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[Dathaii]

Hi, Im just registered and Im wondering if anyone can help me out.
I have just purchased a 96 Roadking.  To my disappointment it dosent have what I'd call a Harley noise, its too quiet.  Really smooth but not what I'd expect from a Harley.  Can someone please point me in the direction of solving my problem, maybe something to do with the exhaust or air intake?  Im not sure as this is my first Harley.  

thanks
Dathaii

[RedFXR2]

My first thought is that folks have different ideas of what the "Harley noise" is all about.  But, if you're looking for suggestions for exhaust, then I'd suggest you be patient and go to events like bike nights or rallys and listen to a bunch of evo-powered bikes and take note of what pipes they have.  Some are louder than others, and some are much louder than others.  And after the "how loud" issue, some have different tones, aside from just volume.

There are a ton of pipes out there, and they run the gamut in style, performance and sound, so shop around.

[Dathaii]

Thanks for the advice, the only thing I can compare it to at the moment is my friends Heritage Softail.  Its louder than mine with a real (good!!) rattle from the engine!!!

[Dathaii]

Here's a picture of the bike and exhaust, anyone know which exhaust system it is or can you tell from a picture?

[SPIDERMAN]

View from the side would provide a clearer idea of what's on your bike. The pic you provided looks like a BUB, but it can't be that since I don't think you'd be calling BUB pipes too quiet. I agree with the post above from Red, the wisest thing you could do would be to go to a spot where bikes congregate and check out the looks and sound of some. As to your friend's bike " rattling "  The only Harley's I've ever heard that the exhaust has a rattle are panheads. Maybe there's a chuffing sound you are calling a rattle, but you don't want rattle in an EVO, believe me.

[Dathaii]

Thanks for the help everyone, here is a side picture of the bike.  When I mean rattle I should say the sound I associate with a Harley.  My bike is more like a cat purring than a tiger roaring, if you catch my meaning!!

Anyway hope the picture helps if not Ill just wait until the dealer in Waterford gets back from the HOG European Killarney rally.....

Thanks Again

[Fired00d]

Dathaii,
Welcome to the site, and that's a nice looking scooter you have there. Don't recognize those pipes you have, but from the diameter of the opening on those mufflers it has to be restricting your motor. There are so many different pipes/mufflers to choose from (slip-ons, true-duals, 2 into 1, etc.) that your best bet is to look around at other Evo's that have aftermarket exhaust systems and find something you like looks and sound of. Best of luck.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[Dathaii]

Hi Fired00d
Thanks for the advice, I can see now from all the replies that it is not as straight as I first thought!!!!!!.. There are not too many roadkings where I live in this part of Ireland but I can contact the dealer next week and see what he can do for me.

Thanks to you all for the help makes me feel very welcome indeed.

Dathaii

[SPIDERMAN]

Those look like stock mufflers from a fairly late model twin cam which would be way too restrictive on an EVO. Man I can see why you don't like the sound.

[Dathaii]

Thanks Spiderman,

At least its not just my ear, my friend the softail rider said the same.  Any ideas for a decent system which would give more traditional feeling?
thanks
Dathaii

[SPIDERMAN]

Sure I've got ideas, but it's your ride Dude. You need to do what is going to push your buttons not mine. One thing I will say is make sure you don't fall in love with something on a big inch motor or even an 88 twin cam. There's a ton of nice Evo slip ons. Whay don't you post a thread in the "Buying "section of this site that you're looking for some slip on mufflers for an Evo motor Road King and see what folks come up with. I'd be willing to bet there's some muffs sitting around gathering dust in someone's garage. One piece of advice I am going to give you is to stay away from those long skinny fishtail type mufflers. They do not make doggy doo for power.

Big B

[Dathaii]

Thanks for the advice Spiderman, you have been a real help.  As you can gather I dont have much of an idea about Harleys, but Ive taken the plunge and am willing to learn.  
Thanks Again

Dathaii

[arcticdude]

Dathaii,
We've had screaming eagle slip on's on her evo for years now.  They do a good job with out being too $ or too loud.  I'm sure there are better pipes for performance out there, but since it's her bike, I don't want it too fast!!  I had a set of double d's on mine.  Loved the sound and performance, but DG performance (parent company of Hard Krome which made the double d's) was TERRIBLE to deal with on warranty issues.  Of course, having them quit making the pipes after they'd sold them to 500 or so fo us didn't help either.  You can look at some of the other forums out there for exhaust ideas as well.  One has a specific forum for exhaust.  There's another site that deal strictly with performance of harleys.  Do a search for nightrider and harley.  You'll find it.  Look at his performance guide.  You can decide how far you want to go and then pick the exhaust to get there.  Of course, that's just one site.  There's tons of stuff and opinions out there.  The best thing to do is as everybody has suggested, go and listen to others!

[grc]

I would offer one suggestion - look for pipes with replaceable baffles.  That way if you don't like the sound level you can change baffles and not the entire muffler.

Jerry

[Dathaii]

Thanks everyone, the helps been great.  I have made an enquiry here from a HD rider and he said I might have to change the carb or get the bike chipped.  To be honest speed isnt important for me, Id prefer a louder sound.  We had a HD rally here in Killarney (European event)  over the weekend 8-10k bikes, I could'nt make it due to work but I will see if I can meet others soon and have a listen.  

Two Polish HD riders were killed on the way back when a car collided with them -RIP

Again thanks to you all and safe riding

Dathaii