Removed the bolt and then the muffler just slid right out. I was afraid it was going to be kind of hard to pop it off the two hangers in the back, but I didn't have any problems:
The stock muffler (close) and the TOR (far):
Then it was just a matter of doing everything in reverse. I had some issues getting the new muffler in the hangers, so I ended up spraying some PB Blast on the hangers and it slid right in. Tightened everything down and started it up - it sounded so mean! I couldn't hear any exhaust leaks, so it seemed as if I did everything correctly (it would be really hard to mess this up). It sounded as if it was rattling around when I reved it high while on the centerstand, but nothing was lose. After I put all the fairings back on and put it on the ground, the rattling stopped.
Then I gave her a much needed wash:
Then I went out on a ride...
This is only my second bike, and my first bike R1150, wasn't really a typical high-reving motorcycle engine. When I removed the muffler on that bike and rode around, it was super loud and deep. I was expecting a deeper note on this bike too, but when I went on my ride, it was this somewhat raspy, throaty, yet higher pitched, ridiculously mean sounding exhaust note - and I love it! It caught me off guard at first, but wow, it is addicting.
I don't know if it added any power, but I already had the TOR engine tune on my bike, so it was running a bit rich before. The other week my buddy was following me in his car, and when I accelerated, he said I sprayed him on the windshield. I could also see black residue on the rear tail light. After I installed the TOR and then went on a ride, it was perfectly clean back there, and the bike seems to just pull constantly.
No complaints at all and I'm glad I did it. The exhaust is throaty and somewhat loud when you are on it, but it has no drone, and unless you are accelerating, it just has a slight hum to it. Not annoying at all, which is what I was looking for.
Just thought I'd share...
- Anthony
