BLACK-2003 Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Hi riders,Just sold my VTX 1800 and purchased an 03 blackbird."WOT A RIDE".Just wondering if there is any mods i can do to stock HONDA pipes to give me a better sound ?, if not then what pipes sound the best ?REGARDS -BLACK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Welcome. You can run a long drill right down the center hole in the can. A few people on here have done it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 I wouldn't mess with the stock cans.....just get rid of them. They're huge and weigh considerably more than aftermarket slip-ons or exhaust. Any slip-on will sound pretty good on the XX. I'd stay away from D&D and Two Bros b/c they are very loud....too loud for me. Personally I love Scorpion pipes. Had them on my '02 and now on my '98. They sound downright mean w/out being obnoxiously loud and they never need repacking. Price isn't bad either. about $560 (may include shipping) here: Scorpions XX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMig Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 What about Yoshimura? The slip on sets go for about $550, I think. Too loud? Also, if the rest of the engine is stock, and you upgrade to new cans, do you need to do the Power Commander thing? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat830 Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 I have Yosh slip ons, just a little louder than stock. I really like the look of the two bros M5 slip ons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magley64 Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 What about Yoshimura? The slip on sets go for about $550, I think. Too loud? Also, if the rest of the engine is stock, and you upgrade to new cans, do you need to do the Power Commander thing? Mike yosh is a respectable brand, and no, you don't need to remap with most slip-ons. You can, but you shouldn't have to... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 You don't have to remap but I got a PCIII anyway and got a custom dyno tune. Probably didn't need to though. I've heard Yoshi on one other XX. Not bad but thought the Scorpions sounded better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TX1100F Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 If you do decide to drill out the cans, I would go down the center first and consider NOT drilling the outer ring of pretend holes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon haney Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 I've got a 4 into 1 Yosh RS-3 system that burbles nicely at lower RPMs but has a nice howl above 6000. It has over 30K of mostly around town miles and a dozen or so track days. Still sounds as good as the day I bought it. The slip-ons will probably last even longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squareman357 Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 LOL just like oil and tires, exhaust is another very opinionated subject. The first XX I ever rode was a 2001 with Two-Brothers and it was the sweetest sounding bike I'd ever heard. I got my 2002 XX with Two-Brothers and to this day love the deep musclecar rumble those pipes give a bike. The only ones that have come close to that sound to me have been Micron. D&D way too loud for my tastes. You'll have to try and hear a few before you figure out what you like in the sound and tone of aftermarket pipes. I like Two Brothers enough that I put a set of M5 Carbons on my ZX-14. I've also heard them on a K1200S and a FJR1300 and both sounded absolutely badass. I'm also not a fan of drilling the stock cans. The few I've heard (and it may be that they didn't do something right, I don't know) have sounded tinny and buzzy, but didn't sound at all "performance enhanced". I'd hold on to the stockers to sell later, should you part with your XX, and go for some slip-ons or a full system, though I think with a full system you definitely need to do the Power Commander remap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFT Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 I have 2-Bros on my '97 XX and loved the sound. They are getting a bit loud and need repacking. Ironically I just called 2-Bros this morning to order the packing kits. I've had them for about 6 years so I guess its about time. Speaking of exhaust, who all has scorpions and how do you like them? I'm thinking of getting a set for jackie's bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 I have 2-Bros on my '97 XX and loved the sound. They are getting a bit loud and need repacking. Ironically I just called 2-Bros this morning to order the packing kits. I've had them for about 6 years so I guess its about time. Speaking of exhaust, who all has scorpions and how do you like them? I'm thinking of getting a set for jackie's bike. I have Scorpions on mine. Love them. Sound awesome. Not overly loud either but very deep rumble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman_40 Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 LOL just like oil and tires, exhaust is another very opinionated subject. The first XX I ever rode was a 2001 with Two-Brothers and it was the sweetest sounding bike I'd ever heard. I got my 2002 XX with Two-Brothers and to this day love the deep musclecar rumble those pipes give a bike. +1 I LOVE the sound of the Two Bro's pipes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willxx23 Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 You don't have to remap but I got a PCIII anyway and got a custom dyno tune. Probably didn't need to though. I've heard Yoshi on one other XX. Not bad but thought the Scorpions sounded better. I wonder who's that was? LOL just like oil and tires, exhaust is another very opinionated subject. This is the truth^ everybody has their favorites and it prolly is whats currently on their bike. I have Scorpions on mine. Love them. Sound awesome. Not overly loud either but very deep rumble. Do you own stock in Scorpion Howie? Anything other than stock is going to have a different sound like said above the D&D are clearly the loudest slip-ons out there for the XX so if your into that sort of thing... The other makes all sound eceptionally well and I have not heard one that I would steer clear of