Remove baffles on cobra 6 into 6 pipes?

[Guitarmoto]

So I noticed that the baffles on my cobra pipes that the baffles are right in the rear and secured by a single screw. For craps and giggles, I backed out the screws on two baffles to see if they just slide right out. They did lol. So I fired up the bike to see the difference. Little difference, but again its just 2 baffles out of the 6, one on each side. I have no intention of jacking up my bike by screwing around with things.

My question, If I remove the baffles will I need to re-jet my bike you think? What are the implications of removing the baffles on the pipes?

[Chrisj CMA]

It may or may not have some power loss without baffles but it’s not going to hurt anything except maybe cause  tinnitus if you ride long rides without hearing protection

[Guitarmoto]

I suppose it was simple to remove... worst case is I slide them back in if issues. And as far as tinnitus goes, I used to play guitar in a band through my 20's and now enjoy my weekends shooting guns in the desert, so I'm already screwed on the tinnitus front 

[Willow]

As to your question regarding rejetting - probably so but it depends on how close to good you want the mixture to be.  It will run without rejetting but to get the best performance you should rejet.

As to tinnitus it's more likely to result from wind noise than pipe noise.

[cookiedough]

keep it under 70 mph and you will be fine.   I find if I keep my cobras under 70 mph is not that bad but much past 70 and the cobra pipes over longer rides annoy me too loud.  If I drive sensible and even 65 mph the cobra pipes are not that much louder than stock pipes to me with helmet on and the rpms are under 3000 rpms so very tolerable.

[Rams]

As to tinnitus it's more likely to result from wind noise than pipe noise.

I'm curious as to any data backing up that claim.   You may be correct, maybe not.   I've been told this previously but, not sure I agree.

This I am quite sure of, I have one Valkyrie with stock exhaust, my other Valkyrie is a trike that had busted exhaust when I bought it.   (I have replaced that broken exhaust.)   But, prior to replacing that busted "Custom" exhaust, I rode both and that tinnitus ringing was always much worse after riding the busted exhaust trike than the stock exhaust bike.   Not a scientific study but, that's what makes me question the statement above.   That is not to suggest wind noise doesn't have an effect.

Rams

[Chrisj CMA]

As to tinnitus it's more likely to result from wind noise than pipe noise.

I'm curious as to any data backing up that claim.   You may be correct, maybe not.   I've been told this previously but, not sure I agree.

This I am quite sure of, I have one Valkyrie with stock exhaust, my other Valkyrie is a trike that had busted exhaust when I bought it.   (I have replaced that broken exhaust.)   But, prior to replacing that busted "Custom" exhaust, I rode both and that tinnitus ringing was always much worse after riding the busted exhaust trike than the stock exhaust bike.   Not a scientific study but, that's what makes me question the statement above.   That is not to suggest wind noise doesn't have an effect.

Rams

I agree Ron. I had Cobras with baffles for years. Power was great, loved the sound. But after years of traveling to Daytona twice a year I couldn’t get rid of annoying tinnitus that was always at its worst after the Daytona trip. Everything stayed the same except my zoom zoom whisper pipes and no more annoying tinnitus any worse than my normal ringing after years of HH-53 helicopters and firing all kinds of loud guns. Probably did 4 or 5 more Daytona’s and slept like a rock when returned.

But it was probably the wind.

[Chrisj CMA]

I like the Cobra pipes a lot so I have plans to weld a washer on the end of each baffle to reduce the volume and at the same time increase back pressure. If it doesn’t work I’ll keep my OEM ones with extended piggies and continue to zoom zoom 

[Willow]

As to tinnitus it's more likely to result from wind noise than pipe noise.

I'm curious as to any data backing up that claim.   You may be correct, maybe not.   ...

I would be moderately curious as to data contradicting my claim.  I ride with TBRs which are known to be loud.  I've ridden many more miles on my Valkyries than either Rams or Jeff.  I've no problem with tinnitus but on longer trips the sound of the wind passing my ears gives me some pain.

[Chrisj CMA]

As to tinnitus it's more likely to result from wind noise than pipe noise.

I'm curious as to any data backing up that claim.   You may be correct, maybe not.   ...

I would be moderately curious as to data contradicting my claim.  I ride with TBRs which are known to be loud.  I've ridden many more miles on my Valkyries than either Rams or Jeff.  I've no problem with tinnitus but on longer trips the sound of the wind passing my ears gives me some pain.

I suppose everyone’s experience will vary. I can tell you from riding a friends Valkyrie that has TBRs, the sound is very different. A completely different frequency. So is it pitch or volume that is causation? Who can say?  I know I sleep better without the howling after changing just pipes.

[Thunderbolt]

TBR's gave me a headache.  Took them off after one long ride.  Sorry Willow.  Chris I welded some freeze plugs on the baffles in my Cobra pipes and drilled a 9/16 hole in them.  Also wrapped the baffles eith some fiberglass and stainless steel wire holding the fiberglass.  I liked the Cobra's with that particular sound better than just the baffles or with the baffles out.  I only took the baffles out once when I knew I was going to a local bike night where all the "loud pipes save lives" folks were there.  They noticed.

[Chrisj CMA]

TBR's gave me a headache.  Took them off after one long ride.  Sorry Willow.  Chris I welded some freeze plugs on the baffles in my Cobra pipes and drilled a 9/16 hole in them.  Also wrapped the baffles eith some fiberglass and stainless steel wire holding the fiberglass.  I liked the Cobra's with that particular sound better than just the baffles or with the baffles out.  I only took the baffles out once when I knew I was going to a local bike night where all the "loud pipes save lives" folks were there.  They noticed.

Thank you. That idea I had not thought if. Drill my own hole. I like it!!!  Thanks again

[Skinhead]

As to tinnitus it's more likely to result from wind noise than pipe noise.

I'm curious as to any data backing up that claim.   You may be correct, maybe not.   ...

I would be moderately curious as to data contradicting my claim.  I ride with TBRs which are known to be loud.  I've ridden many more miles on my Valkyries than either Rams or Jeff.  I've no problem with tinnitus but on longer trips the sound of the wind passing my ears gives me some pain.

Some of Carl's bikes, don't have a windshield, which may result in increased wind noise, I'm not sure on this.  But I think tinnitus is caused by exposure to high decibel levels, regardless of the source.  I try to always wear hearing protection on the highway, and usually on back roads as well.  I don't have tinnitus, but do have trouble hearing voices in a situation with background noise.  I value my sense of hearing and wish to preserve it.  I'm not a fan of loud pipes.

[Chrisj CMA]

Good point Skinhead. Long distance on a Valkyrie that has no shield and an open face helmet would be a no go for me. In my youth I never had a windshield on a bike, didn’t see a need but I never traveled 400 miles a day either. 400 miles is my day ride comfort range with a windshield. Without it and additionally an open faced helmet and I would be miserable after the second tank of gas and yes hearing would be affected.