wrd17 wrote on 11/02/08 at 10:34:10:thanks to everybody for the input. i am running an open pipe that extends about 3 feet from the end of the header. its just a truck exhaust tip welded on but actually looks pretty good. just a lot of bluing. I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be hurting the engine. i have just heard a few different things and wanted to get some input. thanks for the help.
I looked at a Vance & Hines tip: about $50.
Got the one I have at Pep Boys for $6.95. Looks just as good, and my husband had fun using the SawsAll to cut away the unused portion of the original hanger. Darn that thing cuts fast!!! We hammered it on with a rubber hammer for a really tight fit, and then installed two screws and lock washers under the pipe so they don't show. Four thousand miles later and there is no leak, and they are still secure. The predecessors of our Savages (British Singles) were run without baffles, and with no problems until the government Beureaucrats got involved in designing motorcycles. Our carbs are much better than the ones those old Brit bikes had, so I very much doubt that a fire is much of a danger in case of a backfire on starting. If you're running unbaffled, I know you already appreciate the performance difference that an open filter and an open pipe can give.
When somebody complains about the noise (usually couched as a joke), I usually take the time to explain to them that it is primarily a safety issue with me. I used to be cut off in traffic AT LEAST once or twice a week. SOmetimes it was once or twice a day! Now it is once or twice a month. No matter what other people say, I am going with my personal experience on this. I don't have to kiss up to an exhaust manufacturer to get ad revenues like I see some writers do in the MC mags. For $6.95 and 15 minutes of work, I have an exhaust system that makes my bike truly sound like the 1948 Norton 500 Single that shows up here locally on Sundays, and has reliability that he can only dream of.
By the way, the chrome on the side of my tank reads "Roadqueen". My little dig at the Harleys who show up there. Those guys get a kick out of that. Or so they say...