[Jkeuch23]

Hey y’all, I recently posted on here about my 81 CB900C. Good news is she finally runs and other than a minor intake leak at the boot there seems to be no issues! Now, this being my first motorcycle and all I am just wondering if I should purchase a new exhaust system for it to make it louder, or for now maybe just take the baffles out? Any recommendations on a nice exhaust are definitely welcome!

 

[Tobacco Road]

Most upgrade their exhaust for an increase in power. I wouldn't waste time with the baffles. Find a nice 4 into 1 exhaust, that should give you what you want. Don't forget, you'll probably have to rejet the carbs to take advantage of the exhaust. Vance & Hines are just one of the many I found in a quick search. About 250.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

If you just want to make it loud, take the baffles out. But you may have to rejet the carbs as removing the baffles also removes the backpressure.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

One of the easiest things to do with a bike, especially a Honda, is make more noise, and less power. Removing the baffles will achieve that. A good set of pipes, 4 into 1 as suggested, can increase the volume a bit, and make a bit more power. Some jetting changes might be required.

I run a 79 XS1100 Yamaha. This bike runs well with some brands of 4 into 1, but sounds like it wants to blow up with other brands.
So do some research and find out what pipes work best for your bike.

UK

 

[OldVet66]

Delkevic USA makes two 4-1 Stainless Steel systems for that bike and they are far better than than V&H. I have a system on my bike, used to have a V&H https://delkevic.com/complete-systems/honda/1981-models/cb900c/

 

[Tobacco Road]

One of the easiest things to do with a bike, especially a Honda, is make more noise, and less power. Removing the baffles will achieve that. A good set of pipes, 4 into 1 as suggested, can increase the volume a bit, and make a bit more power. Some jetting changes might be required.

I run a 79 XS1100 Yamaha. This bike runs well with some brands of 4 into 1, but sounds like it wants to blow up with other brands.
So do some research and find out what pipes work best for your bike.

UK

Could not agree more UK.

 

[Tobacco Road]

Delkevic USA makes two 4-1 Stainless Steel systems for that bike and they are far better than than V&H. I have a system on my bike, used to have a V&H https://delkevic.com/complete-systems/honda/1981-models/cb900c/

Exactly how is the Delkevic 4 into 1 system "far better" than the Vance and Hines? And how did you reach that conclusion, dyno comparison? Just asking...

 

[OldVet66]

Seat of the pants direct comparison. It makes much more power at top end and the sound tone makes it much easier to tune than with my V&H. This is with the full baffle set in place. At 6,500 RPM at wide opened throttle It pleasantly kicks you in the ass. :grin: Never happened with the Vance & Hines. We have a world record holder drag bike racer down here. He looked it over at his shop and told me it was running as good as it could with factory carburetors. He had a GS1000 back in the day. I'll take his word for it.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

OV mentions stainless steel pipes.
If you intend to keep your bike, there will come a time when the pipe supply dwindles. SS pipes should last longer.
Long term strategy may involve building your own pipes, and or having some spare sets.

I am keeping a set of Jardine pipes for a pattern.
Another thought. Some pipes may interfere with removing the oil filter.

UK

 

[mike721]

Most of the time just taking out the baffles makes an annoying loud racket and costs power. A well designed exhaust system can sound really good and add power, but costs money.
Choose wisely.

Personally I hate noise, I know I'm in the minority with riders but my bikes are quiet and I like it that way. If I want to make noise I use the horn.

 

[Tobacco Road]

OV mentions stainless steel pipes.
If you intend to keep your bike, there will come a time when the pipe supply dwindles. SS pipes should last longer.
Long term strategy may involve building your own pipes, and or having some spare sets.

I am keeping a set of Jardine pipes for a pattern.
Another thought. Some pipes may interfere with removing the oil filter.

UK

Excellent point UK. Many years ago when I had an 1100 Suzuki L model I put a set of pipes on it. Not sure but I believe they were Yoshimura. I was too dumb at the time to realize I couldn't get the oil filter off without unbolting the pipes. A real pain in the butt.

 

[OldVet66]

If one can judge by the set of pipes I bought for my bike, Delkevic designs each set with that in mind. It's not exactly a walk in the park, but my Vance an Hines wasn't either. I did not have to remove either set of pipes to get at the oil filter. After a few times you get the hang of it even if you wish you had a third hand at times. lain:

 

[Jkeuch23]

Awesome! Thanks for all the replies guys, it’s really helping me out and making me look forward to working on my motorcycle! I’ll definitely look into some SS pipes as I would like them to last longer since I plan on doing a good amount of tear down/ rebuild over this upcoming winter! I now have what seems to be a relay issue since my right turn signal doesn’t work front or back but the left does now. I’ll make a post about that if I can’t figure it out! Again, thanks a lot!!

 

[Critter]

Check the bulbs first, a burned out bulb can cause that issue

 

[Jkeuch23]

Check the bulbs first, a burned out bulb can cause that issue

Thanks for the tip! The previous owner installed an LED strip into the frame so I think I may have to just swap it out if that’s the case. There’s no separate bulb in there for turn signals since it’s integrated into the strip. It doesn’t even make the tick noise you normally hear but just on the right side.

 

[Offcenter]

Most of the time just taking out the baffles makes an annoying loud racket and costs power. A well designed exhaust system can sound really good and add power, but costs money.
Choose wisely.

Personally I hate noise, I know I'm in the minority with riders but my bikes are quiet and I like it that way. If I want to make noise I use the horn.

I'm with Mike. Just leave the baffles in and keep it quiet instead of pissing
off everyone around you.
Why do you want it louder?
Oh! I know!
"Look at me! Look at MEEE!"