My Delkevics came in this morning! I'll install them over the weekend. Is there any other parts, or seals, I'll need for installation? I have read of having to remove the old seal from the pipe. Any other hints? Thanks ahead of time.
Delkevic install
- Thread starter wcleland
- Start date
Stook
Speaking only for myself, all I did was pull the stock exhaust off and slide the Delks on. Tighten a couple of clamps and ride off listening to the new rumble. I chose to install the baffles. Sounded a bit too rough for me without them. Be sure to use locktite on the screws that hold the baffles in place if you do use them. I've heard that the screws are prone to loosen up and fall out (followed quickly by the baffle shooting out the back) if you don't locktite them.
Smallville
Scott
+3. Seal should stay in the header pipe. And can be re-used several times. If for some reason the seal comes out with the pipe, carefully remove from the pipe and slip back in the header pipe. Then install the Delkevics.
I'm considering purchasing some Delkevic 18" pipes but I can't find any decibel ratings for them (compared to stock). I saw some youtube videos comparing them to stock but that didn't help me determine how loud they would be.
Anyone?
Anyone?
Did you check out these sound clips:
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?46675-Exhaust-Sound-Clips
I did listen to the clips (and thorougly enjoyed them!) but all I could get from them was the difference in tones, not really a good sense of loudness.
Stook
I've had people tell me my ST with the Delks sounds like a late model BMW GSA. Having never heard one of those up close for myself, I think that's probably a positive comment. All I can tell you is that my neighbors don't know when I come or go but it still sounds really "strong" to me when I open the throttle a bit. OK, more than a bit. But it is a pleasing sound. Not remotely like the "open pipes" sound that most of us dislike.
This was a response from Luke @ Delkevic last year before I bought mine:
"Shorter pipe might be a couple decibels louder but not much. Both are in the mid to high 80db range"
wdupmults
Great. Who knows how many decibels the stock pipes are rated at?
Sure don't... but I'm thinking the engine is louder than the oem pipes.
heck I snore louder than the oem pipes.
stfreak
I put them on last June and love them. Just got back from a 1600 mile trip down south. Had the baffles in for the trip and it was nice, not too loud at cruising speeds but you can hear them when you crack the throttle open. I take the baffles out on occasion just to hear the thunder. I like the exhaust alot and would recommend them to anyone.
I put the baffles in, I take the baffles out! I like the sound better when they are out, but to me, the bike runs better with them in. Every time I put them in, I swear the bike has better throttle response and fuel economy. The only other farkle that deals with fuel and exhust is a K&N filter and e3 spark plugs.
wdupmults
wdupmults
OP
OP
I love this forum! I was aware that Delkevic had reversed the header pipe markings on some of the others members orders. When I ordered mine, late April right from Delkevic, I asked if this had been corrected and was assured that it had been. I assembled the right side first and tried mounting my saddlebag. The muffler interfered so I used the LH header, on the right, and everything went together. Thanks folks.
cason621
I installed the 18" oval Delkevics this weekend and they sound fantastic. I wear earplugs and it's great to hear that throaty sound come through. I've had the baffles both in and out - still deciding but I think I like them out.
A couple install questions...
When I removed the stock pipe/mufflers I didn't see a header gasket. Would that still be inside the header pipe? I did see a metal flange around the pipe I removed, but it seemed permanently welded to the pipe.
I'm noticing a little air/condensation coming out of the joint where the new muffler clamps to the new pipe. I have the clamp snugly tightened and have adjusted the clamp position. Is this enough to affect exhaust performance? Thanks!
Mike
A couple install questions...
When I removed the stock pipe/mufflers I didn't see a header gasket. Would that still be inside the header pipe? I did see a metal flange around the pipe I removed, but it seemed permanently welded to the pipe.
I'm noticing a little air/condensation coming out of the joint where the new muffler clamps to the new pipe. I have the clamp snugly tightened and have adjusted the clamp position. Is this enough to affect exhaust performance? Thanks!
Mike
Blue STreak
Bob Meyer
EPA limits stock pipes to 84 dba at 35mph or above, although distance and location of the meter relative to the motorcycle makes a huge difference in measurements. I don't remember how the EPA specifies the measurement be taken, and have no idea how close or how far Delkevic took it's measurement.
The DB scale is logarithmic, so sound levels don't increase linearly with db numbers. IIRC from my audio days, 3 db is about the smallest difference in sound that the human ear can readily determine; 10 db is a doubling of the perceived sound level. This chart might prove interesting:
http://www.sengpielaudio.com/TableOfSoundPressureLevels.htm
tlartist
Tom Laux
I had that condensation initially but it went away after a while. Maybe ride some and see what happens.
John Wallingfor
Are you completely satisfied with the Delkevic silencers? Sound - appearance (any discoloration, etc) Would appreciate any feedback you have as I am interested in getting a set.
A couple videos for ya:
[video=youtube;CajergOCyQs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CajergOCyQs[/video]
[video=youtube;PWyupeBBoqA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWyupeBBoqA[/video]