I was sitting out back staring at the bikes and plotting how I could use them in my evil plot to overthrow the free world, when something struck me...




The muffler on the '87 People Eater is different from the one on the '88 parts bike.  One has rivets, the other has screws.  Deciding that this required further investigation, I got out my official Savage tool, the much beloved 10mm socket, and started turning bolts until this popped out...



Hmmmm...
Peering about furtively but intently, I realized that no one was near enough to stop me from inserting the key and turning it just a little bit.  I did so, and was rewarded with a most satisfying sound.  No longer did my Savage sound like a puny little lawn tractor!  Nope, it sounded like a huge, gigantic, MIGHTY LAWN TRACTOR!

Alright, enough creative writing.  Actually, I was surprised to find that this little canister is apparently the only noise dampening feature of the huge muffler on the Savage.  Only about 1/2 of it has any fiberglass in it.  I left it out and ran the bike down the road.  It sounds pretty darn good.  Substantially louder than with the stuffing in, but not obnoxious.  And not "tinny" like I would have guessed.  It has a pretty nice, deep sound.  

Question:  Other than poor running or bluing pipes, which I'll be able to notice shortly, is there anything to watch out for running the bike this way?  Something I won't pick up on until the piston comes through the head and makes me a soprano?  If not, I believe I'll saw the tube off and just screw the plate back on to keep out the fur-bearing beasties that inhabit my area.

I couldn't find a Dyna take-off at the local Harley shop, but this ain't so bad anyway.

  I'm sure thats not stock mine goes up in there about 12 inches before it hits a plate,take a flashlight and look up your wifes muffler,on her bike.Or the other muffler you have there.

Right you are, Bill.  There is a plate up in there, with about a one inch hole in it.  I guess that will provide back pressure, eh?  I wonder what is on the other side of that little bugger?

I still don't understand this exhaust stuff thoroughly.  1/2 the guys around here are trying to enlarge their exhaust ports for better flow.  The other half worry about having enough restriction.

The whole thing has me, ummm... baffled.

All well, I thought it was funny, sorry guess my mind is in the gutter tonight.

I suggest doing whatever it takes to make it loud enough for your closest neighbors to hear when you are leaving so they can go too.  Other than that suggestion I would only cause you more grief.  

Thanks for the intro Sandy K.  I am convinced to buy an S40 or S50.  I just have to find one or at least find a helpful salesman which I am having a lot of trouble with.
I guess I will go properly introduce myself in the cafe intro section.

What have you done to that bikes exhaust now??  I hope you plan on taking the box of leftover pieces with you when you go to Philipsburg.  Ha Ha.

OK!  Thanks!  This is the kind of stuff I want to hear.  It helps me decide.  Couple more opinions like that and I will get an S40.   Not too many available though.  Even brand new they are 4 weeks before the shops get them in.  Around here anyway.  
The Honda Shadow's were really heavy for me and the seat is too short.  I am pretty light.