[Guest]

Hello,
After 15 years off two wheels I'm finally riding again. Got a good deal on an '07 VTX1300. Wanted the R but they only had an S so that's what I'm riding. I was very excited to see this forum and have spent several hours browsing already. I couldn't find a way to search the forums so I have a couple newbie questions... please be patient... ;>)

1) I'm really interested in enhancing the sound of the bike either with new exhaust or drilling out the baffles like I did on my last Yamaha. I read an article on NC Brews website which sounded like the drilling option works ok. Unfortunately the pictures didn't show so I want to check and make sure this really does work or should I get after market pipes. Opinions?

2) I may have made a mistake already. I bought and installed a cobra lightbar - which is very nice. But I want a windshield. Can I get a shield that will fit with the lightbar?

3) Lastly, I had always ridden with a full face helmet but this time I bought a nice half size one. The wind noise is terrible - unbearable. My ears ring for a half hour after even short rides. Earplugs didn't stop it. Will a windshield fix this or do i need to go back to a 3/4 or full helmet?

Thanks in advance for all your help ! I love my VTX !

Phil the NiteOwl....

 

[armyrecruiter]

1: Welcome to the forum

2: The "drill out mod" is known as the Clayton Mod here, and it works and sounds GREAT, just remember that for DEEP sound at least 6-7 holes in the endplate, and for VOLUME, 1 or 2 through the inner baffle with a long "aircraft style" bit.

3: I have the National Cycle 2 Up windshield, and it is GREAT, removes in 2 seconds, and it easy to mount (P.M. Me for tips and tricks on install when you get one) and dismount.

4: The wind noise will cut a little with a windshield, but the foam plugs should work pretty well, maybe you need to check the fit.

5: Don't be afraid to wrench your own....

Mark

 

[Floodgates]

Re: Hello to all ! New VXT owner, very excited, many questi

Hello,
After 15 years off two wheels I'm finally riding again. Got a good deal on an '07 VTX1300. Wanted the R but they only had an S so that's what I'm riding. I was very excited to see this forum and have spent several hours browsing already. I couldn't find a way to search the forums so I have a couple newbie questions... please be patient... ;>)

1) I'm really interested in enhancing the sound of the bike either with new exhaust or drilling out the baffles like I did on my last Yamaha. I read an article on NC Brews website which sounded like the drilling option works ok. Unfortunately the pictures didn't show so I want to check and make sure this really does work or should I get after market pipes. Opinions?

2) I may have made a mistake already. I bought and installed a cobra lightbar - which is very nice. But I want a windshield. Can I get a shield that will fit with the lightbar?

3) Lastly, I had always ridden with a full face helmet but this time I bought a nice half size one. The wind noise is terrible - unbearable. My ears ring for a half hour after even short rides. Earplugs didn't stop it. Will a windshield fix this or do i need to go back to a 3/4 or full helmet?

Thanks in advance for all your help ! I love my VTX !

Phil the NiteOwl....

Welcome! Pipes are an individual choice. Personally, I didn't like the looks of the stockers, and my bike pulled to the right (corrected with aftermarket pipes). Additionally, you're not getting the benefits of having a single pin crank engine with the stockers.

If the wind noise is still bothering you with ear plugs, you are most likely not inserting them correctly. Pull the top of your ear with the opposite hand, this will straighten the ear canal and the plug will go in deeper. Make sure you roll the plug to the smallest cyclindrical shape possible. Insert the plug as far in the canal as you can -- let the foam expand and voila! Don't make the mistake of re-using the same disposable plug over and over -- they do have a useful life, and lose their ability to compress thighly against the ear canal.

Floodgates 8)

 

[motorcyclereb]

Welcome to board and the X family
I too have the Cobra light bar with the Memphis Shades windshield, get the relocater piece for the light bar(it moves the light bar forward a couple of inches) and you should be in good shape.

 

[crush3551]

welcome........yes, a windshield helps ALOT !!

 

[Country Girl]

Welcome! I have Vance & Hines Big Shots, nice pipes! I added a windshield as soon as I got my bike home. Would not ride without one.

 

[coyote22]

Welcome to the board. I have the Roadhouse slip ons on my 1300R and I love the deep sound. I tried a windshield , but I went back to riding without one. Just my preference. keep trting different ear plugs till you find some that work there are many styles. Enjoy the ride and ride safe

 

[Xlr8]

I enjoy my fullface helmet without the windshield, and usually ride with 3/4 or shorty with windshield on. I like the sound of my aftermarket pipes. The clayton mod. didn't take care of the annoying engine wine. Earplugs should help some.



