Oh yeah, the 4 into 2 side exit Harley-looking exhaust that someone put on my bike is too loud for me. Can anyone comment on how loud/quiet a stock 550F 4 into 1 is? I don't need speed or performance, just quiet and somewhat reliable.
Thanks again.
The stock F muffler is almost certainly quieter than what you have. Much more of a purr. If you can locate a stock F system, I expect you will be much happier. Unfortunately, there isn't ANY aftermarket system as quiet as the stock F system (or the 77-78 K model 4-4 system, for that matter).
However, be sure you actually have an F model rather than a K model. The VIN number on the headstock will have an F after the 550. If not, it is a K model, and you need frame features only found on the F model to easily accept the F model exhaust system.
Motorcycle noise regulation didn't begin to take effect until after 1978. So, most of the rowdies think that open pipes are perfectly fine, which it is...for race tracks. But stupid, annoying, downright belligerent, and anti-social in residential areas, and is almost certainly why government regulations were created do deal with such miscreants.
There are different levels of regulation, federal, state, and local ordinances, with varying degrees of restriction. Active enforcement is yet another matter.
I applaud your desire for a less obtrusive bike, as this helps the entire motorcyle community. And, you will more agreeably be able to operate in the RPM ranges needed (higher) with proper noise suppression.
