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Tried different set of mufflers, now I think I'm deaf

10K views 29 replies 14 participants last post by  macabra11 
#1 ·
Well in the interest of always tinkering, I had been wanting to try a different set of mufflers just because I've always had the same setup on my bike and, well, wanted to try something else! My bike has always put off a lot of heat on my right leg/thigh, and I sort of always thought it was because my Screaming Eagle slip-ons were too restrictive. I have V&H Power Duals, Big Sucker AC and FP3, but the cans are pretty heavily baffled. What I do like about my setup is that it isn't too loud. I can comfortably cruise on the highway and hear my upgraded stereo pretty well. When I twist the throttle I get a nice rumble, but nothing like a Cobra Neighbor Hater or CFR.

I always thought of trying the Arlen Ness Redlines by Magnaflow, because they look sweet and in videos they were very deep and gave a tight PURRRR sound (opposite of a V&H-type sound). Well I found a used pair and threw them on yesterday to see what it was like. Holy crap are they loud! I mean, house-shaking, head-rattling, loud. I can be 10 ft behind them and feel the air pressure! The tone is incredibly deep and throaty, which is awesome, but what doesn't come across in videos is pure volume.

I made a before/after video, and you really can't tell the increase in volume as much, but trust me, it's friggin loud.



For due diligence I did take it for a ride, and hated every minute of it. The old Screamin Eagle cans are going back on this weekend. I guess the grass isn't always greener on the other side, so if anyone is interested in some Arlen Ness Magnaflow Redline mufflers (#7200103) let me know.
 
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#3 ·
From what I can find online, there are no baffles for these. They just go straight through.
 
#4 ·
They might be loud compared to your SE mufflers, but I wouldn't say they are loud from the video. A very different sound between the 2 for sure.
In all honesty, the Magnaflow sound much better in my opinion from the video. However, its not my bike so that basically means squat.

Leave them on thru the weekend and see if you get used to them. Have nothing to lose really.
 
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#5 ·
I agree, I think the Magnaflow system sounded better on the video. I ride a loud punched out Rinehart system, so I am used to and like the extra volume. My 'grass is greener' contemplation has been Magnaflow next time around.
 
#7 ·
Yeah, you really can't tell how much louder it is in the video. I think iPhone video compression works TOO well! I agree that the tone is sweet and sounds better, but volume wise I couldn't even hear my BT4180, 4 speaker stereo setup when going highway speeds. I couldn't imagine being around that much volume for an extended ride.

And yes, SE, that Maverick DLL is a dream for taller guys like me. I tried a number of seats and this one is by far the most comfy and looks great too!
 
#8 ·
Well in the interest of always tinkering, I had been wanting to try a different set of mufflers just because I've always had the same setup on my bike and, well, wanted to try something else! My bike has always put off a lot of heat on my right leg/thigh, and I sort of always thought it was because my Screaming Eagle slip-ons were too restrictive. I have V&H Power Duals, Big Sucker AC and FP3, but the cans are pretty heavily baffled. What I do like about my setup is that it isn't too loud. I can comfortably cruise on the highway and hear my upgraded stereo pretty well. When I twist the throttle I get a nice rumble, but nothing like a Cobra Neighbor Hater or CFR.

I always thought of trying the Arlen Ness Redlines by Magnaflow, because they look sweet and in videos they were very deep and gave a tight PURRRR sound (opposite of a V&H-type sound). Well I found a used pair and threw them on yesterday to see what it was like. Holy crap are they loud! I mean, house-shaking, head-rattling, loud. I can be 10 ft behind them and feel the air pressure! The tone is incredibly deep and throaty, which is awesome, but what doesn't come across in videos is pure volume.

I made a before/after video, and you really can't tell the increase in volume as much, but trust me, it's friggin loud.

https://youtu.be/FBAX55SI-FI

For due diligence I did take it for a ride, and hated every minute of it. The old Screamin Eagle cans are going back on this weekend. I guess the grass isn't always greener on the other side, so if anyone is interested in some Arlen Ness Magnaflow Redline mufflers (#7200103) let me know.
What, did you just say something? I think I saw your lips moving. I can't hear you....
 
#9 ·
if it's too loud, you're too old.....



nah, not really. since i bought my cvo in 2013, i've had 'quieter' than average hd pipes. i was running the 2.0'' fullsac baffles in the stock cvo cans, with a decatted head pipe. sure, it was louder than stock, but it was not ear splitting loud. sounded fantastic, imo. in that time, i've really come to appreciate having pipes that sound good, but don't have to make your ears bleed. long tours are much more pleasant when your ears aren't ringing every time you get off the bike. plus you don't get quite as fatigued either.

running rinehart 4'' with stock catalytic head pipe now on the 2019. sounds great, not too loud, can hear the stock radio at highway speeds, and you don't look like an ass to everyone you pass on the road.
 
