[CruiseAbout]

How did the "Quiet baffles" work out? Nice choice on the 1300 btw.

 

[alarmguy]

How did the "Quiet baffles" work out? Nice choice on the 1300 btw.

Thanks!
I let you know about the quiet baffles, I messed up that post!
Today (Thursday) the Memphis Shades lowers came, Friday, the baffles are due to arrive. Assuming they get here Friday, I am unsure when I will have the time to put them in but will let you know when I do, could be a few days.

Anyway, todays delivery!

Oh my, Memphis Shades lowers really work. I am a bit surprised, they are not all that large but REALLY do the job, these are my first impressions, got home from work, package was waiting for me, put them on and either I got very lucky in the way I mounted them or my thoughts on how they should be mounted were correct.
We will see, need to get it on the interstate BUT, without question, there is a DRASTIC difference in the way the bike handles and god, buffeting is gone! I mean, just FANTASTIC.
In fact, I noticed I was doing 70 MPH and forgot to shift into 5th gear, was so smooth I wasnt feeling the speed, did a quick run up to 80MPH and still no buffeting. I guess, if they were even larger I would feel no wind at all. But I need some air and they work great, boy, you need air here in SC today, temps been running 99 to 103 during the day and right now, Thursday night at 9:30 its still 84. My wife noticed a huge difference with the wind on the back of the bike as well. Anyway, those lowers, worked out far better then I expected and need to take a photo to show what I did considering I didnt know the first thing about where to put them, except my own reasoning, which sometimes is unconventional! *L* (yet that maybe good)

Anyway, very happy with the lowers so far, need a real good run to really make sure, yet, almost scares me, I mean how fast should I go to test them? I know there good up to 80 right now!

Anyway, once I am all set up, maybe need to make another run to the mountains, or the coast, or .. or ... or ... Ill figure it out.

 

[alarmguy]

Alarmguy , Just a little tip . Even though you are set for oil filters for a while , you can pick up Supertech oil filters for the Vstar at Walmart for under $3 each . They are actually a good rated filter. I believe the number is #7317, but check their filter book at the auto department.

Oh man... I forgot, Yamaha is not a dedicated filter like the C50? ...
Yes, Supertech are good filters, use them on my boat. Some have quite a bit of filter material, others just ok, thanks for the reminder but yes, you are correct I am set for a while! I am sure they have to be the same size or larger of the rather smallish Bike Master I got in today. Tommorrow with the baffles I have 3 emgos coming. ummm ... wont need filters for a while. *L*
Got the new Memphis Shades lowers on this evening, seem to work GREAT, as posted in another post.

 

[jkosmo]

Enjoy!!! I've had my eyes on that bike for a couple of years and might get one someday.

 

[cali-c50]

nice ride, looks like it will do what you want.

 

[mongoslow]

if those cobras have many miles on them you may have to work at getting the baffles out, just remeber to keep your cool and keep wigglin and shaking them until the carbon buildup breaks loose, leave the hammer in the tool box :twisted:

 

[alarmguy]

How did the "Quiet baffles" work out? Nice choice on the 1300 btw.

Baffles worked out great. I think they need to change the name though!
Ummm ... "Quiet Core" ? I THINK NOT! *L*
But they did do what they advertise, a 3 to 5 decibel reduction in sound.
I already knew, for every 3 decibels in reduction of ANY sound that is about the level a human ear can just tell a difference. More or less, the quiet core baffles from Cobra do reduce the "edge" off the sound and reduce it a little, but to call it quiet? NOT AT ALL! *L*

Thats ok, I didnt want them too quiet, maybe 3 more decibels!?!?
Anyway, after driving a while, I decided the sound is about right, I feel now I can drive through my community and not annoy people and makes cruising more pleasant. I still love the sound, the change is not all that large but it is there, a little reduction, just about right. But not quiet!
Let me also say, the Cobra speedsters are nice pipes and would not hesitate to recommend them, even with the stock baffles, if you like loud, they are loud but its a really nice crisp sound. I would describe it as AWESOME! With the Quiet Core baffles that sound is pretty much preserved, just slightly less, yet, kind of crisp still.

