In the following link, http://www.ronayers.com/fiche/300_0271/muffler/muffler.cfm?man=su&groupid=715... if it is number 5 that you are referencing, even though it is called a connector it is in fact a large graphite impregnated gasket.

Thanks for your responses. I believe that you're right about the gasket being inside the muffler. I probably slipped the header back in without seeing it. The exhaust doesn't seem to be coming from the joint. Under the stock muffler there is an area that is covered with a plate with large holes in it. The exhaust seems to be coming from in there which led me to think there may be a small hole to let condensation drain. I sprayed some WD-40 and it ran out a small hole located toward the front of this plate, but I can't see up under the plate completely to see if that might in fact be a drainage hole directly on the muffler. Thanks again.

It doesn't seem to backfire more than it did. I just never had an occasion to notice the small amount of exhaust
coming from under the muffler. But again,  it seems to be coming from under the plate a few inches from the muffler-header joint. It would make sense to have some way for moisture to drain. Ride safe.