Topic: 3rd try eliciting suggestions re: drag baffles for CB500

[gregwaits]

3rd attempt at eliciting suggestions re: my muffler dilemma.

I am running straight drag pipes (4 into 1) on my '73 CB500K2 project. I have a Keag cannister, but I hate the profile. I dig the look of the drag pipes, but passing inspection is an entirely different matter.

Any tips? The o.d. of the pipe is so large that I can't seem to find any slip in baffles the correct size. Do you think a muffler shop could help me out?

I did buy a small drag pipe baffle out of the J&B catalog. It is too small in diameter, but maybe it could be modified?

[Gordon]

Did they change the motorcycle inspection restrictions in the past few years?  I don't remember them being so strict that an open exhaust would keep a bike from passing. 

[kghost]

Well hate to have you try three times.....

Might I recommend you post some pictures?

I for one am perfectly willing to look at them and maybe come up with ideas.

Some of them may be impractical or even hair brained...but something might work.


First thought....how about building your own glass packs? Many motorcycle suppliers carry repack material for Mufflers....

Perhaps a pipe of the appropriate diameter with holes drilled in it then wrapped with fiberglass packing material?

[mkramer1121]

Or, run the 4-1 w/ the Keag canister for inspection, and swap it afterwards for the drag pipes...I know its  pain to change the exhaust, but after 7 or 8 times in a few days, it becomes second nature, believe me, I know..

[neil young]

Or, run the 4-1 w/ the Keag canister for inspection, and swap it afterwards for the drag pipes...I know its  pain to change the exhaust, but after 7 or 8 times in a few days, it becomes second nature, believe me, I know..

thats what i was thinking.swap em

[gregwaits]

Thanks all....great suggestions. I guess I'll at least hang on to that Keag.

[paulages]

if you can weld or at least know someone who can, making glasspacks is incredibly easy.

[masonryman]

Here is a pic of what i made, they are very tunable by adding glass or more or less holes. I would make you a set if you can't get what you need, just sent me some specs.

[paulages]

Here is a pic of what i made, they are very tunable by adding glass or more or less holes. I would make you a set if you can't get what you need, just sent me some specs.

i made essentially the same thing, but i used perforated sheet metal for the baffle. my local steel yard sells it by the foot, but there are much more expensive sheets available at different percentages of openings. i used two short pieces of pipe at the ends, and just rolled the perf. sheet around them into a tube. i tack welded them, but you could also just use hose clamps. with a slip-roller and a light material for the outer tube/megaphone, you can make a really light muffler this way.