Exhaust modifications and emmision inspections

Chocolategirl

New member
So far I've found what I've read on this site to be pretty accurate and persuaded me to buy the boulevard M50 last month. So I appreciate everybody's comments.

The one downside to living in NY state (besides the low taxes) is there are some pretty strict vehicle emmisions, and we have to get through inspections. What I'm trying to understand is does anybody know what the debaffeling/demickeying of the stock pipes do to emmisions?

I'm trying to decide weather or not to modify the stock pipes or buy some aftermarket pipes.

The other thing that I've been struggeling to find information on is what the performance specs are on the various aftermarket pipes.

I'm looking to maximize the performance of this bike, but am also intersted in getting a deeper sound.

Does anybody have performance info. on the stock modifications? Was there an increase in power? I haven't heard much on that.

I kind of new to this so I appreciate everyones help.
 
:ooops: Did the '50 owners forget to mention that.......or did you overlook it in your reading ?? :mrgreen:

Seriously, you didn't see that mentioned because a hi-torque, low reving V-twin usually doesn't gain much (if anything) from exhaust mods. And you won't see any specs like that associated with the pipes because the pipes by themselves don't do much without other associated changes....intake, jets/fuel map, etc.

If you are changing pipes to gain performance, you will probably be disappointed.
 
NY State specifies that "suitable mufflers" be fitted, and it specifically bans removable baffles and exhaust cut outs. So I imagine you would fail if you removed the baffles from your stock mufflers and made them open pipes, and likewise you are supposed to fail if you put on drag pipes or another form of open exhaust. So you'd be best off with a set of aftermarket slip on mufflers, or a complete system that includes mufflers.
As a general rule aftermarket pipes on their own do not make more power. If you want to increase HP yo need to also address the intake system and fuel delivery system. However, pipes can move the power within the RPM range, giving you more usable power at certain speeds and the cost of power at other speeds. Your total HP changes very little or not at all, but the peak HP is found at a more usable RPM. For example, open drag pipes free up power at high RPM and wide-open throttle, but cause hesitation and lower power at low speed and part throttle, making them perfect for racing but a poor choice around town. A good aftermarket set of slip ons will do the opposite- you will feel more power on the low end (where you do most of your driving), but loose something at the high end.
If you want to truly make more power all across the RPM range, or minimize the loss, you need to do more than just pipes. You need to also add low-restriction air intake, and re-map the fuel injection to deliver more fuel to match the extra air.
 
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