How to Remove Baffles From Harley Exhaust: The Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to remove the baffles from your Harley exhaust, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to do it. 

It’s not as difficult as it may seem – with a bit of patience and some essential tools, you can have it done in no time!

So, whether you’re looking for a louder exhaust sound or want to remove the baffles for performance reasons, follow along with this guide, and we’ll show you how it’s done.

how-to-take-baffles-out-of-harley-exhaust

Tools You’ll Need:

– Phillips head screwdriver

– Flathead screwdriver

– Ratchet and socket set

– Exhaust baffle removal tool (optional)

Removing Baffles From Exhaust Guide

  1. Remove the bit from your drill and attach the hole saw, which you may use with a hand drill or an electric one. An electric drill is ideal for this operation.
  2. Care to lubricate the exhaust pipes thoroughly with cutting oil or WD-40, covering all of them where the baffles are. To decrease the danger of accidents, keep the pipes coated with oil while working to avoid overheating.
  3. Cuts should be made above the chrome ring on each exhaust pipe, one at a time. Continue cutting until you’ve gone through the first and second layers of the pipe.
  4. To remove the baffles, grip the vice grips on each and twist them one at a time from the inside of your exhaust pipes. The baffle is the metal piece inside the pipes. If you’re having trouble removing the baffles with the vice grips, try using an exhaust baffle removal tool. You can find these online or at most auto parts stores.
Related Article -   Is Harley Davidson Maintenance Expensive?

Once the baffles are out, you’re done! That’s all there is to it. Now you can enjoy your new, louder exhaust sound. Just be sure to ride responsibly and don’t let the noise get too out of hand – you don’t want to annoy your neighbors or risk getting a ticket! Thanks for following along, and happy riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to some common questions about removing baffles from Harley exhausts.

How can I make my Harley exhaust sound deeper?

The deeper sound is the result of the increased airflow that comes with having no baffles in the system. So, if you’re looking for a louder exhaust sound that also has a deeper tone, removing the baffles is the way to go.

Is it legal to remove the baffles from my Harley exhaust?

In most cases, yes. However, it’s always best to check with your local laws and regulations before modifying your motorcycle.

Can I put the baffles back in my exhaust if I don’t like how it sounds without them?

Yes, you can. Just follow the steps in this guide in reverse order, and they’ll be back in no time.

What are the benefits of removing the baffles from my Harley exhaust?

There are a few benefits to removing the baffles from your Harley exhaust. One is that it will make your motorcycle louder. This can be great if you’re looking for a more aggressive sound. Another benefit is that it can slightly increase your motorcycle’s performance, as there will be less back pressure on the engine. Lastly, it can also save you some weight, as the baffles are typically reasonably heavy.

Related Article -   How to Update Harley Davidson GPS?

Will removing baffles hurt my Harley?

Removing the baffles from your Harley exhaust will not damage your motorcycle. However, it’s important to note that you may see a slight decrease in fuel economy after removing the baffles. This is because there is less back pressure on the engine, which can cause it to run slightly hotter and use more fuel.

Will I need to tune my Harley after removing the baffles?

In most cases, you will not need to tune your Harley after removing the baffles from the exhaust. However, if you have a carbureted motorcycle, you may need to re-jet the carburetor to compensate for the increased airflow. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic if you’re unsure how to do this.

Can you take the baffles out of a stock Harley exhaust?

In most cases, yes. However, some stock exhaust systems may be welded in place and not designed to be removed. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic if you’re unsure how to proceed.

I removed the baffles from my Harley, and now it backfires. What’s wrong?

If your Harley is backfiring after removing the baffles, it’s likely due to one of two things.
First, you may need to re-jet the carburetor if your motorcycle is carbureted.
Second, the backfiring may be caused by an exhaust leak. Inspect your exhaust system for any cracks or holes and repair them as necessary.

Final Words

Removing the baffles from your Harley exhaust is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with just a few tools. However, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic before modifying your motorcycle. Thanks for reading, and happy riding!

Related Article -   How Often to Change Motorcycle Oil: The Truth

By Jacob - The Rider

Hi, my name is Jacob. I'm the founder of Backyard Rider Mag - a blog about motorcycles. I've studied engineering in college but decided to make blogging my career because it really aligned with what I wanted to do creatively - talk about bikes! I've been riding for 16 years now- everything from sportbikes to cruisers, dirtbikes or even dual sports. And after all these years on the road, there are still new bikes that excite me just as much as when I first started riding.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *