So, after running my bike with the Emgo Shorty, I decided that as much as I loved the sound, it was just a tad too loud. My mission is to muffle it by 10 to 15% only.
First thing I did was take off the Shorty muffler from my bike.
The end cap is screwed on by three screws. Unscrew those and then try to pull the end off. I couldn't pull it off with my hands. I finally used the end of a wooden hammer. I stuck it in the end there and gently pried it off. Was actually easy this way.
Next comes the baffle itself. This thing does not want to come out easily. But if you stick a screw driven in the narrow end, and then rest it on the little edge of the baffle, then hammer it hard a few times, the baffle comes loose.
Here's what it looked like when I pulled it out! This is a brand new muffler, ridden one time!
Next I decided I'd experiment with adding something to the baffle, to perhaps create a little more back pressure, and maybe dampen the sound just a little. I read somewhere else that people have put sink crumb catchers on the ends with mild success. I went for the huge stainless washer ( way cheaper ) and I spaced it out with nuts and washers. Air can flow around the side and through the middle. If it needs more flow, I can either drill holes in the washer, or I can space it out more. Or I can just remove it and the holes will stay patched by the bolts.
Next I picked up some proper material from a local bike shop. Was only 6.95 for the pro stuff. Then I wrapped it up with tape first, and then wire ( removed the tape ).
Now just work it back into the muffler, being careful to push the wire through the inner lip. Takes some patience.
Tip: Wear gloves when handling the fiberglass stuff.
And there you have it. A properly packed muffler! Now to get it on the bike and determine if it has actually lowered the volume or not.
Stay tuned...