[theMucker]

We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists, right? My wife tells me that I'm one of a kind, but sometimes I'm not sure if she's saying that as a compliment. But am I alone in the desire to ride a motorcycle that has a reasonably quiet exhaust note?

I've been riding since 1971 and I will admit that most of my past machines had louder than stock pipes. And perhaps there lies the "problem". My ears aren't what they used to be. I'm not quite at the point that I need auditory amplification, but I don't want to get there either. AND I guess that I've simply "matured" to the point that I don't want to hear excess noise from any source (other than Rock n Roll from a good sound system). So my last two motorcycles sported OEM exhaust systems, as does the Roadmaster that I'm riding now.

But Polaris/Indian says that we MUST have Stage 1 intake and exhausts if we want to run the Stage 3, 116 cubic inch, big bore kit. While I applaud the OEM for producing the fine goodies that they offer, to that statement I have to say "Bullsh*t!" They're saying that we must endure more noise in order to benefit from a few more cubic inches and lumpier cam shafts? Like the Stage 1 parts actually have so much less restriction to gas flow? "Bullsh*t!" again. I've examined the Stage 1 intake (which I have) and the OEM airbox. Both have paper element filtration. The original airbox gets lots of cool air sent to it from the opening at the front of the main frame. And the claim for ram-air with the Stage 1 intake is unlikely and definitely false if it's used on a Roadmaster with the lower leg fairings in place. Maybe the Stage 1 mufflers have less restriction to flow than the OEM mufflers, but are we supposed to believe that the stock mufflers were fine for the stock 1.8 liter big twin, but they're gonna choke the 1.9 liter Stage 3 engine? C'mon! It's only another 82 cubic centimeters added to an already huge V-twin. . Get real, Indian.

My Stage 3 Roadmaster is as quiet as the day it rolled off the showroom floor and it hauls arse! That's the way I want it and that ain't no Bullsh*t.

Just venting, I guess. Maybe I'm not such a rugged individualist after all. Bummer....

 

[indian79]

I’m there with you. I’ve stock street glide special and don’t want to upgrade just because of the loud exhaust noise. I do long distance riding and I don’t get exhaust fatigue. I’ve 30,000 miles on Stock bike in 3 years and thought about stage I or II but have held myself back only bcuz all the exhaust upgrade options are louder. I even once asked a technician at Vance and Hines at sturgis rally if they have quieter stage I exhaust than the factory one ? You should have seen his look. Lol

One of the reasons I traded my Chieftain was the stage one pipes it came with. It just sounded weird and loud. Half a day riding and I used to get noise fatigue. I cud have gone back to factory exhaust but decided to trade it anyways cuz I didn’t like that it had floorboard vibrations at 2k rpm. Also Indian doesn’t have aftermarket reverse kit available yet. I’m 5’5 and need help pushing a 800lb bike lol. Went with motor trike reverse kit on my SGS and I’m happy.

 

[WillyH]

I don't know.... you might be giving up a few HP or TQ? If so, I wouldn't think the amount of loss would be all that consequential, or noticeable. So, good on you!!

And with the stock exhaust you can blip and not be bothersom LOL

 

[Justriding]

Kudos! My loud pipe days are over, and I'm very good with it.

 

[GunnyNSDQ]

We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists, right? My wife tells me that I'm one of a kind, but sometimes I'm not sure if she's saying that as a compliment. But am I alone in the desire to ride a motorcycle that has a reasonably quiet exhaust note?

I've been riding since 1971 and I will admit that most of my past machines had louder than stock pipes. And perhaps there lies the "problem". My ears aren't what they used to be. I'm not quite at the point that I need auditory amplification, but I don't want to get there either. AND I guess that I've simply "matured" to the point that I don't want to hear excess noise from any source (other than Rock n Roll from a good sound system). So my last two motorcycles sported OEM exhaust systems, as does the Roadmaster that I'm riding now.

But Polaris/Indian says that we MUST have Stage 1 intake and exhausts if we want to run the Stage 3, 116 cubic inch, big bore kit. While I applaud the OEM for producing the fine goodies that they offer, to that statement I have to say "Bullsh*t!" They're saying that we must endure more noise in order to benefit from a few more cubic inches and lumpier cam shafts? Like the Stage 1 parts actually have so much less restriction to gas flow? "Bullsh*t!" again. I've examined the Stage 1 intake (which I have) and the OEM airbox. Both have paper element filtration. The original airbox gets lots of cool air sent to it from the opening at the front of the main frame. And the claim for ram-air with the Stage 1 intake is unlikely and definitely false if it's used on a Roadmaster with the lower leg fairings in place. Maybe the Stage 1 mufflers have less restriction to flow than the OEM mufflers, but are we supposed to believe that the stock mufflers were fine for the stock 1.8 liter big twin, but they're gonna choke the 1.9 liter Stage 3 engine? C'mon! It's only another 82 cubic centimeters added to an already huge V-twin. . Get real, Indian.

