Topic: noise baffle or important backpressure device???

[nobody]

So I've decided that I'm going to hold off a while for 4-1 exhaust and just rejet my bike for the 4-2 pipes currently on it. I need other upgrades before I worry about exhaust. What I'm wondering is if this little plate at the back of my pipes is important or not. If it's nothing more than a noise dampener or if it supplies important back pressure. Now keep in mind I'll be rejetting it soon so I'm not concerned about it needing to be rejetted if I cut it out. Will this adversely affect performance if I remove it or will it simply make the bike louder?

The aforementioned piece is attached...

[jt1000]

IMO, it makes ALL the difference in the world. I just bought a '71 CB500 Four with 2 into 1'a and the PO had removed the caps (mine are a little different than yours but close enough....).  He gave them to me and I put them on and it was like an instant tune-up.  Before:  Idling was erratic, hesitated between 3-4k rpm, sputtered badly when revving down through the gears.
After: smoother idling, sounded better, much smoother rev's, etc...

That's just my two cents but I just went through this like 2 days ago

[Speed King]

I just went through the same thing with a 73 CB750. Mac 4 into 1. Took out the baffle, sounded great ran like #$%*. Put it back in and the bike ran great.

[nobody]

So this piece does supply needed back pressure? If it's going to run worse than I should probably just leave it be. It already sounds pretty good anyways, just a tad quiet. Thanks guys.