Man Spike is late to the party on this one. Must be riding instead of typing.

 

[joliveto]

congrats on the S and you'll need some crash bars cobras have a nice set.

 

[Muntz]

Welcome to the board. Sorry I can't offer too much advise as I'm fairly new too. I had the Corbin and V & H Bigshots added before I too her home. I dont like the look if windshields so I ride with a flip-up modular helmet. I also have a half helmet for very short trips. If I hit the highway or Interstate I use the flip-up. Congrats on the new ride.

 

[kb9ylu]

the pipes i love are the hard krome sideburners, they are loud! my hd buddies dont like them they seem to growl oooooohh yea! just do a search at the top of the page and you can get some pictures, i cant post pictures i have tried and i have givin up sorry, and the winshield national cycle switchblade 2 up,i got mine through honda direct saved some $$$ good luck

 

[Tombstone270]

Pipes??? big question lots of answers or opinions....

Fullface no wind noise ....oh and welcome aboard....

tomb

 

[tbonevtx]

Is that a new model VXT ?

 

[VTXAwacer]

I just put a Switch Blade windshield on mine. I ride with a half helmet, the windshield made a huge difference in noise reduction. Welcome!! A wealth of info to be found here!!!!

 

[VTXAwacer]

Heres a pic of my drilled pipes. Sounds great. I didnt have anything long enough to get thru the inner baffel.[/img]http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x136/Ricksawacs/?action=view&current=VTX001.jpg

 

[Jon Roberts]

Welcome aboard, it's a great bike.

Pipes--if you have the money go for an after market set, I have the Vance & Hines Big Shots, sound is VERY subjective.

Windshield--doesn't do much for reducing noise but sure helps with wind pressure. I wouldn't ride without one.

Ear plugs--go to an audiologist and get a pair of custom ear plugs, you'll get a great fit and will reduce wind noise by 30 decibels, it's all about the wind noise.

New seat--you didn't mention that but I'd put that towards the top of the list, the stock seat is horrible, period.

Enjoy your ride and stay invisible.

Jon

 

[Buesing]

welcome to the board!!! As far as the pipes go,i did the "deep"clayton mod after not being satisfied with the "regular "mod.I drilled 7 holes in each pipe using a 1/2 inch drill bit.Then i got an 18 inch 3/8 bit and drilled through all 7 holes as deep as i could with that bit.I have to admitt it was scary stiching 18 inches of bit thru my pipes but it sounds really good,a lot better than the regular clayton mod.

On the wind noise,I use earplugs from wal-mart,there blue and they come with a sring that attaches the two but i cut the string off.Sorry,can't remember the name of them.They work for me but can't say they'll work for you.

Also,I took my Pair valve out which you can get tips on how to do that if you just do a search on this site,which will also deepen the tone of your pipes,but not much,I could tell just a little diffrence.Welcome and ride safe

 

[Big & Black]

Windshield is a must...look for the quick off and on ones. Some days its nice to take off. Clayton Mod, if you do it tap your holes. I didn't and got tied of the poping. I put some metal spring plugs in with good quality epoxy muffler cement. Sealed up the holes with no leaks. Get rid of the Pair valve it will solve most of the popping. its perfectly normal to pop on decel thats why the mufflers are so big to absorb the noise. If you don't exsperiance any poping then your motor has been detuned.
One riders opinion and 2 cents, don't drill your pipes. I'll shut up now as I now I'm going to hear it from the clayton luvers.. :roll:

 

[Mossy Beard]

Welcome.
As someone said to me awhile back " the bike is only a down payment on the accessories" ... How true :lol:
I've got an S as well.
I listened to a lot of after market pipes before the purchase and the only ones for my "old ears" was Roadhouse Classic 2 into 1.
Nice deep , mellow tone for the all day ride.
Of course , it's all subjective. Listen to as many as you can.

Have fun !

Mossy Beard

 

[lowflyingowl]

welcome to the board.

On th earplugs, you might check out RiderWarehouse.com they have a package with aobut a half dozen or so different ear plugs. Once you find the ones you like, you can get more if necessary. Personally, after years of 2/60 air conditioning, I can't hear worth crap anyway...