Boy did you hit the nail right on the head!!!!
I had the Cobra Six-2-Six blacked out exhaust installed when I purchased my bike new. On the way down to Baltimore, Glen Bernie PowerSports, the mechanics called and informed me that the bike sounded awesome. But, if I wanted it to sound even more "aggressive" they could remove the baffles. I had him on speaker, and my brother was driving, so I immediately mimic the Mexican banditos in Humphrey Bogart's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre = "Baffles!?! We don't need no stinking baffles!!!"
I honestly don't believe this bike could have sounded any better. I even bought a Porsche wheel emblem and stuck it on the back. As a matter of fact, an old school Harley rider, during Delmarva Bike Week in Ocean City MD, told me that my bike sounded like a Lamborghini. (I had to omit all the expletives he used for this public forum.)
Unfortunately, after adding my Klock Werks windshield and Mustang seat the drone became unbearable around 2500-3000 RPMs. I don't think it was really that noticeable after installing the windshield; although the "clean air bubble" did make the stereo seem much clearer and louder and thus some amount of noticeable reverberation was added. But, when I installed the Mustang saddle, at the Delmarva Bike Week, and dropped down just that little inch, the drone was undeniable. Sure I could power thru it by avoiding the 2500-3000 RPM band. But not at highway speeds. Driving back home to Philly I was trapped on the highway doing 65 to 70 MPH right in that power band for hours. It was Brutal! My ears felt like they were bleeding after a couple of hours of non-stop riding. I even took off my full-face helmet at one point to find some relief.
The next weekend I made the three hour "ride of shame" back to Glen Bernie PowerSports to have the baffles put back in. Their service department reinstalled them for free and even offered uplifting stories relating to bad performance car exhaust experiences. True professionals!
Fortunately, there is absolutely no noticeable drone now with my bike as it is setup. I still get plenty of compliments about its "race car" sound and the six shooters sticking out the back attract plenty of attention even when the bike is simply parked. I would certainly recommend the Cobra Six-2-Six exhaust to anybody who asks me. I would even recommend trying them without the baffles = BUT = make sure you have the ability to quickly replace them.
Just installed Torq Loopz and black TBR's. Install not too bad, just getting shields back in place the hardest part. I took the advice of others on the site and put two gaskets end to end on each pipe which completely fills the fitting on the Torq Loopz plus leaves a little sticking out the end. Cranked the barrel clamps down to 27 NM and no leaks. Sounds great, no decal popping or any problems. This setup is not loud, and at cruising speed barely noticeable, and when you let off the throttle, just as quiet as stock. Great setup!
Tbone--We have the same setup and like you, I couldn't be happier . Many complain of leaks with the Loopz, sometimes occurring immediately and sometimes taking a little time to show up. That's why I believe you were wise to double up on the short gaskets provided and I assume you also used some type of exhaust fittings sealer. We should not expect to have any leaks now or ever.
Ken (Hornblower)
After my first Loopz installation that was a total failure , I went with the double gaskets and coated the gaskets with exhaust joint compound. Needless to say, I wasn't taking any more chances. I believe the most important joint, with regard to exhaust leakage, is the incoming joint to the Loopz. For the angled pipe going into TBR, I believe the supplied Permatex anti-seize compound is sufficient.
Ken (Hornblower)
Brocks Performance slip ons:
Attachment 19784Attachment 19785
2013 Honda F6B #374 (darksided)
2004 Honda NRX1800 RUNE #274
2008 Can Am Spyder #21 (basically factory darksided. )
1989 Kawasaki KZ1000 Police
1992 Yamaha FJ1200
I have to agree, when installing a more free flowing exhaust, to get more HP and torque you should add more fuel and possibly tweek timing settings. Also air intake has a lot to do with adding performance. They all work in unison together. More air in, add fuel and expel exhaust faster. This is basically how more power is made. Sometimes dyno results forget to mention other factors that were used to achieve favorable results. Pipes alone could do just the opposite and hinder peformance
Video clips and write up on experiences are in the video section