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Wazza
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 09:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hi everyone - you may recall my post awhile ago about my Micron sending me deaf.

Well I have tried all the earplugs on the market from earplug superstore, couple of dozen styles, not able to get reliable results with any of them unfortunately.

Now I want to quieten the Micron down but not have a muffler shop permanently alter it - which is all the offer.

Looking for some suggestions as to way I can DIY insert restriction in exit pipes (note: they are curved and conical shaped) to try and dull the drone - alter the tone that cuts through all the ear plugs. It may not need be a huge modification, in fact I'd like to start small and see how little I can get away with for obvious reasons to try salvage the performance.

I know this may simply ruin the current good performance of my XB9 engine - I am at selling the bike stage as noise level is so high as to cause extended ringing in ears after a ride so cannot use the bike and I cannot bear to go back to Buell Race muffler or standard pipe as always was disappointed with their power delivery.
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Hellonwheels
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 09:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

you could sell me yours and Ill sell you my factory race pipe..(black one)IDK hope you dont sell the bike, that would be sad
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Xbob
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 09:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

get a set of those cheap foam earplugs. cost about $1.00.

problem solved.
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Olinxb12r
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 10:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

He said he wears ear plugs, but the tone cuts right through everything.

I hate to say it, but past altering the pipe you really don't have much of a choice if you want to keep the Micron.
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Metalstorm
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 10:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Maybe try a different helmet?
Some helmets reflect more ground noise than others. If you have a buddy that will let you borrow his helmet it may be worth a try.
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Xl1200r
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 10:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If you go altering the pipe in an effort to quiet it down, you're just going to be lowering the performance. You may as well get yourself a quieter exhaust (like a Drummer) and be done with it. You're going to end up having an $800 full system that performs like a $300 slip-on otherwise.
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Thansesxb9rs
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 11:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just put the pipe up for sale on here, I am sure there are a few badwebbers that would take it off your hands.
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Dick
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 12:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Get a Drummer.
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Interex2050
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 01:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If you do not want to cut down performance and get a quieter bike...
If you are not afraid to spend some money, get the TiForce, it is rather quiet(and if I remember correctly its "milder" then even the buell race pipe)...
But since it is not really designed for the 9 engine it will take some extensive fiddling to get it to run right (baffle inserts, ecm reprogramming, etc)
Its possible, I have ridden a 9 with one on there, but it will take some effort but will be well worth it.


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Trojan
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 04:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You could adapt some of the 'decibel killers' that a lot of manufacturers are now putting into the tail pipes of aftermarket pipes, particularly in Europe to meet noise restrictions.
Most of the exhaust companies are now using these and should be available from most aftermarket exhaust retailers. If you can't find any then I think I have some that are designed to fit a Remus pipe that you could buy. I think the price for a pair is around GBP25 (US$48 approx). Alternatively you could get some made up pretty cheaply.
They normally fit into the tail pipe and consist of a steel tube of smaller diameter than the tail pipe that restricts the exit pipe. They secure using just one bolt.
You will lose some performance but will definitely quiten things down. You also have the option of taking them out if you want to go deaf again : )



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Indy_bueller
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 06:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Strange. I have a Micron on my XB9R and I don't have this problem. I agree with Metalstorm, try a new helmet first.
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The_new_guy
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 07:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I find that the only time I get an annoying drone from my Micron is when there is an exhaust leak coming from one of the clamps that hold the muffler to the header pipes. If one of those is loose, it becomes very loud. Other than that, the pipe seems pretty quite to me, except at high rpm.
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Wazza
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 11:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thanks guys, I have a new Shark RSR2 helmet, reviews rate it one of the quietest on market and this did help a bit over the lousy KBC I had before.

I actually think some of the problem is the angle of the muffler tips. I had a louder muffler on my old Speed Triple and it didnt bother me but it was at back of bike pointing backwards where as this exits either side of bike directly under my ears pointing 45 degrees to left and right of bike (ie straight out sideways underneath)

I think it might be worth trying to get the muffler tips simply lopped off and new ones put on that point the exhaust gases more backwards. Then I could test a insert as suggested.

All joints have been re-tightened and seal off fine - this is simply from the muffler below once on the road.

People on Firebolts seem to sit forward slightly more and perhaps that takes the edge off the reflected noise from mufflers.
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Roadrailer
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 04:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I really don't think the decrease in performance from switching mufflers will be nearly as dramatic as you're making it out to be. Switch the pipe already and start enjoying your bike again!
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Bonjoxb12s
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 04:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It would be a shame to alter your exsisting pipe. Just remember, once you cut into that pipe many people arent going to want it if you ever go to sell it. Keep the bike, and change pipes. If you go to American Sport Bike you can review the "exhaust shootout" and find a pipe with the performance you want without the noise.
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Steve_larson
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 06:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)


quote:

I really don't think the decrease in performance from switching mufflers will be nearly as dramatic as you're making it out to be. Switch the pipe already and start enjoying your bike again!




