Exhaust Drone ... not so rare

[Phantom]

:tools1:

I have been curious about this drone problem for a while. Never had it myself.

In the past few weeks I have spoken with 3 other Goldwing owners that have installed the Torque Loopz.
One had installed the Alley Katz exhaust, another had the Vance & Hines Monsters and the third had a set of Cobra slip-ons.
Apparently the drone problem is not that rare, all 3 owners experienced the drone between 50-70mph and usually more evident while cruising between 3000-3500 RPM's. Their problem went away once they installed the Torque Loopz ... the dreaded drone disappeared.

None of these Owners reside in California where this "solution" may not be allowed.
One believes that he has gained 2-3 miles per gallon on fuel economy since the install of the Torque Loopz.

So for those of you with the Exhaust DRONE at higher speeds, you may want to try adding this device (where Legal). How will the removal of the Catalytic Converters effect your warranty??? I don't know, so modify at your own risk.:icon_cool: Worth giving a try :shrug: They cost around $350 +/-

Here is a review under the Vance & Hines from about 7 weeks ago (11-2-13) ,
just scroll down until you come to the reviews ...
http://wingstuff.com/products/33221-monster-slip-on-mufflers-fit-gl1800-gold-wing


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unAc-iOYM9A

[chipmaker]

Man, throw in the price of Loopz and install on top of pipes, it starts getting pretty pricy for some extra noise...

Someone should make a crap load of different (affordable) tips, I think they would make a bunch of money. Just enough change in the appearance, but no drama...

[Scotrod]

As I mentioned before, it's a 'got to want it' type of mod.

Even if the loops were given out 'free', the install alone is no real 'walk in the park'. Getting it all put together where everything fits perfectly w/o any leaks, everything aligned like OEM,,,, Eh, it's not really a guaranteed 'once and done' type of adventure, especially for a first-timer who may not have a fully-equipped shop,,,

Some will want it bad enough to buy/install 'em. Some will want it bad enough to buy and pay someone else to install 'em.

Me? I just don't 'want it' bad enough...

For those that do, it would be nice if someone could post a sound clip,,,

Anybody???????????

[bobbyf6b]

Man, throw in the price of Loopz and install on top of pipes, it starts getting pretty pricy for some extra noise...

Someone should make a crap load of different (affordable) tips, I think they would make a bunch of money. Just enough change in the appearance, but no drama...

I agree. I want some fishtails! :icon_mrgreen:

[opas ride]

I agree with those are concerned about costs and install issues with after market solutions..As I said on earlier posts, I can live with the drone for now until I really have a better chance to test it next spring..I still have the stocks and will go back to them before I start spending more money for a little different look and sounds...My dealer installed Cobra's were $900+bucks and I liked the look and will keep them for now....Might try the front baffle cut out on the stocks that was mentioned on this board by another member.....

[Scotrod]

When folks mention the blocking of the crossover, I can't help but get a visual of using a grinder w/cut-off wheel and creating a slot in the crossover from the underneath side. (Pipes still on bike)

Slot would be 'across' the pipe and approx. 1/2 the way through. Insert a metal disc into the slot and,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

and,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

We used to be able to weld on vehicles safely if certain electrical items were disconnected first,,,

Does anybody know for sure what has to be disconnected on a Wing before arc welding can occur??? Is it even possible? What about 'old school' gas welding/brazing? :shrug: (I'm no welder, so I can only 'guess' at what might or might not be possible)

Or,,,,, if the slot/disc had a tight fit,,,, would a band clamp work???

[Phantom]

When folks mention the blocking of the crossover, I can't help but get a visual of using a grinder w/cut-off wheel and creating a slot in the crossover from the underneath side. (Pipes still on bike)

Slot would be 'across' the pipe and approx. 1/2 the way through. Insert a metal disc into the slot and,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

and,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

We used to be able to weld on vehicles safely if certain electrical items were disconnected first,,,

Does anybody know for sure what has to be disconnected on a Wing before arc welding can occur??? Is it even possible? What about 'old school' gas welding/brazing? :shrug: (I'm no welder, so I can only 'guess' at what might or might not be possible)

Or,,,,, if the slot/disc had a tight fit,,,, would a band clamp work???