outside the D&D's (For my tastes) though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackStreet Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 In answer to your question, you can drill the stock cans and get a deeper richer sound for little or no money. Someone on here powder coated them for a great look too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon haney Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 I'm also not a fan of drilling the stock cans. The few I've heard (and it may be that they didn't do something right, I don't know) have sounded tinny and buzzy, but didn't sound at all "performance enhanced". I'd hold on to the stockers to sell later, should you part with your XX, and go for some slip-ons or a full system, though I think with a full system you definitely need to do the Power Commander remap. My RS-3 is a full system with no P/C and runs great except it still has the same flat spot around 3500 rpm that it had with the stock cans. Didn't even know I had the flat spot until I saw it on the dyno sheet. 138 HP at the rear wheel with 26K showing on the clock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 You don't have to remap but I got a PCIII anyway and got a custom dyno tune. Probably didn't need to though. I've heard Yoshi on one other XX. Not bad but thought the Scorpions sounded better. I wonder who's that was? Can't remember.....some ghetto looking titanium XX if I remember right..... :icon_think: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 In answer to your question, you can drill the stock cans and get a deeper richer sound for little or no money. Someone on here powder coated them for a great look too. To me those sound like shit compared to a good set of aftermarkets. Plus the stock pipes are the size and weight of boat anchors. They look great on my shelf in the garage! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squareman357 Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 In answer to your question, you can drill the stock cans and get a deeper richer sound for little or no money. Someone on here powder coated them for a great look too. That just "drilled" it home for me. They sound like a chainsaw or something. That didn't sound deep and power filled like most after market pipes. That's exactly the sound I'd be trying to avoid, high pitched and buzzy. I'm also not a fan of drilling the stock cans. The few I've heard (and it may be that they didn't do something right, I don't know) have sounded tinny and buzzy, but didn't sound at all "performance enhanced". I'd hold on to the stockers to sell later, should you part with your XX, and go for some slip-ons or a full system, though I think with a full system you definitely need to do the Power Commander remap. My RS-3 is a full system with no P/C and runs great except it still has the same flat spot around 3500 rpm that it had with the stock cans. Didn't even know I had the flat spot until I saw it on the dyno sheet. 138 HP at the rear wheel with 26K showing on the clock. Toss a PC on there and get it mapped right and you'll get rid of that flat spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon haney Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 In answer to your question, you can drill the stock cans and get a deeper richer sound for little or no money. Someone on here powder coated them for a great look too. That just "drilled" it home for me. They sound like a chainsaw or something. That didn't sound deep and power filled like most after market pipes. That's exactly the sound I'd be trying to avoid, high pitched and buzzy. I'm also not a fan of drilling the stock cans. The few I've heard (and it may be that they didn't do something right, I don't know) have sounded tinny and buzzy, but didn't sound at all "performance enhanced". I'd hold on to the stockers to sell later, should you part with your XX, and go for some slip-ons or a full system, though I think with a full system you definitely need to do the Power Commander remap. My RS-3 is a full system with no P/C and runs great except it still has the same flat spot around 3500 rpm that it had with the stock cans. Didn't even know I had the flat spot until I saw it on the dyno sheet. 138 HP at the rear wheel with 26K showing on the clock. Toss a PC on there and get it mapped right and you'll get rid of that flat spot. Ya, I know, but then I'll have a flat spot in my wallet. It's not bothering me enough to want to spend the money. If I do get a P/C, I'll be more interested in leaning-out for more mileage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willxx23 Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 Can't remember.....some ghetto looking titanium XX if I remember right..... :icon_think: Ghetto??? That's it your off the Christmas card list...and I'm never eating pizza with you at V.V. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 Can't remember.....some ghetto looking titanium XX if I remember right..... :icon_think: Ghetto??? That's it your off the Christmas card list...and I'm never eating pizza with you at V.V. We need to get out and ride again of these weekends! email me: HowieLux@gmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Para045 Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 I have Scorpions on mine. Love them. Sound awesome. Not overly loud either but very deep rumble. I think these Scorpions might be louder :icon_think: , , , , , , , , , Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 I have Scorpions on mine. Love them. Sound awesome. Not overly loud either but very deep rumble. I think these Scorpions might be louder :icon_think: Dunno...but they're definitely gay looking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billypf Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 I would also say to look at blue flame. I got a stainless dual oval set and they are louder, but not too loud. Another great feature of them is the quick change baffels. You have the choice of all four open, top two baffeled, lower two baffeled, or all baffeled. If you are looking to hear some of the pipes on a blackbird, try this site. Blackbird Exhaust sounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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