Quiet bikes

[antisquare]

I just bought my first bike, a 78 Special and I have a lot to learn.
My bike has stock pipes and believe it or not I'd like to make it quieter. I would appreciate any suggestions about how best to do this.
Thanks

Attachments:

[pamcopete]

anti,

You could install a set of EMGO Dunstall Replica mufflers:

www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=431286&SR=sr3_43942178_go

I have these on my '81/H and I can hear the spokes making wind noise in the front wheel when riding, but they have a pleasant "power" sound when idling.

If you are going to install any aftermarket mufflers, you should be aware of the issue of the double walled stock headers, which you probably have. You should not just clamp the muffler over the outer pipe because there are drain holes in the outer pipe as well as leaks in the welds in the actual headers.

There is an adapter available at your local auto supply store than will allow you to connect the muffler to the functioning inner pipe.


Here's the inner pipe:


Here's the adapter:


There is no way to clamp the adapter to the inner pipe, but it is a very tight fit, so you can either wait for the carbon buildup to fill it in or use some Permatex muffler sealer in a tube.

Installed, inside view:


Final look:

[antisquare]

pamcopete,

Thanks, this is exactly what I need to know. Very helpful!
Will installing these pipes change the fuel-air mixture requirements of my bike or is there anything else I should consider beyond installing the pipes?

[boss77]

To Pamcopete: Any chance you could put up a sound clip of the exhaust you have? I'd like to do a quieter exhaust as well.

[XS Rod]

First, Congratulations on your purchase!
Aftermarket headers might be a consideration...
Fuel mixture may be affected IMO... depending on the muffler.
More so if you did change the header and used a less restrictive muffler.
Very nice post Pete...