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How to Drill Out Stock Pipes

Motorcycle owners drill out stock pipes to make the factory installed baffles in their exhaust pipes less restrictive. The stock baffles in many exhausts, particularly Harleys, severely restrict an engines capacity to breathe in and out. They effectively diminish the size of the engine, which in turn increases the bikes fuel efficiency. In addition, the more restrictive the baffle, the quieter the engine -- something that pleases people who are concerned about noise pollution. Still, some motorcyclists believe that louder and quicker motorcycles are safer to ride. If you are one of those cyclists, and want to drill out the stock pipes on your bike, you can do so in a series of straightforward steps.

Instructions

1

Unbolt the front and rear mufflers from the exhaust bracket (on most motorcycles) with a hex socket and a socket wrench. The size of the socket will vary by motorcycle. Bikes with very accessible mufflers will not require this step.

2

Loosen the hose clamps that hold the heat shields to the mufflers on most cruiser motorcycles, using a flathead screwdriver.

3

Examine the bottoms of both mufflers for any screws. Remove any screws you find with a screwdriver.

4

Remove any end caps from the ends of the mufflers. End caps are decorative trim in various shapes, including "fishtails," that also limit access to the interior of the exhaust. Some motorcycle exhausts have end caps and some dont. They usually attach with a single screw.

5

Look inside each muffler to determine if the baffles are removable or welded into the muffler. Some baffles slide out after removing an end cap. Harley baffles are welded. Pull removable mufflers out before drilling into them.

6

Chuck a 12-inch-long, 3/8 inch drill bit into an electric drill. Use the drill to bore a

hole in the approximate center of the baffles in both mufflers.

7

Replace the baffles into the muffler shells if you removed them. Replace the end caps and any screws.

8

Replace the heat shields and re-bolt both mufflers to the exhaust bracket where necessary.

Posted by Unknown at 12:15 PM

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