In my Introduction post I said that I really did not like the factory slip-on mufflers. They are too quiet, the tone is like a sick moped, and they do not fit with the bike. What I mean is that the OEM slip-ons are highly polished odd shaped mufflers. The shape forced my wife and daughter to stress so they did not get burned when getting on/off. In addition, there is nothing else polished on the bike, so they really stick out like a sore thumb.
I looked around, but I could see spending at least $600 for the aftermarket replacements. The universal slip-ons were not much better, and still pricey. So I decided to fab my own and spend less than $150 for everything.
First, I needed to decide what muffler I would use. I remember how my brother's V4 Interceptor sounded with a pipe. I can see why Honda choose to tone down the exhaust as not everyone will like a louder V4. My goal was to add a deep sound and also keep the volume in check. The solution was to use auto glasspacks.
Why auto glasspacks? Well motorcycle slip-ons are basically the same thing. I just need to be carefull to add noise control while allowing the ST1300 to breath better and sound better. The muffler I choose is 22 inches long, and it ends at the back edge of the saddle bags. I also choose a small core of 1.75 inches to keep the sound under control. The smaller ID and longer length will aid in sound control and not greatly impact the bike's performance. Here is the parts list:
From www.jegs.com
Patriot brand Smitty's Mufflers (Jeg's PN 545-87502) $30/each = $60
Jeg's brand Satinless steel muffler clamps (PN 555-30724) $11/each = $22
1 Can Krylon High Temp Paint (WalMart) $5 dries very quickly
2 Exhaust Hangers (Autozone) $3/each = $6
2 Exhaust adapters (2 inch ID x 2 inch ID Autozone) $2.50/each = $5
1 Exhaust Pipe Repair Kit (2 1/8 inch Autozone) $6
4 HD Worm Clamps (ID 0f 2.5 inch from harware store) $1/each = $4
You can see that I plan to use flex pipe to connect the mufflers to the OEM pipes. This was only temporary to see if I liked the system and until I could make it to a muffler shop for permanent pipes. The muffler shop charged me $10 for the pipes. Total investment of $118 plus taxes.
Installation was easy. First, remove the OEM mufflers and gasket from the pipes. Second, position the muffler where you want it and mark the muffler for reference for the clamp position. You will use the rear mount for the clamp. Third, install the exhaust connctor (2 inch ID pipe stub) into the OEM connection and tighten the OEM clamp. Fourth, measure and cut the flex pipe. I used the HD worm gear clamps to secure the flex pipe over the muffler inlet and over the pipe stub. Using the worm gear clamps makes it is easier to disassemble, does not distort the flex pipe and provide a leak-free connetion. Use the 3.5 inch muffler clamps around the outside of the muffler, and the hanger to secure it to the rear mount of the ST. Note that the hanger has a bent metal rod which will need to be cut off. You may also want to drill different holes in the metal strap to allow the muffler to be positioned as you like. Repeat on the other side.
Once everything was checked, I started the bike. I was very happy with the setup. A quick test ride did not present with any excessive noise; just a nice mellow sound. When I returned, I took everything apart and painted it with the high temp Kryon paint. This stuff dries very quickly and touch ups are also quick. I put it all together and drove to the muffler shop for the permanent pipes. In retrospect, you should probably wait until you return from the muffler shop to paint everything. I am still looking for a tip, and I may change to a fully stainless steel muffler, depending upon the service life of this setup. I'll take some pics tomorrow in the day light and post them. Good luck on your build!
I looked around, but I could see spending at least $600 for the aftermarket replacements. The universal slip-ons were not much better, and still pricey. So I decided to fab my own and spend less than $150 for everything.
First, I needed to decide what muffler I would use. I remember how my brother's V4 Interceptor sounded with a pipe. I can see why Honda choose to tone down the exhaust as not everyone will like a louder V4. My goal was to add a deep sound and also keep the volume in check. The solution was to use auto glasspacks.
Why auto glasspacks? Well motorcycle slip-ons are basically the same thing. I just need to be carefull to add noise control while allowing the ST1300 to breath better and sound better. The muffler I choose is 22 inches long, and it ends at the back edge of the saddle bags. I also choose a small core of 1.75 inches to keep the sound under control. The smaller ID and longer length will aid in sound control and not greatly impact the bike's performance. Here is the parts list:
From www.jegs.com
Patriot brand Smitty's Mufflers (Jeg's PN 545-87502) $30/each = $60
Jeg's brand Satinless steel muffler clamps (PN 555-30724) $11/each = $22
1 Can Krylon High Temp Paint (WalMart) $5 dries very quickly
2 Exhaust Hangers (Autozone) $3/each = $6
2 Exhaust adapters (2 inch ID x 2 inch ID Autozone) $2.50/each = $5
1 Exhaust Pipe Repair Kit (2 1/8 inch Autozone) $6
4 HD Worm Clamps (ID 0f 2.5 inch from harware store) $1/each = $4
You can see that I plan to use flex pipe to connect the mufflers to the OEM pipes. This was only temporary to see if I liked the system and until I could make it to a muffler shop for permanent pipes. The muffler shop charged me $10 for the pipes. Total investment of $118 plus taxes.
Installation was easy. First, remove the OEM mufflers and gasket from the pipes. Second, position the muffler where you want it and mark the muffler for reference for the clamp position. You will use the rear mount for the clamp. Third, install the exhaust connctor (2 inch ID pipe stub) into the OEM connection and tighten the OEM clamp. Fourth, measure and cut the flex pipe. I used the HD worm gear clamps to secure the flex pipe over the muffler inlet and over the pipe stub. Using the worm gear clamps makes it is easier to disassemble, does not distort the flex pipe and provide a leak-free connetion. Use the 3.5 inch muffler clamps around the outside of the muffler, and the hanger to secure it to the rear mount of the ST. Note that the hanger has a bent metal rod which will need to be cut off. You may also want to drill different holes in the metal strap to allow the muffler to be positioned as you like. Repeat on the other side.
Once everything was checked, I started the bike. I was very happy with the setup. A quick test ride did not present with any excessive noise; just a nice mellow sound. When I returned, I took everything apart and painted it with the high temp Kryon paint. This stuff dries very quickly and touch ups are also quick. I put it all together and drove to the muffler shop for the permanent pipes. In retrospect, you should probably wait until you return from the muffler shop to paint everything. I am still looking for a tip, and I may change to a fully stainless steel muffler, depending upon the service life of this setup. I'll take some pics tomorrow in the day light and post them. Good luck on your build!
was black.
