tiltmode43
Tuned and Synch'ed
Just wanted to make a thread for those with stock Arrow cans wondering if this is possible, or a good idea, to remove the baffles.
I purchased a 2nd hand pair of Arrow cans from a forum member. The previous owner had removed packing and shortened the baffles but they just didn't sound (or look) quite good/loud enough for me. One of my buddies has a Triumph Scrambler with the Arrow exhaust and the baffle is easy to remove via C-clamp (on the Guzzi V7 Arrow, the baffles are welded in, likely for dB regulation/legal reasons). After hearing/seeing his exhaust without it, I knew mine had to go!
A 2" hole saw bit + drill is all you need, just make sure the bit it is bi-metal! We first tried using a carbon bit he had lying around and it just would not cut through. With a proper bit just drill away, allowing the drill/bit to cool from time to time. Eventually we got to the point that a pair of pliers pulled out the baffles without much effort at all. The cut ended up surprisingly clean, though a dremel will smooth things out even better should I find myself bored on a Sunday afternoon. There was definitely an increase in decel popping after removing the baffles, likely due to increased exhaust flow. I also want to say throttle response was improved around 4-5k but this could be in my head, the butt dyno isn't too reliable - it really does seems there's a bit more oomph at highway speeds though. It may also be important to note I only ran the Arrows with baffles for one day.
***The Arrow exhaust will require V7 Racer or V7 Cafe Classic brackets due to the exhaust angle. I would recommend contacting your dealer for the Cafe Classic brackets as they are much cheaper than the Racer brackets. This is something I found out the hard way when trying to install the exhaust around midnight on a weeknight without the brackets and they just would not line up with the OE Classic brackets... was frustrating to say the least! With the correct brackets everything was spot on.***
Before:
Halfway done, the right side is out. The cuts came out very clean, little-no touch up smoothing required.
What the baffle looks like once removed.
Final product. Compared to some of my friends' bikes it's quiet but for me, it's loud enough/perfect. Any more noise from my bike and I'd just feel bad for my neighbors, haha.
More photos at http://www.flickr.com/inghostcolours The iPhone5 is a marvelous thing The keen eye will notice I changed tanks between the first and last photo in this thread
Overall, I'd say this would be a good modification for anyone looking for a bit more kick out of the Arrow system. I received mine in modified form (previous owner removed much deadining + shortened baffle), I can't imagine how quiet a 100% stock Arrow setup would be! Stock Arrows + cutting out baffles would be perfect for most looking for an aftermarket exhaust they want to actually be able to hear.
I purchased a 2nd hand pair of Arrow cans from a forum member. The previous owner had removed packing and shortened the baffles but they just didn't sound (or look) quite good/loud enough for me. One of my buddies has a Triumph Scrambler with the Arrow exhaust and the baffle is easy to remove via C-clamp (on the Guzzi V7 Arrow, the baffles are welded in, likely for dB regulation/legal reasons). After hearing/seeing his exhaust without it, I knew mine had to go!
A 2" hole saw bit + drill is all you need, just make sure the bit it is bi-metal! We first tried using a carbon bit he had lying around and it just would not cut through. With a proper bit just drill away, allowing the drill/bit to cool from time to time. Eventually we got to the point that a pair of pliers pulled out the baffles without much effort at all. The cut ended up surprisingly clean, though a dremel will smooth things out even better should I find myself bored on a Sunday afternoon. There was definitely an increase in decel popping after removing the baffles, likely due to increased exhaust flow. I also want to say throttle response was improved around 4-5k but this could be in my head, the butt dyno isn't too reliable - it really does seems there's a bit more oomph at highway speeds though. It may also be important to note I only ran the Arrows with baffles for one day.
***The Arrow exhaust will require V7 Racer or V7 Cafe Classic brackets due to the exhaust angle. I would recommend contacting your dealer for the Cafe Classic brackets as they are much cheaper than the Racer brackets. This is something I found out the hard way when trying to install the exhaust around midnight on a weeknight without the brackets and they just would not line up with the OE Classic brackets... was frustrating to say the least! With the correct brackets everything was spot on.***
Before:
Halfway done, the right side is out. The cuts came out very clean, little-no touch up smoothing required.
What the baffle looks like once removed.
Final product. Compared to some of my friends' bikes it's quiet but for me, it's loud enough/perfect. Any more noise from my bike and I'd just feel bad for my neighbors, haha.
More photos at http://www.flickr.com/inghostcolours The iPhone5 is a marvelous thing The keen eye will notice I changed tanks between the first and last photo in this thread
Overall, I'd say this would be a good modification for anyone looking for a bit more kick out of the Arrow system. I received mine in modified form (previous owner removed much deadining + shortened baffle), I can't imagine how quiet a 100% stock Arrow setup would be! Stock Arrows + cutting out baffles would be perfect for most looking for an aftermarket exhaust they want to actually be able to hear.