Mongoslow! You were correct, wow, what a pain in the *** getting them out, what I thought would take me 15 minutes turned into hours to get the stock baffles out! But, yes, kept my cool, sprayed WD-40 in there, left it a while, then just kept wiggling and overtime they finally slid all the way out.
But man, wow, it took a long time. I used a cotter pin puller and slid it into the bolt on the inside of the baffle, keep moving it around and sliding it little by little back and forth. Finally they slid all the way out, again, hours of time though. Well worth it!

As a little side note that you may have guessed, as carbon builds up it will quiet just a little bit more. Carbon helps to muffle.

I used lock tight on the bolts that I put back in.
I am glad I got them, have no intention at this time of replacing the exhaust back to stock like I thought I might.

 

[CruiseAbout]

Baffles worked out great. I think they need to change the name though!
Ummm ... "Quiet Core" ? I THINK NOT! *L*
.

Thanks, I also ordered and installed the "quiet baffles" and totally agree, they take the edge off but thats about it.

 

[alarmguy]

Thanks, I also ordered and installed the "quiet baffles" and totally agree, they take the edge off but thats about it.

I took the baffles out ... but I do have a solution, one that I feel works way better, no matter what others say as far as how long it will last.

I posted the instructions on another forum I think. I will look for it and when I find it I will repost.
I am now using the stock Cobra Speedster Baffles pretty much a straight through pipe. I found the Quiet Core Baffles resonated brutally through my helmet and my wifes helmet, two different helmets. Though now I have a v star 1300 so do not know if that is an issue for you.

Anyway... I wrapped the original Cobra baffle with fiberglass. I found the perfect fiberglass to wrap it with, nice and thin because you do not have much space for anything else.
I bought the Fiberglass in the Plumbing Dept of Lowes. Its called Frost King, Hot and Cold Pipe Insulation. Man what a difference.
But let me explain, the resonating was so brutal I PREFERRED the original baffles just to get rid of the resonating in exchange for more noise. But the fiberglass REALLY lowered the tone to a low rumble, except when you twist the throttle on that baby!

 

[CruiseAbout]

Anyway... I wrapped the original Cobra baffle with fiberglass. I found the perfect fiberglass to wrap it with, nice and thin because you do not have much space for anything else. QUOTE]

I had wrapped the stock baffles with "pink" fiberglass and at first was impressed.. but they burned out within a couple of days. Just ordered some better wrap from bikebandit and will rewrap the stockers and see how it works out. May cut the "quiets" up and weld part to the stock baffles to see how quiet yet deep sounding i can get it. At least now the wife and i are riding without getting the eardrums blown out.

 

[Midnight]

Congrats on the bike, and safe riding. I had a two-week 3000 mile trip and saw the limitations of my black beauty Vol. My riding needs are much like yours. I too would be concerned about getting an 800-900 lb bike and the Vstar 1300 seemed to me to be a great middle-ground. I'm glad you are so happy with it. Enjoy!

 

[Gambit]

Nice ride !

 

[alarmguy]

Anyway... I wrapped the original Cobra baffle with fiberglass. I found the perfect fiberglass to wrap it with, nice and thin because you do not have much space for anything else. QUOTE]

I had wrapped the stock baffles with "pink" fiberglass and at first was impressed.. but they burned out within a couple of days. Just ordered some better wrap from bikebandit and will rewrap the stockers and see how it works out. May cut the "quiets" up and weld part to the stock baffles to see how quiet yet deep sounding i can get it. At least now the wife and i are riding without getting the eardrums blown out.

Ok, let me know how you make out. I was thinking of modifying the quiet cores too. I was also was thinking of trying the Smartpartz Quiet Baffles. At the same time I do not want to keep spending money on them!
I just hate the thought of quieting the bike down through exhaust restriction but we will see.

