Just recently installed one of Pete's Drummer baffles and I'd share my experience.
Firstly, the reason I decided to fit one of these was not just because I got an EPA letter , but more because I went for a 2 hour ride the other day and realised again that the incessant racket makes it uncomfortable to ride the bike for long periods at 100kmh+ - even with earplugs. Anyway, the EPA notice prompted me to get in touch with Pete and try out one of these inserts. Mind you, I'm not expecting the bike to pass a noise test with this baffle installed, nor am I particularly unhappy with the sound of the unbaffled Drummer around town - but I wanted the option of toning the noise down when required. In any case, two separate noise testers told me they wouldn't test the bike if it had a removable baffle, so I'll have to put the stocker back in. It would have been interesting to try the test with the 'mild' baffle in place.
As you may know, the baffle comes with the option of fitting either of two plates, a 'mild' or a 'wild'. It couldn't be easier to fit, with only two holes required in the end of the pipe, and the baffle just slipping straight in. It can't really be seen once installed, providing you get the location of the screws right. I've had the Drummer on for more than a year now, without a baffle, and it's been fantastic. The power is increased right through the rev range, the exhaust note is brilliant (I'm sure it has saved my life on many occasions), and my only complaint is that there's some kind of ticking noise that kicks in at exactly 80kmh and stays right through from then on. I suppose it's some kind of exhaust harmonic, because I've checked everything else. Well, after fitting the baffle with the wild plate, that noise no longer occurs. The sound is fantastic. No popping on decel, and more of a sort of tuned roar as the revs increase, rather than the standard big round sound that comes from the unbaffled pipe. I couldn't be happier with the sound. Plus, I'm sure our new neighbours appreciate it much more (we've moved to a quiet, leafy suburban location).
The power seems pretty close to what I was getting before, apart from one thing. There's a single big hole at 2000rpm to about 2,700rpm. I've been riding the bike for about 2 weeks now, which includes two daily 15 minute runs at 100kmh, up and down the freeway. I was waiting to see whether the ECM would adjust itself to the increased backpressure etc. It's done a pretty good job, apart from that one rev range. I'm not sure now whether to drag out the laptop and do a bit of fuel mapping. That dip occurs just at the point where you're giving it a handful after pulling away from the lights, so it's a bit disconcerting. Anyone have any ideas?
buellbabe
Great review and much appreciated as I have been looking longingly at the Drummer option for the 1125...
That hole/flat spot doesn't sound good, must be embarrassing draggin someone off at the lights LOL.
What you say about the ecm adjusting for increased back pressure (or NOT as the case may be) got me thinking about my X1 which currently has not one single strand of packing left in the muffler...the end cap is holding on for dear life by 2 piddly screws and the back pressure is outrageous!!!! Can't help but wonder if that is what is making it idle strangely at times? LOL.
Sounds like your noise restrictions are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay more stringent than in NZ. Bummer buck!
ajturbo
well i got a "wof" for my bike last week... and as BB know ( and the rest of NZ) it is LOUD ....
while on American sprotsbike last nigh ( little dig there for BB) i down loaded the pipe comparisons they did... very interesting... make me think about changing MY pipe ( when i have some $$$) to a Micron.....
, but more because I went for a 2 hour ride the other day and realised again that the incessant racket makes it uncomfortable to ride the bike for long periods at 100kmh+ - even with earplugs. Anyway, the EPA notice prompted me to get in touch with Pete and try out one of these inserts. Mind you, I'm not expecting the bike to pass a noise test with this baffle installed, nor am I particularly unhappy with the sound of the unbaffled Drummer around town - but I wanted the option of toning the noise down when required. In any case, two separate noise testers told me they wouldn't test the bike if it had a removable baffle, so I'll have to put the stocker back in. It would have been interesting to try the test with the 'mild' baffle in place.