Scottrod..... Do you or anyone else know what the temperature is across this pipe?

As an experiment you could separate the cross over pipe, wipe the inside clean on one side, get a quarter (25 Cents) and drill a hole in the center of the quarter, place a 1 inch screw in the center of the quarter so you can use the screw as a small handle, hold the quarter in place vertically and secure it by applying a generous amount of Permatex HIGH-Temp silicone to seal the pipe, this silicone is made to withstand temperatures up to 650*. Allow it to cure. Once cured you can either leave the screw in place or just remove the screw and fill the hole with a glob of the silicone. Reconnect the pipes, no cutting or welding on the OEM pipes is necessary. After test rides, if this does not work for you the reversal processes is not that complicated, just use a small razor blade to cut out the blocking quarter and the exhaust is back to stock.

Those of you with the DRONE in your exhaust ... you may want to seal this crossover pipe with the method described above and see if this helps. A Tube of Permatex® High-Temp Red RTV Silicone can be purchased at any Auto parts store for $7.00 - $9.00. Your total cost for this test is less than $10 and a couple of hours of your time. Again this silicone will work if the temperatures inside this cross-over pipe does not exceed 650 degrees.

Here is a product that can handle up to 2000 degrees for less than $20. I states that it seals metal-to-metal (I would probably use a few dabs of this material ) ....
http://www.efireplacestore.com/rut-64c.html

[Bruce B]

Does anyone know, for certain, what exhaust system tinkering may do to the warranty?

[Phantom]

Does anyone know, for certain, what exhaust system tinkering may do to the warranty?


Bruce,

Over the years I have read many posts about modifications that could void a warranty, electrical mods, Car Tires, exhaust mods and I have yet to ever read a confirmation that HONDA has voided a warranty. My guess is that it will depend on the relationship that you have with your dealership. I know that some dealers will not work on Wings that have car tires and other dealers don't care. If your mod is reversible then try it. I like my bikes to perform as designed by the factory, that is a personal preference. I like the Quiet exhaust tone from these engines.

[Smallyy]

Scottrod..... Do you or anyone else know what the temperature is across this pipe?

As an experiment you could separate the cross over pipe, wipe the inside clean on one side, get a quarter (25 Cents) and drill a hole in the center of the quarter, place a 1 inch screw in the center of the quarter so you can use the screw as a small handle, hold the quarter in place vertically and secure it by applying a generous amount of Permatex HIGH-Temp silicone to seal the pipe, this silicone is made to withstand temperatures up to 650*. Allow it to cure. Once cured you can either leave the screw in place or just remove the screw and fill the hole with a glob of the silicone. Reconnect the pipes, no cutting or welding on the OEM pipes is necessary. After test rides, if this does not work for you the reversal processes is not that complicated, just use a small razor blade to cut out the blocking quarter and the exhaust is back to stock.

Those of you with the DRONE in your exhaust ... you may want to seal this crossover pipe with the method described above and see if this helps. A Tube of Permatex® High-Temp Red RTV Silicone can be purchased at any Auto parts store for $7.00 - $9.00. Your total cost for this test is less than $10 and a couple of hours of your time. Again this silicone will work if the temperatures inside this cross-over pipe does not exceed 650 degrees.

Here is a product that can handle up to 2000 degrees for less than $20. I states that it seals metal-to-metal (I would probably use a few dabs of this material ) ....
http://www.efireplacestore.com/rut-64c.html

You won't be able to separate the crossover and do this without removing the full exhaust system.
Maybe you could push a big plug of silicone in the crossover from the muffler end on both sides?

