sound like to big of an a$$. next, i don't have no macho thing going on. and if you looked at my profile, the bike i ride is a bright orange, so it stands out there pretty good by itself. i have done a lot of travelling over the years and the one thing that i notice more than not are the people who don't look in there mirrors when there changing lanes and do it without even using their turn signals. one of the best peices of advice i was ever given when i got back into riding years ago was to remember one thing, you are invisible. most of the people out there do not see you. ask the girl who pulled out in front of my brother in law 3 years ago. he was pronounced DOA. or the girl who ran into the back of my daughter last year while she was behind some other cars waiting to make a turn. she didn't even notice the other cars much less the bike which got totaled. so don't tell me that all that florescent crap is going to make me more visible to the general public. you have to have that mind set to begin with in order to notice a bike out there. in short, if they can't see you maybe they'll hear you. unless their listening to the radio loud, then you don't have a snowballs chance in hell. i did take off the force pipe that was on the replacement bike that i got because it was to loud for me even with ear plugs in. but it's not up to me to tell someone that they should have loud pipes because it bothers me. that's my opinion and i'm sticking with it. and you know what they say about opinions. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
Thanks. And peace. Unfortunately, center-mounted brake lights mean that there's no place behind a car/truck/SUV where your taillight stands out as a separate vehicle. That's why I installed (and recommend) a Signal Dynamics BackOFF brake light modulator: http://www.signaldynamics.com/products/BLSM/blsm.a sp Similarly, daytime running lights have made us harder to notice among cagers, so I'll probably be installing a headlight modulator, too. All of those things work at some time. The modulated lights will get the attention of others. But the reflective vests will definitely get you noticed, too. That's why so many police departments require their motorcycle officers to wear them. The Hurt Report also recommends them based on their studies. There is no one thing that will get you noticed by every driver, though. Some guy with his radio blaring isn't going to hear your pipes -- but he might see your flashing brake light or your reflective vest. The guy who is about to turn left in front of you from across the intersection is damned unlikely to hear your pipes (unless they point forward), but he's got a good chance of seeing a flashing headlight or, at night, a reflective vest. Ride safe -- but do consider whether the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) might be right about overly loud pipes. |