My Stage 3 Roadmaster is as quiet as the day it rolled off the showroom floor and it hauls arse! That's the way I want it and that ain't no Bullsh*t.

Just venting, I guess. Maybe I'm not such a rugged individualist after all. Bummer....

I agree. I've never been one to enjoy an excessively loud exhaust. I like a throaty grumble. I want to get more throttle response at lower speeds for my 17 Chieftain, but I don't want it obnoxiously loud.

 

[Marcus]

Of course Indian does what it can to sell more product. But I agree with them in this case. You need more open pipes such as Stage Ones in order for the engine to get all of the exhaust out fast enough. Otherwise there is no point to converting to 116. The 116 kit includes a larger intake manifold to get more air in. The cylinder increase in size is a small part of what is going on. The OEM pipes are quiet because the exhaust is restricted and baffled around before exiting. Most of us buy pipes for the sound LOUD, DEEP, QUIET, etc. But if you want to step up the performance of your bike you must get air (oxygen) in faster and exhaust out faster. (Ignition and valve timing can also help.) These bikes are quite impressive from the start but they have a lot more potential and it is fun to tap into it (while we still can semi-legally). There is nothing wrong with keeping your bike stock and enjoying the beauty and power it provides. But many bikers are a little crazy and need to modify and improve and beat the guy next to him. Go to www.IndianAftermarket.com if you are one of these. I can make your 111 bike out run a 116 bike with a Thunder Works intake, RC components exhaust and Tier1Tuner. Much less money. Call if you want to discuss. 954-247-1450 I will have more tests and numbers as the weather breaks. Adding the 116 kit will make it even faster. It never ends.

 

[AeroStadt]

You guys try out the 2019 ride mode equipped Indians yet? The fly by wire throttle response in Sport mode is pretty impressive without going stage + on anything.

As I understand it on my 19 DH, it only changes the throttle response and not the AFM. So, the stock power comes on quick without the need for big sound.

 

[WillieD]

Kudos! My loud pipe days are over, and I'm very good with it.

I have wasted far too much $$$$ on exhaust systems for most all of the 9 HD's that I have owned, guess its a sickness. Thats why I bought my 2017 CDH - it had plenty of torque and just the right amount of rumble right off the floor. Same reason I bought the 17 model is because it only had Gauges and No infotainment system - guess at 76 I'm over all of the technology stuff, LOUD radio SXM or what ever you what. I wear a modular helmet and enjoy listening to the engine and feeling the wind. . . . just my humble opinion.

 

[INDYN]

Before the 2014 launch, Indian touted they hired acoustic engineers to ‘build in’ the iconic Indian sound ... making the bike noisy for a few HP that very few riders will ever use effectively makes little sense to me.

Smooth practice will help you go faster, faster than bolt on bits.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Aargow]

I can't speak to the performance issues of the 116 kit with stock pipes but I'm with you on the noise issue. If you're really itching for the 116 and can't do it quietly, try Bose noise canceling earbuds. I wear them under a full-face helmet. They do a good job reducing constant noise e,g, engine/exhaust but still allow infrequent noise, like a siren or horn. They also have great fidelity, so my road tunes sound better than ever.

 

[WillieD]

I can't speak to the performance issues of the 116 kit with stock pipes but I'm with you on the noise issue. If you're really itching for the 116 and can't do it quietly, try Bose noise canceling earbuds. I wear them under a full-face helmet. They do a good job reducing constant noise e,g, engine/exhaust but still allow infrequent noise, like a siren or horn. They also have great fidelity, so my road tunes sound better than ever.

I use my Slimbuds on long trips - that said I ride to get away from it all and see the sites . . . js

 

[WillShootem]

I'm not a fan of loud pipes either, but I do have Indian Stage 1 pipes with fishtail tips on my Vintage, and I don't think the sound is too loud. In fact, I like the sound better than the stock pipes I ran for four years. Then again, I remove my hearing aids before I ride, so I may not be the best judge on that.

 

[Triumph900]

Loud pipes change laws.

