V & H Baffle Project Update

[jasperboy]

Dropped off the drawings and pics to my customer this morning. He said he make up a set, per the drawings, and then formulate a price to produce. He asked what our material preference was? I said aluminum would be nice, but not necessary, any thoughts from the group.? He asked about the screens, but I said to just start with the baffle & pin. How many have an interest if I can get these produced? I know it will depend on price, but I'm pretty sure I'll get a "good" deal.

[dkdixie]

Dropped off the drawings and pics to my customer this morning. He said he make up a set, per the drawings, and then formulate a price to produce. He asked what our material preference was? I said aluminum would be nice, but not necessary, any thoughts from the group.? He asked about the screens, but I said to just start with the baffle & pin. How many have an interest if I can get these produced? I know it will depend on price, but I'm pretty sure I'll get a "good" deal.

So, if you are having a set made, I'll take your name off the "loaner" list.

[ice793]

Depending on price I would be interested again if the price is right.

[oldbikers]

I told Chris in Custer how I made mine if you remove your baffles and cut them where they taper down to the baffle on each end then take the two ends and weld them together add a pin or a screen and you have about the same sound. Very cheap http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[nomad561]

If I like them as much as I think I will,then I would be very interested in a set.
I don't know many machinists but I am going to talk to one next week about these.

[jasperboy]

I'll wait until I get a price quote, but my guy is the owner of a multi-million $ fabrication company, and he'd be doing it as a fover to me. I anticipate a very "resonable" cost.

[sharps45100]

I would be interested once you get a price and I have a chance to try the loaners of dkdixie.

Oldbiker I was wondering if something like that would work?

[borto1990]

just a reminder to guys.. the baffles are a bit different on different bikes. I made my set.. LOVE EM.. However, I started out with just the pin. I didn't have the low end performance and it made a goofy, whistle type noise if I hit the throttle. Talked with dkdixie I believe and he informed me of the screen trick. I took the pin out of mine and put the screen in, I can't remember if he pulled his pin as well. I believe netnorske has both pin and screen. VulcanE I believe is just pin and no screen. So just something to think about. Maybe when they are made they can put the pin hole in as well as tap 4 holes on the back incase they need the screen as well. it's a thin screen, I am sure most could shape it by hand once it's bolted on. Just my 2 cents!! Personally, I love em and think they are worth the little tinkerin that needs to be done!!

[dkdixie]

just a reminder to guys.. the baffles are a bit different on different bikes. I made my set.. LOVE EM.. However, I started out with just the pin. I didn't have the low end performance and it made a goofy, whistle type noise if I hit the throttle. Talked with dkdixie I believe and he informed me of the screen trick. I took the pin out of mine and put the screen in, I can't remember if he pulled his pin as well. I believe netnorske has both pin and screen. VulcanE I believe is just pin and no screen. So just something to think about. Maybe when they are made they can put the pin hole in as well as tap 4 holes on the back incase they need the screen as well. it's a thin screen, I am sure most could shape it by hand once it's bolted on. Just my 2 cents!! Personally, I love em and think they are worth the little tinkerin that needs to be done!!

Well put borto.

And the reasons multiply.

First and foremost V&H pipes are not truly round! At least Cliff's and mine aren't. VulcanE found this out when making the first set.
So, you could be trying to put a round baffle in an oblong hole. There can be various degrees of blow by around the baffle creating strange noises.
Probably the only thing consistent size is the original baffle....or the Ultimate baffle for the matter. As Cliff said, "I could make these within .001 if the pipes were consistent and the baffle would still slide in and out."
When Cliff started making these, he used measurements from the original V&H baffle, and rightly so. Have to have a starting point...the one size fits all concept.
Couple this fact with how the baffles mount with two bolts pulling the baffles down which can make it relatively "tight" at the bottom and larger gap at the top.

I've always had a "buzzing" sound with my pipes. Worse when I had the stock baffles. Seems to be only coming from the left side. Only time I can really hear it is passing traffic or going over a bridge. Thought it was an exhaust leak.....which it isn't. For some unknown reason the pin made it sound worse.
That's one reason I started messing with the screens.....or stainless steel shower drain covers, which is what they are.
Found the screens changed the tone, increased back pressure, and seemed to give better performance by the seat feel dyno.

Then I tried different screens (pictures on "Loaner baffle" thread), less holes, more back pressure, lower sound, quieter when cruising at consistent speed and (you'll love this)....the bike just flat out has more power and runs better. Ask Cliff....we had a little race one day.

I'm hoping, with more of Ultimates out there, somebody will come up with another idea.
As borto said, they're worth tinkering with.....

[nomad561]

I'm hoping I'll like these as much as everyone else does.I'll be installing the loaner set today and will post my review tonight.
My thanks to dkdixie for the loaners and to everyone else for the opinions and ideas.

