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New Night Rod Owner, question on exhaust

2476 Views 24 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  ArgleBargle
Hello All,

I just purchased a 2011 Night Rod Specia w/ ~6k milesl and absolutely love the bike minus a few minor things. First, the bar reach is just a hair far for me so I will most likely be installing the reduced reach bar as soon as possible. In searching the interwebs I can't seem to get a clear answer on if I need to get a longer brake / throttle cable or if I can just get creative with the routing. The bike has ABS

Second, and more importantly, I love LOVE the look of the exhaust but it's just a too loud for my tastes. I was wondering (and will probably get crucified for this) if there is a way to quiet it down. I have searched and can't identify who makes it, wondering if someone can help me out on that front. Perhaps some universal baffling? Recommendations on a more moderate sounding exhaust?

The bike came with a Powercommander V and whatever tune is loaded with it just doesn't seem quite right. Cruisin at 55-65 with a consistent it seems like it will 'miss' from time to time. I'm not lookin to squeeze every last bit of horsepower out of the thing just want to make sure it's running as best as it can. FWIW I did get about 40 mpg today with some short bouts of hard acceleration so it might not be TOO far off.

Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated if for nothing else than to just ID the exhaust. I attached a pic for reference.

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Ive never seen that style exhaust on a VRSC before. Super cool. That exhaust looks interesting. Is it true duals or does it connect at that front header cross over?

Summit racing has lots of "cone style" baffles that would be a good start. They can be ordered by diameter and length.
https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/exhaust-inserts


If you do want to get rid of it, post it in the classified here and Im sure you will get a taker. As far as the tune goes, its always worth having it dynoed since you already have the programmer. These things should run like a sewing machine and be smooth at all RPMs when tuned properly.

40MPG is solid and on the upper end of the Vrod spectrum, most seem to be in that 32-40 range with semi kind driving.
Thanks for the reply. To answer your questions it's a 2 into 2 side by side, the second pipe is obstructed by the angle of the shot.
Read this before doing another exhaust. http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/exhausttech.htm
Thanks for info...Might just see if I can start with a cheap stock exhaust so I can ride without my ears ringing. Then unload the drag pipes. Just don't like the look of that stock exhaust though..
..Unless of course someone has a recommendation on a full exhaust system that isn't obnoxious and doesn't involve just a slip on to the stock
Ignore this post, just want to PM a member about a stock exhaust in the classifieds and need to get to 5 :)
ArgleBargle, just wondering if you solved the issue with the power commander 5 tune, i also get a slight miss when im cruising at highway speeds , i got the vance and hines comp series exhaust and i got the tune off of power commander ...
I have not actually...been doing a ton of research on exhausts and can't seem to find the right combination of sound / look / price. Just want something quieter for longer trips. Figured it makes sense to decide on exhaust first then worry about getting her dialed in.

In browsing around the forum it sounds like a lot of members either go through Fuel Moto or directly to a local Dyno Tuner. It may also be worth paging through the maps section on this forum.
Not sure, but I think it could be hard to find a quieter non-stock exhaust. Inexpensive seems like it goes hand in hand with loud...
I have not actually...been doing a ton of research on exhausts and can't seem to find the right combination of sound / look / price. Just want something quieter for longer trips. Figured it makes sense to decide on exhaust first then worry about getting her dialed in.

In browsing around the forum it sounds like a lot of members either go through Fuel Moto or directly to a local Dyno Tuner. It may also be worth paging through the maps section on this forum.
I've used Fuel Moto for my last two bikes and will with the Muscle too. They are very knowledgeable and provide great service. IMO
Not sure, but I think it could be hard to find a quieter non-stock exhaust. Inexpensive seems like it goes hand in hand with loud...
True enough. I find just about any exhaust with the exception of supertrap slip ons or Supertrap 2-1 too loud. Stock mufflers on the other hand way too quiet. Revolution is a loud engine, exhaust wise. Test road a V&H 2-1 and don't know how peoples ears can stand it for any long distance riding. Some are even worse to the point of being abnoxious. I have the ST slip ons with 12 disc per can. Just right for me and have had plenty of good comments on the sound.
Ron
Not sure, but I think it could be hard to find a quieter non-stock exhaust. Inexpensive seems like it goes hand in hand with loud...
I actually have no basis for comparison at this point since I bought the bike with literally straight pipes. Been looking at possibly reverting it to stock but not a huge fan of the look. Was starting to lean towards a Bassani Road Rage but peoples opinions of it seem to be all over the board. (Some say too loud some say too quiet) It's difficult to get an accurate representation through videos alone.

All that said, not looking for quieter than stock. Just something thats comfortable to ride and doesn't leave my ears ringing.
It's all about perspective I suppose. I thought my CFR was loud until I put the Thunderheader on. Too loud for the kids on the back or anyone riding behind me.Had to go back to the old exhaust.
I ended up working out a deal with a member for a stock exhaust setup w/ Widow Slip ons. Compromised a bit on look but just want to be able to ride comfortably. On another note, will probably be selling my current pipes down the road.
Can't see them when your riding...sound level is more important.
I actually have no basis for comparison at this point since I bought the bike with literally straight pipes. Been looking at possibly reverting it to stock but not a huge fan of the look. Was starting to lean towards a Bassani Road Rage but peoples opinions of it seem to be all over the board. (Some say too loud some say too quiet) It's difficult to get an accurate representation through videos alone.

All that said, not looking for quieter than stock. Just something thats comfortable to ride and doesn't leave my ears ringing.
I looked at them too. Was lucky to have vrod sitting the dealer. He started it up and that was it for me. Stupid loud.
Ron
I ended up working out a deal with a member for a stock exhaust setup w/ Widow Slip ons. Compromised a bit on look but just want to be able to ride comfortably.
I had the same exhaust combo(non-baffled) on my '13 NRS. Sounded decent and looked better than OEM. If I kept them I would chop off the ends to shorten the slip-ons (to the mounting bracket) and install some nice end caps.
Ended up installing a CFR slip-on. Amazing sound and Loud when you get on the throttle. The guys make me ride in the back of the line :)
When i had the reduce reach bars put on my 11 nrs i had to get a longer brake line. Throttle cable worked though
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