Drilled vs baffle removal

I know this topic is covered a lot but there seem to be differing points of view and I wanted to see if I could get a few clear answers.

My stock exhaust purrs like a kitten and having come from a stubby viper can on a zx9r I really need a bit more volume. Loud pipes save lives is very true as this is what I usually use on cars trying to cut me up instead of the horn.

I have a fuel injected VZ800 Intruder. If I drill the end plates but don't knock through the middle plates will this give me a decent volume increase?

Or do I remove the baffles completely until I can afford to sort out a good set of aftermarket pipes?

I see a lot of opinions about installing a controller if removing baffles as you're changing back pressure and air flow and will cause the bike to run too lean which will then cause a significant drop in performance. Is this the case or will this be ok as long as the air filter isn't changed as well?

I have all the tools to do either mod but not the cash to purchase new pipes having only just laid out for the bike.

Hi, I've got the m800 and I've drilled (4) 15mm holes in each back plate, I've also pierced baffle plates (2) in each pipe using a pointed 20mm steel bar, to me she sounds great, no need for tuning box provided you don't alter air filter/intake.

Thanks that's good to know. I'll drill first as I don't have spiked rod. From what I've read the drilled holes will add volume and piercing the baffle plates will add depth. Did you try one without the other?

Hit a rod down the center, great sound & doesn't look messed with. Drilling holes is fine & some like it but just whack the pole down the middle for a really good sound, don't bother drilling the end plates.

Yes, go down the middle for a deeper sound and as Dave says, it doesn't show. I did the backplate holes but thought it looked a bit naff! Debaffle is good but the pipe may look a bit 'hacked' unless you finish it off properly. Back pressure should be fine unless you remove the plates completely. I ran mine with most of the middle gone, just the cat left. The plugs were spot on. You can get a really good sound using stock modded pipes. If I had another Intruder I would probably debaffle using hole saws and fit nice circular trims to make the pipes look 'professional'. Or I would bang down the middle though 2 plates. I would not drill the back plate...been there, did not like the look.

Hi clonglands, yes I experimented with hole sizes first but piercing the baffles is the way to go, if you're ever around the West Mids (Dudley), pop in and I'll do the baffles for you,

rod strait down the middle gives a far better sound imo  I used 22mm and as Dave says it also looks untampered with but gives a nice throaty sound deffo the way to go and the best way to start then if she still isn't loud enough you can always add the holes to the end plate

I was behind Petetesch today on a ride out, he rodded his pipes. Sounds bloody good.

Mr Intruder wrote:

I was behind Petetesch today on a ride out, he rodded his pipes. Sounds bloody good.

 Sounds nice and rumbly.

Question if I may?

I have a K & N air filter, would I need to add anything if I rodded the pipes???
Probably been asked before but I thought I'd ask ok.

Rule of thumb Peter is, as follows with no adjustments needed:
Air intake on its own.  
Exhaust on its own.
Air intake and exhaust together. Adjustment now required to air/fuel mix.

I think you'd get away with just rodding and different air filter as your standard exhaust is still so full of shite jmo

Mr Intruder wrote:

I was behind Petetesch today on a ride out, he rodded his pipes. Sounds bloody good.

must of been a site for sore eyes him rodding his pipes good to know I'm not the only one who's vocal though

fat intruder wrote:

I think you'd get away with just rodding and different air filter as your standard exhaust is still so full of shite jmo

It could be full of cotton wool & fairy farts, it makes no difference. The fact remains, you will of given the exhaust gases a direct unobstructed route out, if it is rodded. It isn't wise to have a high flow air intake and fast flowing exhaust without refueling.

Mr Intruder wrote:

fat intruder wrote:

I think you'd get away with just rodding and different air filter as your standard exhaust is still so full of shite jmo

It could be full of cotton wool & fairy farts, it makes no difference. The fact remains, you will of given the exhaust gases a direct unobstructed route out, if it is rodded. It isn't wise to have a high flow air intake and fast flowing exhaust without refueling.

  Lean to begin with, filter 'or' pipe takes it to the limit, both will push the boundaries, for the price of a basic FI module or jet kit? it's just not worth damaging your engine.

Yes, rod down the middle, Chrissie noticed the difference straight away. Not too loud but a lot deeper sound. I just about got away with that one. Tee Hee!!

petetesch wrote:

Yes, rod down the middle, Chrissie noticed the difference straight away. Not too loud but a lot deeper sound. I just about got away with that one. Tee Hee!!

You are talking about exhausts here Pete?  

She does like a change or an enhancement Sim.

Rodded stock pipes sound good 

I have done the spike through the baffles mod on my 97 VZ800 and it's a wee bit louder now and has a bit of a deeper sound with a nice bark when I open the throttle. How much louder would it be if I drilled the end plates?

I have watched a few videos on youtube but the sound quality from the cameras used just doesn't do much to help differentiate between the sound during the various stages.

Harry, start off with small holes and as you increase the hole size you will notice the difference, I ended up with 15mm x 4 in each can, start about 5mm and you will know when its right for you, , you could even start with just 2 holes in each can,

With Sting, I drilled out the centre 2 plates then 5 holes, started at 5mm and stopped at 8mm, go up slowly and take her for a ride that way you will know when the sound is right for you