We are going to have to disagree with this one, the muffler is one of the most KEY elements of the Buell exhaust, and switching it to something else is going to cause a bunch more problems then you might imagine.

The insert idea is an OK one, not too difficult to source these and they will allow you to still have a choice if you wish one. Just you are interfering with the flow, which causes fueling and some resonance issues.

The new direction on the tips is the best so far, tips are just "beauty" pieces so if you find that moving the sound exit to a new location works for you, performance should be almost untouched. It would be our first try if you were asking us... : )

Hope this helps...

Steve Larson
Annitori Distributing
www.Annitori.com
1-888-963-1212
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Roadrailer
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 06:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

What kind of "problems" (other than a decrease in hp) could switching to another exhaust cause? Lot of folks here seem to use other brands of exhausts without any issue.
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Kowpow225
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 06:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I really don't think the decrease in performance from switching mufflers will be nearly as dramatic as you're making it out to be. Switch the pipe already and start enjoying your bike again!

I'd have to agree. Micron makes a GREAT pipe. Although Steve may be a bit biased.
There are quieter pipes on the market and may suit your taste for volume. There's only one 'problem' I can think of off the top of my head and that would be a direct link tuned ecm with a micron setup.
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Steve_larson
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 07:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sorry, might just be a misunderstanding of text...

When you say "switch mufflers" I read that as using a Micron header with another brand of muffler. That would not be good...

Switching out completely would be worse, and we would have to come out to your house and... : )

Just kidding...

We think from a performance standpoint switching out has been shown in the tests, thus anyone can make any choice they want. All fine with us, but the owner does state that moving the tips to a new direction seems as though it would fit the need, and as this has minimal effect on performance, it appears to be the best solution for the least amount of effort.

Sorry for the misunderstanding above, I was only speaking in reference to using another brand of muffler with our header.

Steve Larson
Annitori Distributing
www.Annitori.com
1-888-963-1212
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Wazza
Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 04:08 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I took bike to muffler shop and got two inserts installed into the pipes that run into the muffler. These are a bit like tubes with lots of holes in them used in cruiser bike exhausts I was told to tone down the noise but not restrict the flow too much.

Sound is reduced slightly and with ear plugs seems to be quiet enough on freeway coming home. Big storm came over so had to park it and now will need to wait for a chance to get out to confirm if this has done the job or not. They can be removed if need be with no damage to system otherwise. Hard to tell if performance has been affected much as peak hour traffic wasnt place to explore this.

Will update soon as I can get clear weather to ride again.
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Wazza
Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 10:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Update.

I took bike out yesterday morning. And away from the city where I can open it up it showed to have lost some of its good performance. Sound level is now about back to Buell race muffler level - which is a lot quieter than the Micron unmodified and perfectly comfortable with earplugs and can be ridden short distance with no ear plugs - great except now back to the bike performing rather average.

I can get the inserts out again - no damage to system but then bike will again be too loud to ride far - and I do long rides.

I've struggled with this for 2 years now, first the standard muffler, then the Buell race kit, then other mods and finally the Micron which made the bike run perfect and now I am back to square one.

I'm so down in the dumps ... I have been to a few bike dealers, test rode the new Speed Triple and booked to ride new Ducati Sport Classic Biposto next week and at this point looking at simply quitting the bike despite loving everything else about my little Buell - just this darn 9 engine wont give me good throttle response.
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Buellballs
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 12:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Why haven't you tried turning the tips down?

The Micron Man hath spoken, "The new direction on the tips is the best so far, tips are just "beauty" pieces so if you find that moving the sound exit to a new location works for you, performance should be almost untouched. It would be our first try if you were asking us...".

Enough with all the emoticons, you came looking for advice, got it, but have not tried it.
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Xl1200r
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 11:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Dude, not to be ass, but get a Drummer and be done with it, or sell the bike. Sticking something inside the pipe to quiet it down is going to hurt performance any way you look at it - that was stated above. If you want a quiet bike, you need to get an exhaust system that was quiet to start with. You're unhappy with the stock muffler and the Buell race muffler, so the Drummer is the next one in line. You can also add any one of the few aftermarket headers that will fit the stock muffler, and therefore fit just about any aftermarket muffler meant for the stock headers.
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Wazza
Posted on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 12:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yeah ok I have calmed down from desire to give up/trade, and will try re routing the tips and get bungs pulled out.
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Buellballs
Posted on Saturday, February 24, 2007 - 02:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

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