Exhaust Choices driving me insane - PLEASE HELP!

[k_lundquist]

I recently installed a new set of performance headers and am getting the bike jetted over the weekend.  Within the next 2 weeks I'll buy a new can to replace the stock one.  Its completely shot anyway.

I was going to go with D&D since they can be found on E-Bay in the low $200s - BUT after reading about them here and listening to some clips on You-Tube I'm not a fan of the exhaust note.

I've read the threads and others have suggested Yosh, Scorpion, and Holeshot.  All of which I like... however besides HoleShot (which is near $400) I can't find these pipes anywhere!

Does anyone know where I can get a slip-on for a 1997 GSF600 Bandit at a resonable price w/ a nice low growl but not obscene?

All that's on E-Bay is D&D - there are many other cans for the GSF1200.... will that fit???

Will other make / models fit my bike? and Where can I find these cans?

Thanks!

[Red01]

If your new header has the end of the collector in the same location as a stock B12, then any B12 aftermarket can that comes with a mid pipe will work.  If the collector is in a non-stock position, you're going to need at least the mid pipe that goes with the header.

[B6mick]

Remus make a race 105 db carbon can that just sounds sweet

[Dave 02 1200]

The Hole Shot pipe is well made and sounds good.

If the new price is a deal-breaker, watch e bay and/or place a Wanted ad in the classifieds.

Someone might be returning his bike to stock prior to sale and selling the after-market parts separately.

New or used, can't go wrong with one of Dale's pipes.

[Snubnose]

New or used, can't go wrong with one of Dale's pipes.

Thats debatable!

[Dave 02 1200]

I like my HS 21" Touring slip-on.  Lighter than stock, not loud but nice low tone, looks good, fits well, and easy to install and jet correctly following Dale's advice.  Also, motor runs cooler and has better power delivery.

Those observations are based on my experience.

Also, Dale offers a DB Killer (baffle) that makes it even quieter when desired at little loss of performance.  Sounds good too, just quieter.  It is small enough that I keep it in the tool kit so it will be there if needed on a moment's notice.

I agree the merits of stock vs slip-on vs complete system are completely debatable as are the pros and cons of each manufacturer and type.

The key to this debate is to define what characteristics one is looking for and then see which pipe meets the criteria best.

Which slip-on do you like best?  Why?

[Snubnose]

(Spring of 04) I had the 17" Holeshot comp 1, with the modified jet kit and DB killer installed.
(Summer of 04) tweaking, talking with Dale, Tweaking.
(Spring of 05) tweaking, talking with Dale, Tweaking.
(Summer of 06) talking with Dale, Tweaking.
(Fall of 06) talking with Dale, Tweaking.
(Summer of 07) talking with Dale, Tweaking, talking with Dale.
(Fall of 07) talking with Dale, Tweaking.
(Spring of 08) tweaking, talking with Dale, Tweaking, some more tweaking.
(Summer of 08) talking with Dale, Tweaking.
(Spring of 09) Went back to stock, with exception of 3 remaining shims on each needle.

[Dave 02 1200]

Makes sense to me.

If I had to go through that much hassle I would have gone back to stock too.

I ran the stock muffler with a modified airbox and a Stage 1 jet kit for two years with excellent results.

Just changed to the slip-on four years ago, added one shim to the stack and increased the pilot one size.  Runs great.

The original poster did not consider stock but that is an excellent option for the B12 if jetted right.

[Snubnose]

The original poster did not consider stock but that is an excellent option for the B12 if jetted right.

We jetted according to specs, for altitudes from California to NWT, and everywhere inbetween it seems, according to Dales recommendations AND others. Perhaps Alberta elevation doesn't like my bike in particular?

Over 4 years of every conceivable setting, the pipe's noise simply started irritating me, as it never sounded as good as some describe. Ebayed the thing, put my stocker back on, what a relief!

[Red01]

Well, Dale's kits work well for SAE air, but you've got that pesky metric air up there in Alberta. 

[Snubnose]

Well, Dale's kits work well for SAE air, but you've got that pesky metric air up there in Alberta. 

Metric air, with a METRIC bike....go figure!

[Red01]

Well, Dale's kits work well for SAE air, but you've got that pesky metric air up there in Alberta. 

Metric air, with a METRIC bike....go figure!

Ahhh... but the jet kit was designed in California on SAE air... 

[Bazza]

I had a Yoshi Tri oval on my B-12. It sounded great the day I put it on, it sounded even better the day I put the stock pipe back on. 

Like Subnose, I grew tired of mine.

In all honesty, they all sound so similar it is not even funny.

[Snubnose]

All I know is that the day I put my stock pipe on my bike, my love with my bike became new again!

[r_outsider]

I had a Yoshi Tri oval on my B-12. It sounded great the day I put it on, it sounded even better the day I put the stock pipe back on. 

And that Yosh still sounds great on a B4-with the quiet street insert installed. Way better than the rusted out stocker, anyway!