Nothing makes people hate motorcycles more than stupid loud pipes. I can’t easily articulate my feelings about idiots with pipes so loud that it’s almost painful. “The sound” (noise) often times seems more important than real performance, handling, braking. To each his I guess, but I sure don’t get it.

 

[Mr. P]

My brother used to say, Loud Pipes Piss Off Your Neighbors.

 

[driver10]

2015 RM Stock pipes are just fine to me.

 

[Poolboy]

When I bought my new Scout the first ride with my wife she said it sounds like a sewing machine! We were both used to the sound of my Harleys, I always did stage 1 mods to all my stock bikes. One set of RCX slip ons and now it sounds like a bike should.

 

[WhizzbangK.C.]

You are not alone. As to those who say that the stage 1 exhaust is "necessary" with the big bore kit, I would reply that it all depends on what you're after with it. If your primary need is maximum high RPM horsepower, then yes, you absolutely need a free flowing exhaust and intake to obtain that. On the other hand, if you're a laid back cruising or touring type rider who just wants a little more torque down low to get up to speed easier with a month's worth of baggage strapped on, and maybe pulling a trailer, but who seldom goes above 3,000 RPM, then stock mufflers with the plugs knocked out would provide plenty of flow without being obnoxious. Horses for courses as they say.

 

[Dean E]

Yes I agree with Whizzbang. I don't think the stage 1 exhaust is a true requirement even though Indian shows it as necessary. I do believe that the stage 1 air cleaner is necessary because of the flow restrictions. I do think the factory flash for the stage 3 would have some problems with the original air cleaner because of the restriction of airflow. I know there is a stage 1 flash for the stage 1 exhaust but I know of a few people that did an aftermarket exhaust without the stage 1 flash and had no issues. Dean

 

[Michael D]

We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists, right? My wife tells me that I'm one of a kind, but sometimes I'm not sure if she's saying that as a compliment. But am I alone in the desire to ride a motorcycle that has a reasonably quiet exhaust note?

I've been riding since 1971 and I will admit that most of my past machines had louder than stock pipes. And perhaps there lies the "problem". My ears aren't what they used to be. I'm not quite at the point that I need auditory amplification, but I don't want to get there either. AND I guess that I've simply "matured" to the point that I don't want to hear excess noise from any source (other than Rock n Roll from a good sound system). So my last two motorcycles sported OEM exhaust systems, as does the Roadmaster that I'm riding now.

But Polaris/Indian says that we MUST have Stage 1 intake and exhausts if we want to run the Stage 3, 116 cubic inch, big bore kit. While I applaud the OEM for producing the fine goodies that they offer, to that statement I have to say "Bullsh*t!" They're saying that we must endure more noise in order to benefit from a few more cubic inches and lumpier cam shafts? Like the Stage 1 parts actually have so much less restriction to gas flow? "Bullsh*t!" again. I've examined the Stage 1 intake (which I have) and the OEM airbox. Both have paper element filtration. The original airbox gets lots of cool air sent to it from the opening at the front of the main frame. And the claim for ram-air with the Stage 1 intake is unlikely and definitely false if it's used on a Roadmaster with the lower leg fairings in place. Maybe the Stage 1 mufflers have less restriction to flow than the OEM mufflers, but are we supposed to believe that the stock mufflers were fine for the stock 1.8 liter big twin, but they're gonna choke the 1.9 liter Stage 3 engine? C'mon! It's only another 82 cubic centimeters added to an already huge V-twin. . Get real, Indian.

My Stage 3 Roadmaster is as quiet as the day it rolled off the showroom floor and it hauls arse! That's the way I want it and that ain't no Bullsh*t.

Just venting, I guess. Maybe I'm not such a rugged individualist after all. Bummer....

NOPE IM WITH YOU!! would love to have more uummpphh out of my limited but live in a cluster home and neighbor has babies! I actually went over to the neighbors knocked on the front door and said "if I ever disturb you or wake the children with my motorcycle please let me know...I don't want to be the neighbor you hate under your breath every time the bike starts" SHE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID "you have a motorcycle??" And that's my 17 Chieftain limited with factory exhaust!! It's terrible to ride with an extremely noisy bike in front of you...and I wear hearing aids which I replace with ear plugs when riding in an attempt to save what hearing I have left..Everyone you speak to about improving the performance, first thing is the air cleaner and exhaust! I would gladly pay to have improved performance and stock air cleaner and exhaust!

 

[DMG]

Butttttttttttttttttttttttt,LOUD pipes save lives!!!!!!!!!!hahahaha