How to Remove Baffles from Screaming Eagle Pipes – A Simple Guide

Are you looking to customize your ride, but don’t know where to start? Removing baffles from Screaming Eagle pipes is a great way to give your ride a unique sound and look. In this article, we provide a simple guide on how to remove Screaming Eagle pipes baffles to get the results you want. Read on to find out how easy it can be!

To remove baffles from Screamin’ Eagle pipes, loosen and remove the end caps or screws securing the baffles. Use pliers to pull out the baffles. Be aware that this may increase noise and affect back pressure.

What Do You Mean by Baffles?

A motorcycle baffle is essentially a perforated metal pipe present inside the muffler. Baffles are the components responsible for creating backpressure and dampening the engine sounds before they come out of the exhaust system. This is why they’re also referred to as motorcycle exhaust silencers. Aside from being on motorcycles, baffles are essentially used in all vehicles as they make sure the noise levels are below the legal noise limits.

Motorcycle baffles work in a simple way. Essentially, they’ll slow down the pulsating air that is coming out of the engine and turn it into a more even airflow. This is helpful for reducing the exhaust sounds as the slower, steadier airflow will be much quieter. For achieving this, the motorcycle baffles will not only make the airflow path longer, but it’ll also be much more difficult.

Longer baffles are capable of producing quieter sounds. Aside from their dimensions, the surface of the baffles will be no less important. If you take a closer look at the baffles on your Harley, you’ll see many little holes on its surface. They are designed for breaking up and dampening sound waves. You will typically find a few bigger holes on shorter baffles, which will make it easier for air to flow. Meanwhile, you’ll be able to find quiet motorcycle buffers on the market as well that typically come with many little holes.

These designs will essentially work like different pasta strainers. The bigger the holes on the strainer, the faster the water will pass through it. If the strainer features tiny holes, it’ll hold the water for much longer. The same will apply for quiet baffles, as their small holes will make it tougher for the air to freely flow through.

Most of these baffles come wrapped with a coat of insulation fiberglass material to deliver greater efficiency. Sadly, these bulky wrapped baffles will not fit in every muffler. Aside from dampening the engine noise, baffles will also create some backpressure in the bike’s exhaust system. This pressure can help in helping the engine to function properly, while also prolonging its life. Moreover, backpressure will always increase fuel efficiency and low-end torque.

Overview of Screaming Eagle Pipes

Screaming Eagle Pipes are Harley-Davidson products pipes that flow much more than stock while also being louder. Harleys are known for their distinctive sound and this can be attributed to their unique exhaust systems. The Screaming Eagle Pipes are a popular option among Harley-Davidson bikers who want to upgrade their motorcycle’s performance and enhance its signature sound.

Screaming Eagle is Harley’s high-performance division, and the exhaust systems are designed for improving the bike’s power and torque. The Screaming Eagle pipes are designed for increasing the flow of exhaust gases, which reduces the back pressure and allows the engine to breathe freely. This ultimately results in improved performance, including increased horsepower and faster acceleration.

The exhaust note of the Screaming Eagle pipes is louder and much more aggressive compared to the stock exhaust, which gives Harley-Davidson bikes a more intimidating presence on the road. Further, the Screaming Eagle pipes are also available in a wide variety of finishes, including black and chrome, which allows the riders to customize the look of their bikes.

Aside from the performance benefits, the Screaming Eagle pipes are also known to have numerous other advantages. They’re made using high-quality materials such as carbon fiber and stainless steel, which makes them quite durable and resistant to corrosion. The pipes are designed to be easy to install and remove, with most models requiring a few basic tools and some basic work.

Materials Required for Removing Baffles

Removing the baffles on your Harley-Davidson bike’s exhaust system will be a popular modification that many bikers undertake to get the signature Harley-Davidson sound. However, it is important that you have the right tools in your arsenal to be able to carry out this process without any hiccups. Doing the preparation beforehand will help you make sure that the baffles can be removed safely and correctly.

1. Choose the right tools

Removing the baffles from your Harley-Davidson bike will require specific tools, so you should make sure that you gather the right tools before you start. Some of the necessary tools that you’ll require include a screwdriver, a socket set, a wrench, pliers, and a drill with a hole saw attachment.

2. Wear the appropriate safety gear

When removing the baffles from your bike, you will be working with hot and sharp metal components. Therefore, it will be important to wear the necessary protective gear, including gloves, goggles, motorcycle chaps, and long-sleeved shirts. This will help you prevent potential injuries.

How to Remove Baffles from Screaming Eagle Pipes on Your Harley-Davidson Bike

Harley-Davidson bikes are known for their incredibly powerful engines and iconic sound. It becomes even better and louder when you add Screaming Eagle pipes. Sometimes, the sound could become too loud or obnoxious, especially when you’re riding through residential areas or on long trips. One way of reducing the sound of your Harley-Davidson bike would be to remove the baffles on your bike and install new ones. Here is a step-by-by-step guide on removing baffles on your Harley-Davidson bike and installing new ones.

Step 1: Prepare the work area

Firstly, you’ll have to prepare the work area so that you can carry out the entire process. Make sure that you’re doing this in a garage or a dry place. Further, lift up your bike so that you can work on your bike. Moreover, make sure you’re choosing the right baffles for your Harley-Davidson bike. There are many different types of baffles available on the market, so you should ensure that you’re choosing the ones that are compatible with the exhaust system and your Harley model.

Step 2: Remove the exhaust

For accessing the baffles, you’ll have to remove the exhaust system from your Harley-Davidson bike. You can do this easily by removing the bolts that are holding the exhaust pipe in place. Depending on your Harley-Davidson model, you’ll have to remove the heat shields, too.