[GONRDN]

I like my bikes to perform as designed by the factory, that is a personal preference. I like the Quiet exhaust tone from these engines.


+1..!!!

[1951vbs]

Scottrod..... Do you or anyone else know what the temperature is across this pipe?

Those of you with the DRONE in your exhaust ... you may want to seal this crossover pipe with the method described above and see if this helps. A Tube of Permatex® High-Temp Red RTV Silicone can be purchased at any Auto parts store for $7.00 - $9.00. Your total cost for this test is less than $10 and a couple of hours of your time. Again this silicone will work if the temperatures inside this cross-over pipe does not exceed 650 degrees.

Here is a product that can handle up to 2000 degrees for less than $20. I states that it seals metal-to-metal (I would probably use a few dabs of this material ) ....
http://www.efireplacestore.com/rut-64c.html

The crossover pipe is in close proximity to the catalytic converters so you could expect the temperature to be 700-900 degrees F.

Phantom also wrote: "So for those of you with the Exhaust DRONE at higher speeds, you may want to try adding this device (where Legal). How will the removal of the Catalytic Converters effect your warranty??? I don't know, so modify at your own risk. Worth giving a try"

It has been illegal (in all states) to eliminate (tamper with) pollution control equipment (like catalytic converters) on any vehicle since 1980. However this does not stop people from doing it, especially on motorcycles. The reason is at this time no other state than California enforces the rule.

If a modification of the XO would eliminate the drone issue and allow you to retain the CATS it would probably be more EPA compliant but the fact the exhaust makes more noise than stock probably violates the EPA noise limits anyway.

Until there is some kind of enforcement "off road only" solutions will still be the norm. For now do what makes you happy.

[Scotrod]

The CATS do put out a lot of heat,,, Can't remember what the application was, but I believe they 'fired off' starting at around 600 F and increased in temp from there.

I was trying to think of how the X-over might be corked w/o exhaust removal. Just doesn't seem like a lot of fun to pull all that stuff off,,, :icon_frown:

Interestingly enough, I think it will be the noise levels, not the actual emissions, that may eventually put the kibosh on aftermarket pipes / cause the existing laws to be enforced.

FWIW, I'm not mentally 'in sync' with exhaust sounds other than V-8's and/or single-pin twins,,, The cadence of a 6, regardless of how many wheels (or propellers) it has,,, just doesn't stir my soul,,,, :duck:

[Hook]

I like my new $6.00!! Yes $6.00 pipes!!! and that was for the VHT paint:f2:and your $900.00 pipes:banghead:
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m250/hooksup2/0418131910_zps24144d18.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/hooksup2/media/0418131910_zps24144d18.jpg.html)
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m250/hooksup2/0418131825_zpsf9ae81b5.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/hooksup2/media/0418131825_zpsf9ae81b5.jpg.html)
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m250/hooksup2/0418131824_zpse7ab4d6e.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/hooksup2/media/0418131824_zpse7ab4d6e.jpg.html)
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m250/hooksup2/0418131910a_zps19bb00a0.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/hooksup2/media/0418131910a_zps19bb00a0.jpg.html)

[Deer Slayer]

I like my new $6.00!! Yes $6.00 pipes!!! and that was for the VHT paint:f2:and your $900.00 pipes:banghead:
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m250/hooksup2/0418131910_zps24144d18.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/hooksup2/media/0418131910_zps24144d18.jpg.html)
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m250/hooksup2/0418131825_zpsf9ae81b5.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/hooksup2/media/0418131825_zpsf9ae81b5.jpg.html)
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m250/hooksup2/0418131824_zpse7ab4d6e.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/hooksup2/media/0418131824_zpse7ab4d6e.jpg.html)
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m250/hooksup2/0418131910a_zps19bb00a0.jpg (http://s106.photobucket.com/user/hooksup2/media/0418131910a_zps19bb00a0.jpg.html)

Bigger holes? 'all/right' :yikes: