Author Topic: muffler woes (Read 9541 times)

FiRE Comms · **on:** March 11, 2014, 09:18:52 pm

so the exhaust note has been getting louder, occasional a backfire, and yesterday I noticed heavy carbon on the rear break pedal... I've never done exhaust any suggestions for a CHEAP replacement?

FiRE Comms · **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2014, 09:20:02 pm

shot of end of header

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2014, 09:24:06 pm

Emgo makes lots of mufflers that will fit for around $70. I have the reverse cone. It fits, is way lighter, and sounds just about stock. There are plenty of others that will fit too. The chrome is pretty good but will go funny colors if it's dirty when you first start the bike. Make sure it's clean.

Scott

FiRE Comms · **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2014, 09:30:34 pm

so... what are going to be my biggest issues "slipping" an Emgo on, and how much damage (if any) will I be causing riding without a muffler? The RE is my ONLY for of transportation...

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2014, 09:55:02 pm

I don't know if the bike will run well without a muffler. There may be flat spots in the RPM range. It will certainly be loud as hell.

Make sure you get a muffler that is big enough to fit over the header, some are too small. Make sure you get one with the reducing collars. Most come with them but some don't. If it doesn't mention it then buy them separately for about $7. Last, get some Permatex muffler paste. Assemble dry and make sure it fits, then take it apart and put it together with some paste to seal any small leaks. Clean off any mess right away so it doesn't harden. Let it set overnight and you're all set. It's really quite easy.

https://www.denniskirk.com/emgo/mufflers-and-systems

Scott

Arizoni · **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2014, 10:30:12 pm

FiRE Comms
If you know anyone with a Harley, ask them if they still have their old silencer. Tell them you'll buy them a case of beer for it. (That should get their attention.)

Here is a picture of my G5 with a Harley Sportster silencer on it.
The inlet for it is just slightly larger than the exhaust pipe on the RE so it will need a piece of 1/16" thick sheet metal rolled into a sleeve to seal up the gap. This sleeve allows the existing RE clamp to work fine.
You will also need some sort of strap to bolt the silencer to the frame.

FiRE Comms · **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2014, 11:58:30 pm

just came back from the store, had to add ear plugs to the cart... yep it's crazy loud and barky didn't notice any flat spots... on a side note my new gloves were fantastic...

suitcasejefferson · **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2014, 12:35:19 am

If it's FI it will run a lot better with an open pipe than a carbed engine will. A carb cannot be tuned to operate over such a wide range of backpressures. But it is still not a good idea.

I have a B5, and everybody tells me I should replace the stock muffler. I actually like the look of the huge muffler. But at some point it will probably need replacing. RE makes different exhaust systems, but I can't find anything for the B5. I was under the impression that exhaust systems from all the UCE FI engines would fit, including the C5 model. But that is apparently not the case. You have to stay with stock, or rig an aftermarket muffler. It seems like there are about a zillion accessories for the C models, and almost nothing for the B5, not that it really needs much, I like it just the way it is.

JVS · **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2014, 01:07:45 am

Most of the aftermarket silencers will fit the B5 as well. I am confident that the header pipe/exhaust combo are the same for each variant, i.e. C5, B5, G5.

You can opt for the EFI silencer that Hitchcocks sells, or the EFI silencer that CMW provides too. They are basically the same. I have one on my B5. Do a quick search on the forum regarding 'EFI silencer' and countless topics come up.

For reference, have a look at the following -

- http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,14223.0.html
- http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,14958.0.html
- http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,14714.0.html
- http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,16201.0.html
- http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,8515.msg95390.html#msg95390
- http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,17093.0.html
- http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,16325.0.html

Regarding the bluing/blueing of the pipe around the oxygen sensor (at the back) you highlighted in the other topic, it is perfectly normal. Here is my Bullet 500 after 11k miles (approx) -

Of course you can't see in the above pic, but the area around my bike's oxygen sensor is quite blue as well. But it is mostly out of sight. Nothing to worry.

High On Octane · **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2014, 01:10:01 am

I absolutely love my EMGO Cocktail shakers! Well worth the money and they sound amazing.

And if you want to know how good they sound.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgAGViibdCE

Scottie J

GSS · **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2014, 01:19:32 am

JVS, Nice compilation!

FiRE Comms,
The HD softail muffler works really well if you want one with a cat.....it is also fairly small in size and reasonably quiet.

GSS

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2014, 02:41:10 am

They do sound great scottie! Are they very loud?

High On Octane · **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2014, 02:58:54 am

They were loudish, but not terrible when I had the baffles in (the baffles were installed in the video). But I lost a baffle one day on a ride and the bike started running weird and sounding funking so I eased it home, realized the problem and haven't gotten around to replacing them. Now they bark pretty damn good. Still not as bad as a HD with straight pipes, but the Blackhawk sounds mean as shit now so I might just leave them out. I'm jetted for it, so.

Scottie J

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2014, 03:09:39 am

I've seen the baffle on those and figured they'd be murder on your ears, but they don't really sound too bad. I may get one sometime.

Suitcasejefferson, the stock systems are all the same. The reason a replacements may fit one bike but not another is routing. If they're not a straight back, or even if they are, they may hit a footpeg or fender strut on one model that's not on another.

Scott

dougodewitt · **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2014, 04:00:03 pm

I think it's been about a year since I replaced my stock muffler with a hollow bottle; It ran a little lean and was doing some backfiring, so I tried a Big City Thunder Monster Baffle. Aside from a pop every now and then, the bike has been running fine, no bluing issues, And I really like the sound. It really sings in the higher rpms. I found the hollow bottle on ebay fairly cheap--but coming from india the shipping was expensive. Worth every penny though.

Elliotthd · **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2014, 05:54:44 pm

I had this exact problem. Twice. The first time I had it replaced under warranty. The second time I just put the EFI Silencer on it from nfieldGear. The bike sound meaner and has more bottom end now without all the restriction the stock pipe makes. I don't believe there was a significant gain in HP though. Just noticeable when accelerating. Honestly, I wouldn't stick that stock piece of poo back on the bike again if someone paid me too.

FiRE Comms · **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2014, 06:27:34 pm

thanks elliot, really leaning toward the short bottle... but then I could save $100 on http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-exhaust-parts-17-inch-reverse-cone-megaphone-muffler-80-84030.html

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2014, 06:35:30 pm

If you get that short one spend another $10 for muffler packing and repack it before you even use it. Their mufflers are pretty good but they don't put much packing in.

Scott

FiRE Comms · **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2014, 07:37:28 pm

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on March 12, 2014, 06:35:30 pm

If you get that short one spend another $10 for muffler packing and repack it before you even use it. Their mufflers are pretty good but they don't put much packing in.

Thanks for the heads up, how far off was fitment?

Scott

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #19 on:** March 12, 2014, 07:43:56 pm

I haven't fitted the short one, mine was one of the longer ones. It was easy. Use the reducers and paste on the inlet, position the hanger on a convenient bolt and slide it to the right spot on the muffler. The only thing I was lazy about was where I bolted the hanger bracket to the bike. I would have gone to the footpeg but the hole was too small, so I just bolted it to the fender strut bolt. I drill it and go to the bigger bolt. One day

Scott

barenekd · **Reply #20 on:** March 12, 2014, 09:39:38 pm

the bluing around the O2 Sensor is because the sensor holds the heat there. Any of them will do that.
As for running a straight pipe, it won't harm anything but ears and possibly the local constabulary, may take a crack at your wallet.
To say you can't tune for a straight pip is total BS. Motorcycles for decades were tuned with straight pipes. You can do a lot with them With a single cylinder engine, your options aren't so great. Length and diameter are the only options! If you want top end power a short pipe works, If you want low end torque a long pipe is better. They both make a lot of noise. Neither will blow up your engine of screw up your valves! The engine will run with no pipe and get you there. Very loud and less power then a pipe will get you. Look at WWII fighter planes. hey had very short stacks. Premid 50s Formula One cars, the same. Early 2 stroke scramblers ('50s and'60s)had a very short megaphone that ended right under the crankcase. Then expansion chambers came along and squelched the Meggies. Still no muffler. Those things were loud! Caused the demise of many a good race track!
As for your plight, I liked the EFI mufflers. Not too loud, but sounded great! Never ruffled a cop's feathers. And no problems with pieces falling off, as opposed to some of the other offerings out there. They will definitely mount on a B5. The GoldStar is nice, just the muffler, use your own head pipe. They are a bit pricey, though.
Bare

FiRE Comms · **Reply #21 on:** March 12, 2014, 09:55:37 pm

Thanks Bare, for some reason I thought running without a header risked the possibility of warping a valve...

Craig McClure · **Reply #22 on:** March 13, 2014, 02:49:29 pm

Quote from: FiRE Comms on March 12, 2014, 06:27:34 pm

thanks elliot, really leaning toward the short bottle... but then I could save $100 on http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-exhaust-parts-17-inch-reverse-cone-megaphone-muffler-80-84030.html

Hi, Have a look on Ebay, I think the dime city item is over priced & too short. Please look at longer upswept mufflers, which will never drag. You should find something good for $90. or under.

FiRE Comms · **Reply #23 on:** March 13, 2014, 03:13:05 pm

Quote from: Craig McClure on March 13, 2014, 02:49:29 pm

Hi, Have a look on Ebay, I think the dime city item is over priced & too short. Please look at longer upswept mufflers, which will never drag. You should find something good for $90. or under.

i'm not really an upswept fan, do you feel the can is to fat and would cook the hub/drum?

i'm not really a fan of the upswept, by to short are you worried about cookink the.drum

Craig McClure · **Reply #24 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:49:03 pm

Quote from: FiRE Comms on March 13, 2014, 03:13:05 pm

i'm not really an upswept fan, do you feel the can is to fat and would cook the hub/drum?

i'm not really a fan of the upswept, by to short are you worried about cookink the.drum

UPSWEPT doesn't mean pointing skyward, it just means tilted up to about axle height. I'm seeing some folks put fat mufflers straight back. There is a good chance of it dragging during a suspension movement while cornering. Also a slight upswept muffler is frequently protected by the foot peg if the bike falls over.
LENGTH: It is a good practice to keep the exhaust as close to the rear of the bike as possible. My up turned cocktail shaker ends just at the rear of the rear sprocket, but Id have liked it a bit longer. Manufacturers always run the exhaust close to the rear, Law officers always notice obvious aftermarket shorties, if they are in doubt about your decibel levels. a longer exhaust will also keep the bike cleaner. I personally like to see an exhaust that appears made for the machine & not something cobbled together. Get the measurements of the part you are looking at & go measure you bike & VISUALIZE. "Measure twice & cut once"

FiRE Comms · **Reply #25 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:52:20 pm

17" puts it right about center of the hub, still haven't talked the wife into anything yet... so I'm dredging the net for any and all ideas...

Craig McClure · **Reply #26 on:** March 13, 2014, 05:57:24 pm

TRY THIS GUYS EBAY SALE, I have bought mufflers & other items from him. Have the outside diameter of your header pipe & length to be fitted. He's a nice guy, you can even call him to discuss your needs. he has some interesting NOS period items.
THIS EBAY SALE IS# 4637519558 Happy Hunting with Airman Bear

Craig McClure · **Reply #27 on:** March 13, 2014, 06:13:58 pm

SEE UPSWEPT MUFFLER PHOTO. That is what I'm talking about. Not goofy or radical, but 100% Functional. This is why late model meridian Triumph, Norton, Ducati, BMW etc. all do this. No chance of dragging, or even being scratched if the bike falls, being tucked out of the way. Also, it looks consistent with the bike.

Craig McClure · **Reply #28 on:** March 13, 2014, 06:15:20 pm

Quote from: High On Octane on March 12, 2014, 01:10:01 am

I absolutely love my EMGO Cocktail shakers! Well worth the money and they sound amazing.

YEAH! +++++++10

And if you want to know how good they sound.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgAGViibdCE

Scottie J

FiRE Comms · **Reply #29 on:** March 13, 2014, 06:33:24 pm

Scottie's setup looks GREAT, I partly don't trust my skills on keeping things straight with the frame... thought it might be "easier" to just go straight off the header keeping things inline...

High On Octane · **Reply #30 on:** March 13, 2014, 09:02:58 pm

It's hard to see in the pic but my cans actually come away from the bike at a 45° angle to clear everything. It doesn't have to be straight, it just has to look and sound good.

Scottie J

Gypsyjon · **Reply #31 on:** March 14, 2014, 06:18:44 am

get you a BSA Goldstar straight thru....Awesome!

mattsz · **Reply #32 on:** March 26, 2014, 08:51:32 pm

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on March 11, 2014, 09:55:02 pm

Last, get some Permatex muffler paste.

Hey Scott!

Ok, are we talking about Permatex Muffler & Tailpipe Sealer (80335)?

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/product-categories/specialized-maintenance-repair/exhaust-system-repair/permatex-muffler-tailpipe-sealer-detail

Or, Permatex Muffler & Tailpipe Putty (80333)?

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/product-categories/specialized-maintenance-repair/exhaust-system-repair/permatex--muffler---tailpipe-putty-detail

None of my local establishments, even the ones that carry the Permatex brand, has either one of these. They all have other brands, but I think they're more for repairing holes, and presumably set rock-hard and have to be removed with a chisel - which I'm pretty sure I don't want...

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #33 on:** March 26, 2014, 10:43:42 pm

I use this:
http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/aftermarket-parts-accessories/exhaust/exhaust-assembly-paste.html

It comes in a silver, metal squeeze tube. Of the two you posted, I think one is primarily for slip joints in automotive exhausts. The stuff I posted hardens completely to a rigid plaster/cement like consistency. Once hardened it can crack or be chipped and scaped off at a later time.

Scott