Step 3: Take out the old baffles

Once the exhaust system is removed, you’ll now be in a position to remove the old baffles from your Harley-Davidson bike. You can easily do this by loosening the bolts that are holding the baffles in place, and then carefully pulling them out of the exhaust pipes. Depending on the type of baffles you’re using, they might be held in place with rivets or screws, which will have to be removed too.

Step 4: Install the new baffles

Once the old baffles have been removed, you will be able to install the new baffles in your Harley-Davidson bike. Carefully slide the new baffles into the exhaust pipe and then tighten the bolts or screws for holding them in place. If the new baffles are being held in place with rivets, you’ll have to make use of a rivet gun for securing them.

Step 5: Reinstall the exhaust system

After having installed the new baffles, you should reinstall the exhaust system on your Harley-Davidson bike. Carefully align the pipes and heat shields before tightening the bolts to hold them in place. You should ensure that you’re torquing the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications for ensuring a secure fit.

Step 6: Test the sound on your bike

After installing the new baffles, it will be important to test the sound before you ride your bike. Start your Harley-Davidson bike and allow it to idle for a few minutes or so to allow the exhaust system to warm up. After that, rev up the engine and carefully listen to the sound. If the sound is too quiet or too long, you might have to adjust the baffles or choose a different type of baffle.

If the sound isn’t ideal and not to your liking, you’ll have the option to adjust the baffles to achieve the desired sound. You can do this by changing the position of the baffles in the exhaust system or by adding or removing the packing material. Experiment with different configurations until you’ve found the sound that you like.

How to Make Your Own Custom Motorcycle Baffles

Sometimes, you might try to replace the baffles, but the drop in volume might not be sufficient, or you may not like what you get. This is where you’ll wonder if you can make your own motorcycle baffles that perfectly suit your requirements. Here is how you can do that – 

Step 1

Measure the diameter of the inside of the tailpipe in your Harley-Davidson bike. Then, purchase steel tubing, whether online or in a store. This steel tubing needs to have a slightly smaller diameter than the tailpipe (about 1/16^th inch smaller).

Step 2

Place the steel tubing into the bench vise of your workplace. Have the hacksaw ready for this step. After that, you’ll need to cut down the steel tubing until you get the correct baffle length (although it’ll be 8 inches for most bikes, you should still measure yours).

Step 3

 Mark the motorcycle baffle for three offsets. It’ll be best if you used a felt-tip marker for this step. The first offset will be three inches from the one end. The second offset will be one and one-half inches from the first mark. Meanwhile, the third one will be three inches from the first mark.

Step 4

 Secure the baffle in the bench vise vertically, making sure that the offset marks are visible above the vise. Then, make a horizontal crosscut halfway through the baffle at each of the markings using the hacksaw. If necessary, you should reposition the baffle as you proceed. Once it is done, you must remove the baffle from the bench vise.

Step 5

Put the motorcycle baffle on the workbench, making sure that the hacksaw is cutting face upward. Then, secure the motorcycle baffle in place using c-clamps.

Step 6

Place the tip of the cold chisel on the first hacksaw cut. Then, strike the cold chisel using a mallet or a hammer, forcing the outer margin of the cut into the baffle’s center. After that, do the same with the other cuts for creating the baffle offsets.

Step 7

Replace the baffle, this time you should have the three-inch end extending from the bench vise. After that, place a 3/16-inch drill bit in the electric drill. Drill a hole 1 inch away from the end of the baffle while ensuring it goes through both walls of the baffle. This hole will be needed for the stainless-steel bolt such that it holds the baffle in place of the tailpipe.

Step 8

 Drill a 3/16-inch hole through the tailpipe. This hole should be aligned with the boltholes in the baffle. Once it is installed, the outer end of the baffle must be flush with the end of the tailpipe. Lastly, you’ll be securing the baffle in the tailpipe using a ¼-inch diameter stainless-steel bolt, nut, and lock washer.

Tips on Removing Baffles

1. Keep the owner’s manual handy

When removing baffles from your Harley, you must consult the owner’s manual to ensure that removing the baffles won’t void your warranty. Some brands prohibit modifications to the exhaust system, so it’s essential to check before proceeding. Further, the manual will also have important information that’ll be helpful.

2. Use a high-quality socket wrench

Using a socket wrench to remove the bolts in the baffles is one of the methods used to remove them from your Harley-Davidson. However, it’s crucial to be careful with this step and only use a high-quality socket wrench to avoid damaging any part of the exhaust system. Moreover, you should only be applying gentle pressure to avoid damaging the exhaust pipes.

3. Save the baffles

Once you have removed the baffles, you should make sure that you save them in case you want to reinstall them later. Some states and municipalities have noise regulations, and you may need to reinstall the baffles to comply with the law.

4. Wear protective gear

When you’re removing the baffles from your Harley-Davidson bike, you should make sure that you wear the necessary protective gear. You should be wearing protective gloves, motorcycle chaps, and a long-sleeved jacket when you are removing the baffles.

5. Take out both exhaust pipes at the same time

When removing baffles from your Harley-Davidson bike, you must make sure that you’re taking out both exhaust pipes at the same time. Failing to do so could give you problems down the line that could have been easily avoided in the first place.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Removing the baffles from your Harley-Davidson bike’s exhaust system will give you the signature sound at an acceptable level that many people desire. However, you can remove the baffles and install new ones to get lower sounds. Installing new baffles on your Harley-Davidson bike is a simple process that can be easily carried out at home using basic tools. By choosing the right baffles and adjusting them to your liking, you’ll be able to reduce the sound of your bike and enjoy a pleasant ride.

You must carry out this process safely and correctly. Choose the right tools, wear protective gear, consult the manufacturer’s manual, and use caution throughout the process. Further, you should also check the local noise regulations to make sure that you can safely remove the baffles from your bike and enjoy the ride.

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