| Author | Message | ||
     Earwig |
If I read the results correctly it doesn't look like an aftermarket exhaust does more than give you a couple horsepower and a little more torque... is this true? I was under the impression that aftermaket pipes added much more power? | ||
| Bmwdavid |
I had the same impression also. Looks like the stock pipe on the 12S/X is quite good in itself. My next question: would it be better to keep the stock 12S/X pipe and just put an open air box kit on with a race ECM? David | ||
| Olinxb12r |
Your impression was incorrect. The results from the shootout would be similar on metric bikes also. For some reason lots of people think that they gain 10-15 horse by putting a pipe on, and that is just not the case. I'm actually really surpised at the rear whell numbers bone stock! It is pretty awesome that the Buells are actually pushing almost the same numbers stock that are quoted on the Buell site. If you did this same test with metric bikes the power would be way down from the quoted numbers on the manufacturer websites. | ||
| Glitch |
I see a lot of difference. Not so much between the after market pipes, but compared to stock, I see big differences. What were you looking for?  Stock vs. My Favorite | ||
| Earwig |
I am referring to the numbers... maybe 6 more ftlb toruqe/4 more HP? I just thought there were much higher power gains. I don't see the "lot" you are referring to I guess  I should point out that I am referring to the results for the xb12. (Message edited by earwig on June 07, 2006) | ||
| Glitch |
Look at the two curves. Forget about the numbers. Numbers don't mean anything unless you're into math or marketing. What turns me on is the nice smooth, flat torque curve, and the power at a steady rise to red line. More power is always appreciated of course, but more than a few ponies takes more than just an exhaust. People tend to go nuts over exhaust because it's a power mod you can do yourself, sound of course is a plus to most. This shootout settles all claims as to bang for buck. 6 more ftlb toruqe/4 more HP ? You can feel it when you ride! | ||
| Glitch |
I should point out that I am referring to the results for the xb12. I was looking at a Nine. Either way, throw the numbers out, and look at the curves, it's what we do best anyway.  | ||
| Diablobrian |
a 2% increase in hp or torque is quite substantial! A +6hp increase on a xb9 is over 6%. That's nothing to sneeze at! Also remember that gains are not cumulative. You do not gain 2 hp with an open air box AND 5 hp with the ECM AND 5 hp with a pipe. There is quite a bit of overlap in that scenario. realistically you'd be looking at approx. 6.5-7 hp, not 12 hp gained. I've seen too many people try to add all the upgrades they've made to get their own fictitious theoretical hp number. The dyno tells the tale. | ||
| Phantom5oh |
Peak power doesn't mean much. It's all about the area under the curve (of the plot). A small peak gain of say 2 HP or FT-LBS when spread out over the entire RPM range is a great improvement. I'm impressed! | ||
| 99buellx1 |
That is why this test also includes the factor of SPEED!. As mentioned, dont look at the number, look at the curve and how that equates to the increase in acceleration that you get. | ||
| Al_lighton |
I added to the performance tables the time to get from 45-120MPH for the XB9, and 50-125MPH for the XB12. Look at those times instead of the curves to get a feel for the area under the curve. I probably should have included more comments about that in the conclusions. Those times were a late addition to the report. Timed runs is the way Kevin tunes his pipes. He may have some comments here. But if you look at the best times and the worst times, they are in the vicinity of .5 seconds apart. .5 seconds at 120mph is 88 feet. .5 seconds over 9.5 seconds is about 5%. 5% overall gain is pretty significant for external changes only, I think. | ||
| Dongalonga |
i will say one thing i am glad i decided to go jardine way back....def the best bang for the buck on a 9. | ||
| Pcmodeler |
In addition to what Diablobrian stated, the results also state that the ECM should be upgraded as well when adding any of these mufflers. Combined, you'll see a difference...... Muffler = 1-5 hp ECM = 1-5 hp Shit eating grin on your face when you hear how it sounds on your bike..........PRICELESS. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Looks to me like the Buell Race pipe and ECM are the best bang for the buck. That's what I'm running, and I honestly don't notice any power dip in the midrange. Of course, I typically keep mine spinning above 4k. | ||
| Bubabuell |
I'm sorry to hijack the thread but I can't find the PDF file anywhere (due to my dial up). Looked at the bottom of Al's site but no luck. Any pointers? | ||
| Whodom |
Look near the top of Al's webpage. It's a zip file; right click (assuming you use Windows) and download it to your computer. If you're on dial up, it's gonna take a WHILE. Unzip the file and you'll find the PDF. | ||
| Glitch |
Here's the link. ftp://ftp.americansportbike.com/outgoing/XB_Exhaust_Shootout_Test_Report.zip | ||
| Bubabuell |
Sorry, but my dial up can't handle a 44MB file. I thought there was a smaller PDF file. Oh well. Man I am curious... | ||
| Xb9 |
Another thing to consider beyond peak numbers is the increase in power/torque at lower RPM's; you know - where you normally ride. If an exhaust puts out lets say 10% or more power at 3K RPM than stock, you WILL notice the difference. Peak numbers don't mean squat unless your racing wide open...and even then it's not the whole enchilada | ||
| Whodom |
Sorry, but my dial up can't handle a 44MB file. I thought there was a smaller PDF file. Oh well. Man I am curious... Start it just before you go to bed tonight; hopefully it'll be finished before you get up. Hey, you don't want anyone calling you at 2 AM anyway, right?  | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Just have someone email you the fi.............oh wait, nevermind.  | ||
| M1combat |
Use firefox or getright though... They're capable of resuming failed downloads. | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
I HAVE DIAL UP AND IT TOOK ME ABOUT 35 MINUTES TO DOWNLOAD. | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
I know all dynos are different(different values). I tried a couple when I got my 03 9R and could only get 72 HP stock and 75.5 with the race kit.And others with the same conf. were getting the same numbers.I installed the Drummer and it jumped to almost 81 and I could really feel the difference. I dont understand why the stock numbers are so much higher. Are you starting with the stock airbox for the nine or going with the 12 box at the gitgo? If I missed something I'll go back and check again.....Thanks for all the work you guys did..........Charlie | ||
| Freyke |
I think I'm going to stay w/the stock pipe and purchase a K&N on my Uly... | ||
| Xb9ser |
my dialup took 4 1/2 hours! But well worth it!! thanks Al and all involved | ||
| Imonabuss |
It is interesting isn't it? It sure shows that the active XB12 muffler is quite an accomplishment. Sure, it is heavy, but that makes it extremely durable for those to whom that matters, and it is quiet for those who want that too. But as Al says in the end there really are choices. Want loud? You can get that, and with reasonable power. Want light? Now you know. One unknown is durability, and for this we'll just have to wait to hear from guys who put on lots of miles. | ||
| Bigeasy |
I have the micron with a map by Al, race ecm, open airbox and K&N. I am very happy with the performance and sound. Seeing the numbers and curves for this setup I can see why. Art | ||
| Bubabuell |
5% downloaded thus far! It appears to be worth the wait. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Stock airbox. We used the new '06 airbox on both models. (also, remember that the 9 and 12 airbox is the same as of '05 model year) |
