Intake noise - can it be silenced?

[Glaserbeam]

My engine, airbox & air filter, and exhaust are stock, with tri-tips in which I've placed some packing to attenuate the droning sound at highway speeds.  I always ride with earplugs to reduce wind noise.  It seems that intake roar is the loudest sound on the bike - if I'm on the throttle at constant speed it's fairly loud (my batwing fairing probably amplifies it, and I've lined the fairing with felt to minimize the effect), and if I back off the throttle it's quiet.  Is there a way to reduce intake noise without messing up performance?
 
Thanks.

Ken, in sunny (and fiery) southern California.

[Pete]

You need to know if it is the air box or the carbs making the noise.

If carbs then you will need a silencing effect, or something to absorb the noise.

If it is the air box, it is usually the intake horn, you try enlarging it.

[98valk]

the air intake air box is already a noise reduction EPA device. curved intake tubes, long air path to filter and location of the intake opening.
A full face helmet acts like a megaphone when in the upright riding position.
use at least ear plugs with 33NRR. Everybody's ears are slightly more sensitive to different frequencies than another due to the bone structure of the ear area. so some ear plugs work better for some than others.  for me the best has been The Max
http://www.howardleight.com/earplugs/max

good reads
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/nonoise-earplugs-i-like-em.969243/

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/the-big-ear-plug-experiment.1171774/

[Firefighter]

Guess I'm lucky as I don't hear any noise like that. I have the gear noise when I accelerate and some road noise from the front tire. I under coated my front fender and fuel tank to help quite those. Nice exhaust tone and stereo.

Is your airbox and lid straight, filter clean? Never read of this trouble.

[98valk]

My engine, airbox & air filter, and exhaust are stock, with tri-tips in which I've placed some packing to attenuate the droning sound at highway speeds.  I always ride with earplugs to reduce wind noise.  It seems that intake roar is the loudest sound on the bike - if I'm on the throttle at constant speed it's fairly loud (my batwing fairing probably amplifies it, and I've lined the fairing with felt to minimize the effect), and if I back off the throttle it's quiet.  Is there a way to reduce intake noise without messing up performance?
 
Thanks.

Ken, in sunny (and fiery) southern California.

if the stock oem exhaust is droning good chance the EPA baffles were drilled.

[gordonv]

My engine, airbox & air filter, and exhaust are stock, with tri-tips in which I've placed some packing to attenuate the droning sound at highway speeds. 
(snip)

if the stock oem exhaust is droning good chance the EPA baffles were drilled.

I was thinking the piggies have been cut, therefor the droning, along with packing. But the OP mentions tri tips.

[Bighead]

Ride it and quit bitchin

[John Schmidt]

Ride it and quit bitchin

+1 And FWIW, I've ridden many a Valkyrie and have yet to hear any intake noise such as described. Wondering if you're hearing something else since these bikes aren't prone to do that.

[Blackduck]

Opening the air intake will make more noise and require re-jetting.
OS bikes (IE: Australia ) have a 4" x 4" x 3/8 foam pad in the intake tract to reduce noise, but again going this route will require re-jetting to 78 mains.
I have a very modified inlet and it only roars under hard throttle, cruising it is not noticeable.
Cheers Steve

[Hook#3287]

Ride it and quit bitchin

 
I love that sound!

[Hooter]

I don't hear that type of noise. Ya, when you get on it , it makes all kind of lets go noises.    If it makes that much noise it makes me wonder if the air box is properly seated or the filter cover is tight?

[longrider]

As others have said the air box should make very little noise    I do hear mine at high rpm under full throttle.  I wonder if the tubes inside are facing the correct way.   They can be turned if the po wasn't careful.  They do have an indexing tab   And the lid installed correctly

[specialdose]

Ride it and quit bitchin

 
I love that sound       

    So do I. Sounds like a Holley when I twist her. Running a K&N without the foam.

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

Ride it and quit bitchin

 
I love that sound       

    So do I. Sounds like a Holley when I twist her. Running a K&N without the foam.

Love the sound too!!!!

[2KVISRiderDan]

Love the sound of the Dragon taking a deep breath before saying good bye to the V-Twins!!