#11 ·
One of the great things about the Drago 2 pipe is the sound causing down the interstate or around town. Super mellow, with a nice low sound. When you get on it is like a totally different pipe and then it goes back to super mellow. Makes nice power on the dyno also. Its a win win
 
#12 ·
Well I called Magnaflow to see what they had to say, and their HD expert (Cody) was very nice and offered some advice. He said a lot of folks have success repacking the baffles to help keep the tone but lower the decibels. Since I really have no idea how old those mufflers are, I decided to pull the baffles and see what packing was left. They came out super easy and there was not very much of the steel wool wrap left. It looked like it also had some sort of a light fiberglass wrap around that at one point too, but there were just a couple small remnants.

So this gives me a little hope! There is a LOT of baffle to cover (24" long by 4" diameter), so I ordered some new, thick, ceramic mat baffle wrap and will give that a shot before I give up on the pipes.
 
#17 ·
I never thought about re-wrapping the baffles. I was talking to a buddy about his exhaust because he is hearing a weird "tinny" noise from one of his slip-ons. he thinks maybe a baffle was worn out or damaged somehow. i'll have to mention re-wrapping them next time I see him.

let us know how you make out with the re-wrap
 
#18 ·
Same rattle sound with my Vance & Hines Hi- Output slip on’s. Was going to repack them. Been on since 1000 miles (10,000 on the OD) Contacted V&H about buying repacking material from them....told me don’t bother, new ones being sent out as we speak. Kinda surprised, but, way cool.... that doesn’t happen too often.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
#19 ·
That is awesome Ray! I've always had great customer service experiences with V&H. I wonder if all the V&H repacking kits are the same, or if it varies from muffler to muffler? I know there are a few aftermarket options out there that are different dimensions and materials. I just picked one that would fit these giant-assed Magnaflows and was thick enough for me to get a nice, tight pack. This will be my first time repacking though, so I have no idea what I am doing. Thank goodness for YouTube!
 
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#21 ·
Well I repacked the baffles on my Magnaflow Redlines and it made a pretty big difference! You can see the before and after pictures below. Using a generic dB meter app on my phone it showed about a 10dB drop after I repacked everything.

Here is a video I made that compares the before and after on the baffles wrap/repacking. The mufflers now sound a lot tighter and have a really deep purrrrrrrrrrrrr sound to them.

 

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#23 ·
I think so. Time will tell, but I think this is good sounding setup and should fit the bill for that "all around use" of looks, sound and performance. I'm not sure if it is placebo effect or not, but it feels like there is more bottom end power than before. And the shifting points I was used to (based on sound/feel) on my old slip ons are now at a higher RPM. With those Screaming Eagle cans, it was begging to be shifted at 3,000 rpm. If you were trying to cruise with in-town traffic at 30-35mph, it would sound like you were just hogging the throttle to be an ass. But if you shifted up, you'd almost be lugging the engine. Really annoying! But with these Magnaflows, I don't get that sensation. They seems to want to shift at 3,500+, and it sounds and feels different there too. I don't know, I could just be crazy and imagining shit.
 
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#26 ·
Contacted V&H because I wanted them to make sure I had selected the right stuff and for them to check my map. They had me upload my map and within a few minutes they sent me an updated/tweaked version that I applied. I haven't gone for a ride with the new map since it is 40º today. Hoping to take it for a spin this weekend when I've got more time and the weather is nicer.
 
#27 ·
that sounds much better after the re-wrap. it is very possible that you gained a little lower end power. that little added back pressure with the re-wrapped baffles can make a difference. I know my situation is different than yours but I noticed a huge difference in power when I changed from my x-pipe to the 2into1
 
#28 ·
Went on an hour long ride last night with the new pipes while wearing my full face WITH ear plugs. I had to stop after 30 minutes and remove the ear plugs because my head was rattling so bad from sound. I guess I am a wimp when it comes to loud pipes, and despite what you might think, the plugs made it worse. They seemed to amplify the bass even more and just shake my brain. Taking the plugs out helped, but I have determined that these pipes just are not FOR ME. I will be putting my Screaming Eagles back on and putting the Magnaflows up for sale, so if anyone is interested please reach out (or if you have some other pipes you might want to trade).

I gave it the good ol' college try gents. :(
 
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#30 ·
I use EarPeace earplugs because they are good at filtering sound without it being too muffled. I actually love riding with my half helmet and the EarPeace plugs. I can hear the stereo great, but wind noise is non-existent! There must have been something about the frequency of the deep bass MFs that didn't jive with my Arai and my EarPeace plugs. It was almost like getting drilled at the dentist... that sort of bone vibrating feeling.

Screaming Eagles are back on the bike and I am content... for now.
 
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