It's going to be a while before I can afford after market pipes for my 2002 Vulcan Drifter 1500 but I would like to do something to improve the sound. I have read some comments on de-baffling/gutting other models but did not find anything for the 1500 Drifter. My exhaust is a two into one through a catalytic converter. Any info on "how to" and "cautions" and "what not to do," would be greatly appreciated.
Dr J
This is the oem pipes, correct?
This is one method. Also, you can remove the goat bladder and fab a "dutch bypass" to link up the pipes.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/goatbladder.html (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/goatbladder.html)
Hi Chief
Thanks for the info. After looking at what needs to be done and the fact that once it's done there is no going back, combined with mixed reviews on sound improvement, I think I will hold off until I can afford to change the pipes.
Thanks again
Dr J
That would definitely be my recommendation.
There are some things you can do to get ready for the new pipes... like buy a 1500 Classic right rear foot peg bracket. That will rubber mount your new pipes and you can opt for any pipes that will fit a classic. You might find some used ones cheap to use until you move to the ones you really want.
Just read your post and I have a 2002 1500. I took about a 1 inch hole saw at the open end of muffler and made 1 hole on either side of the plate there. It won't make it loud but I can hear it now. Drifter Bob
arise from the grave!
does anyone have sound samples of a gutted bladder setup?
and also, Is a fuel adjustment necessary after doing this? I don't remember what it's called, but I am talking about this extra part that needs to be installed when changing an exhaust (is what the local Bike shop told me..)
And finally, what is the part # for the crush gaskets?
Hey, Niccho....I just installed (well, last fall) a bone stock exhaust system on my 1500. It's more than loud enough for me, and it has a nice "crack" sound in the higher rpm ranges. It's louder than stock because I heavily modified the intake to let in MUCH more air. I noticed the volume increase with the Cobra pipe I had installed, and when I put the stock system on, I was quite pleased. I had the same thing happen when I modded the intake on my W-650. The stock peashooter mufflers are at least 50% louder than before. I posted some pics of the stock exhaust lit up with a bulb inside...there's nothing inside! no baffles, no nothing. The goat bladder has 2 perforated cores that are about 2" long, inside, and the muffler is a straight shot front to rear! If you let more air in, you will get more sound out!
thanks! that's very interesting!
I'm confused though, you're saying that my 2001 stock exhaust has nothing in it either? or did you take out whatever was inside?
Anyways, would I need this computer part if I changed the air intake? Maybe you can point me into a direction; what and how do I modify the air intake, what parts did you use, etc.
I bought 2 of them, complete to get nice parts. I got them cheap enough, so it wasn't too bad. Both mufflers have open perf steel, cores running the length of the muffler, with no baffles, both goat bladders were the same, too. Since the parts came from both Texas and Florida, I figure that they are pretty representative of the breed. I posted what I did back in 2011. http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=11026.msg21815#msg21815
So far, it's been about 20,000 miles since I finished the modifications, and the avg. fuel mileage has gone up to about 45 from the high 30s to low 40s...I have gotten a couple of tanks in the 50 mpg range. No power commander/fuel processor thingy added. I wanted to keep the look as close to stock as possible, and I didn't want to spend $200+ on this. I've always been a DIY type, so I'm really happy this worked out like it did. I know I've seen people claiming they are getting 50 mpg all the time, but I would be suspicious of that number without checking the odometer accuracy. When I bought the bike, it had a Metzeler 160/80-16 on the rear, and that is quite a bit greater in circumference than the stock 150/80. Since the '01 and later use a VSS driven off the output shaft of the trans for the speedo, this would effect the accuracy of the readings. I measured the odo against mile post markers on the Interstate for 100 miles and it was within 1%. I put on a set of Michelin Commander IIs in the stock size, and needed a speedo healer to correct the mileage. It was quite optimistic. My odo reading is now correct and I know what my speedo error is..2.5 mph. So 72.5 is actually 70. Yeah, I'm a picky a$$h*le...but perfection is not a destination, it's a journey......
If you haven't modified the air intake, you LIKELY will not need an add-on FI controller. (However, I did need one when I added my Big Willys... but most people don't.) The stock FI system will take up the slack in most cases.
Apparently there is no catalytic converter materials in the 49 State models. We have found its there for some but not all, so that appears to be the reason.
Look here for more info.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php?cat=71 (http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/reviewpost/showcat.php?cat=71)
wow okay, I need to do some serious reading.
thanks for the info and links.
I also like to build stuff myself, but my knowledge regarding motorcycles and the principle behind the parts is too limited as of right now.
would you say that a FI controller is definitely necessary when you switch out the pipes entirely?
Just an FYI, just picked up my bike this past Monday after a winter of mods. Had V&H longshots put on her. Replaced the stock baffles and put in the quiet baffles designed for the exhaust. Perfect for me. Nice deep rumble, can barely hear them even at 70 unless I punch it. Even when you give her the gitty-up in lower gears the bark is not sharp or obnoxious but they'll know you're coming. I was nervous about how loud they would be. In reviews for some riders they thought even the quiet baffles were way to loud with these longshots. I guess you just have to experiment until you find the sound you like.
Good luck and enjoy the ride. My first real ride this past Monday bringing her home and fell in love instantly. Went from a '76 Triumph 750 Tiger to my 1500. Like going from a VW to a Mercedes!
Take care,
Pete