[ice793]

Let us know how you like them W.N. i really want to try or buy these

[nomad561]

I tried to install them yesterday but I guess I have drug my pipes too many times. The outside screw on the righthand muffler is messed up.I'm going to work on it today.

[pjn426]

I'm on the loaner list to try but based on everyone's reviews, probably would be interested in a set. Thanks

[nomad561]

I got them installed but was busy all day yesterday.We are going for a nice long ride today.I'll post a review tonight.

[dogdoc]

jasperboy: I might be interested IF your friend can make them with a removal pin AND 4 holes taped for the screens? is this possible for him? Would we then just buy Home Depot bath shields and would the holes match up? i would like to have the capability to either run just pins OR pins and screen OR just screen. Depends on what I like to my ears? let me know and count me in.

Dennis

[VulcanE]

jasperboy: I might be interested IF your friend can make them with a removal pin AND 4 holes taped for the screens? is this possible for him? Would we then just buy Home Depot bath shields and would the holes match up? i would like to have the capability to either run just pins OR pins and screen OR just screen. Depends on what I like to my ears? let me know and count me in.

Dennis

Dennis, he could probably make them like you want, but the holes in the screen won't be there. you'll just have to drill them, then use a file, dremel, or bench grinder to get them down to the same size as the baffle (be careful and you could do it while they're mounted on the baffles). The material is thin and easy to work with.

[dkdixie]

jasperboy: I might be interested IF your friend can make them with a removal pin AND 4 holes taped for the screens? is this possible for him? Would we then just buy Home Depot bath shields and would the holes match up? i would like to have the capability to either run just pins OR pins and screen OR just screen. Depends on what I like to my ears? let me know and count me in.

Dennis

Dennis, he could probably make them like you want, but the holes in the screen won't be there. you'll just have to drill them, then use a file, dremel, or bench grinder to get them down to the same size as the baffle (be careful and you could do it while they're mounted on the baffles). The material is thin and easy to work with.


Dennis, you surprise me. I thought, for some unknown reason, you didn't like loud pipes.

As Cliff said, the screens, being stainless steel drain covers, are easy to fit. You actually start with a 4" screen, trim with snips, then finish sizing with file or grinder.

Its also much easier if machinist can drill and tap the holes.
I used 10-32 thread.

[dogdoc]

Ok Cliff good info.
DK; I love loud pipes. Thats why I went to V&H. Im just curious if these ULTIMATE baffles really make the V&H sound any better like a few say. if they improved the sound to a good degree Im all for them, :-)
you must have gotten me mixed up with ole TC,LOL

[dkdixie]

Ok Cliff good info.
DK; I love loud pipes. Thats why I went to V&H. Im just curious if these ULTIMATE baffles really make the V&H sound any better like a few say. if they improved the sound to a good degree Im all for them, :-)
you must have gotten me mixed up with ole TC,LOL

No doubt they improve the sound.....but they are considerably louder!

No, don't have you mixed up with TC.....I hear him screaming every time there is a thread on these baffles!!

[dogdoc]

:-)

[jasperboy]

jasperboy: I might be interested IF your friend can make them with a removal pin AND 4 holes taped for the screens? is this possible for him? Would we then just buy Home Depot bath shields and would the holes match up? i would like to have the capability to either run just pins OR pins and screen OR just screen. Depends on what I like to my ears? let me know and count me in.

Dennis Dennis, I'm sure that removeable pins and four holes are very possible. I'll stop in to see if he's made a pair yet, and ask about these modifications, and let everyone know.

[jasperboy]

***UPDATE*** Baffles are being produced as I type this (7/13/09). The pin will be removable as it will be held by a set screw. 1/4-20 holes will be drilled at 12, 3, 6, & 9 o'clock for screen add on. I should have these by tomorrow, and perhaps even a price. More info to follow.

[dogdoc]

yeeee-ha http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Let us know the outcome: price, etc.

[dogdoc]

Jasperboy must be out riding and enjoying the first set??LOL

[nomad561]

Jasperboy must be out riding and enjoying the first set??LOL

Must be. I know I enjoyed having them on my bike.

[jasperboy]

The baffles are almost done, I just had a look at them this morning and they look nice. Just waiting on a piece of dowel pin , and to get all the holes tapped. This first pair has just two holes to clamp on a screen, but I think that should be enough. If not, two more won't be a problem. No estimate on cost yet, but they should be ready fo pick up tomorrow, and I'm told I'll have a price by then as well. More info as it becomes available.

[dogdoc]

Thanks bro. Are you going to test the first set and work out the kinks>? And give any feedback on sounds?

[jasperboy]

Okay, the baffles are in the bike, and results are as follows.....

WOW!!! Remember how cool it was to go from stock to debaffled, and then to the V&H Baggers? Well this IS the next step. Not as loud as no baffle, but it is deffinatley LOUD. I'm going to try the shower drain screens tomorrow, to see if it tones it down a touch, but as for now I'm IMPRESSED! Pictures and pricing to follow very soon.