Mmmm why do people misunderstand me so much? Norm - you just seem argumentative all the time with me - don't know why?
Anyway, I say it like it is. If it's crap I will say so, if it's good likewise! I have NOT bought the wrong bike. I like this little beastie - it's fun and I actually like the sound now as it's grown on me! I have ridden a few Buells by now so I have a good idea what I want from mine. My experience is growing with these bikes and the general consensus is that if you upgrade any exhaust pipe it will needed a new fuel map and air filter to compensate to get the best out of it. I'm not saying I know it all, I don't, but I do listen to people and this is my conclusion so far.
I hope Bigkuri don't mind but here's a pm I received from him from the old forum concerning exhausts and his experiences...
Hi there Paul, Yep - I had just about all the exhausts and options on my Uly at some point!! The post 2008 models all have restrictive headers for noise and emission level reasons. It has a negative impact on the bike running - big time. Opening up the exhaust can through a tubbs mod, or just buying an aftermarket can will help a little, but only say 20%. The headers are where you will get most improvement, say 50%. The final 30% is from fitting a TFi unit of some sort. I had the FreeSpirits one which was good, but have heard better things about the other TFi model (name escapes me - the dyno jet one?).
I first went with a tubbs mod, which gave a little improvement. Then the micron serpent full system, and i LOVED it. But it is stupidily loud, needs ear plugs for even going down to the shops, and is illegal on race tracks - so it had to go. Then tried the pre-2008 headers and another tubbs exhaust, which was quiet, but nothing special. Finally went to the FreeSpirits reverso and 45mm tuned headers which were the best of all worlds. Not as much top end grunt as the micron, and not as loud, but pretty much as good as you can get. Bloody expensive though. I also had trouble with some cracks in the FreeSpirits headers - which they fixed no worries, but it did mean dropping the engine yet again to send it off, and then re-fit, so was a right PITA.
If you have the money, then you cannot go pass the FreeSpirits reverso and 45mm headers. If less money, then I'd recommend buying some fat pre-2008 headers on ebay and fitting either remus or a slip on FreeSpirits of some sort.
You do (IMHO) need to change the headers though, as they are rubbish, and especially in cold running you will have a horrible problem from bad idle, fouled plugs with cold running, lack of power, etc. On the same dyno my real wheel bhp went from 86 stock, 91 tubbs, and just over 100 with TFi and FS full system.
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