I am leaving shortly for a solo run up to Maggie Valley NC ... smoky mountains again. Did Tail of the Dragon with my past C50 last month, stayed at that time in Robbinsville NC. C-50 Bike performed beautifully.
It really is a great bike, one that served me VERY well.

I hope the V-Star 1300 does as well. I am a little leary being I bought this V Star with 6,300 miles and have only done 700 miles since buying it. I guess if any issues they will turn up this trip. God I hope not! Wish me luck ...

 

[alarmguy]

Thanks midnight - gambit,
yes, the V-Star really hums along on the interstate real nice, nice tall gearing.
So far I love the bike and power, comfort too for both me and my wife. It came with the Mustang seats and also had them on the C50. Will never own a bike without Mustang.
Like anything, I dont look forward to real LONG runs on interstates and will avoid them if a nice rural road is available. Simply because no matter what bike all the turbulence from other cars and trucks can ruin the ride. Yet, this bike is new to me and yes, more comfortable on longer interstate runs but you always will have that turbulence.
This trip I will be on the interstate for a pretty good run, considering my past anyway.

 

[cjd3060]

The 1300 touring and the 1300 deluxe are such great looking bikes. I really like the way they look.

Wondering two things--

1. From a practical standpoint, how much heavery / bulkier do you think the 1300 feels compared to the Volusia?

2. I know the performance must be significantly improved. Would you say it is in a whole different class, or just an incremental increase?

 

[alarmguy]

The 1300 touring and the 1300 deluxe are such great looking bikes. I really like the way they look.

Wondering two things--
1. From a practical standpoint, how much heavery / bulkier do you think the 1300 feels compared to the Volusia?
2. I know the performance must be significantly improved. Would you say it is in a whole different class, or just an incremental increase?

Good questions, if you notice my last post in this thread it was 2 years ago! My answer is as best I can remember.
I am now into my third summer with the 1300. The bike has been rock solid and have racked up close to 9000 miles since that post. I have not had ANY issues with the bike at all, NOTHING, no problems. ZERO, not one.
I am due to do my first valve check this year at 16,000 miles. Right now I have 15k.
No repairs have been needed, except usual stuff, new set of tires and just got a set of rear brake pads that I will install this weekend.
This bike has been so good to me that I would hesitate to purchase another (more on that later) because I dont think I can be as happy as an all around bike. In fact I know any bike I purchase in the future I am going to give up some of what this bike offers, which is the perfect balance of weight without giving up to much of the sporty feeling.

1. How much heavier? Well, there is added weight, I think 725 LBS wet.
Does it feel it? No, maybe for the first week 2 years ago I noticed it and before I bought it, I was VERY concerned about getting a bike that would be a bear to move around, park the wrong direction etc. Its a non issue. The only way you feel it is a slightly plush ride. I complimented someplace the c50 will feel more sporty, it has to, its light more nimble, a great bike.
The 1300 with more weight is planted on the road, gives you a more stable ride on the super slabs, windy days, you wont get pushed around by semi's as much. Even at slow speeds, riding two up without doubt the more heavy bike, to my surprise seems to stay upright easier when 2 up at crawling speeds.
As with anything you adjust and over time, I can say I mastered this bike and find it more stable and easy to handle, even two up with my wife then I did the c50, simply, again, depending on how you look at it, bumps, ruts etc, your planted on the road with the 1300. I can now lean into banks like I never did but that maybe because I have now been riding for a longer period of time.
I never have pulled into a parking space I could not get out of but you will feel the weight more when pushing it with your feet but nothing you dont get used to real fast.

2. Performance - Yes, I would have to say a whole different class.
But even that is subjective, a whole different class because it is a more heavy bike, more planted on the road, gets blown around less, has taller gearing, I feel the power is awesome, my wife loves it 2up for comfort.
The trade off is a less nimble sporty feeling. Call it a compromise between the 1700 cc class and the 800 to 900 class. Yamaha hit the nail on the head with this one because that is exactly that. A bit more weight, a bit more plush, bit more power, much higher gearing, at the expense of a bit less nimble.

Last and final. Its funny how you get used to things, I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a compromise between the 800 and 1700 class of bikes without any hesitation. Its that good. I did look at the deluxe close up the other day, Im still partial to the Tourer version, but many love the Deluxe. My personal feeling is they are trying to do to much with the bike, but that is my personal feeling and that could change one day who knows. I feel Yamaha's fairings in general are more like after thoughts then something built with the bike, but again, just the way I feel right now.

(ok remember way up at the start of this post I said more on "that later"?)
Well, when I got the 1300 I told my wife, "this is it" , will never have another need for a different bike and I kind of still feel that way but then I got the itch and started looking at Road Kings, discounted the Road King, I have more room (and I think the same power range) on my 1300.

Then seriously thought about the Stratoliner S (the one with the windshield, not the fairing, though fairing is possible too) supposed to be a GREAT bike but if I was to upgrade I think I want that 6th gear and the Strat doesnt have one, also the fuel tank is on the small side and dont think I could give up both of them if I was to get another bike.

Then just two weeks ago, I sat on and saw my first Victory Cross Roads. it was love at first sight! Got the 6th gear, almost a 6 gal tank, super nice seats, plenty of room for the wife and priced REALLY well for a used 2011.
I DOUBT very much I will buy one in the next year or two, if ever. But I got to say, it really impressed me. My concerns with the 1700 class are, HEAT from the engine in my hot climate, no water cooling and with Victory very limited dealer support in my state. I would be stuck with one dealer in my area unless I road over 1.5 hours to another.
I know I will be giving up yet more nimble feeling with the 1700 Victory, yet super nice super slab cruiser with a 6th gear, yet around town I am afraid I will get toasted by the heat. I also dont expect it to be as reliable as my 1300 either and that is when the dealer network might bother me.
I am also truly afraid I might be disappointed compared to my 1300.

Anyway, you only live once and I might want to know what its like with a much loved 1700 class cruiser that everyone loves as much as every one loves the 1300 tourer as they do the C-50. All for different reasons and they are all valid.
Anyway, I am not buying another bike, right? Na .. even though I will take my wife by the Victory dealer this weekend when we drop my daughter at college.
The 1300 has REALLY made me enjoy the interstates around here, its so effortless and stable for a bike inbetween the 800 and 1700. Down side is I find myself going faster and faster on those interstates and I hear the Vic XR will make me even more so. I did two trips to the NC mountains on the 1300 and it was just fantastic as it is around town.

I do wish for that 6th gear when the speedo hits an indicated 82 to 85 which is a true 75 to 77. At 85 (77GPS speed) indicated the 1300 is turning about 3800 rpm which is just fine but my mind says I should be shifting into 6th gear and lumber along at more like 3400 rpm. At these speeds you will feel the effects of semi's and truck more but much better then the C50 and I am sure the Victory with its weight of over 800 lbs the effects even less, like everything, there is no one bike for everything.
I kind of know I am sticking with my 1300, even though the thought of the weight of a Victory 1700 no longer bothers me, I am concerned about heat and dealer network for benefit of an extra gear and killer looks, I think I am nuts sometimes, but Im not buying a new bike and sticking with my 1300 forever, right? Well, we will see but think, think I am coming to my senses for now or the next year anyway.

Crap! this was some long post!

 

[danimal]

alarmguy said it all, but just to add a couple cents, my wife has been nothing but happy with her 1300 Tourer. I don't ride it much, but compared to her Vulcan 1500, it really is a nicer bike. Smoother, which is hard to believe because the 1500 was a smooth bike. Better fit and finish. More power, even with the smaller engine, and her 1500 had pc/intake/pipes and was dyno'd. It's definitely a nice bike to have in the garage when I want to do the cruiser thing for a ride.

We replaced the front fork springs with some progressives. Added a different windshield because the stock was too tall, different handlebars to make the reach better for her, Mustang seat, light bar, highway bars/pegs, luggage rack, rear bag guards and some chrome doo dads. It's a great looking bike.

 

[Polovision]

Congrats on the new ride. More CCs are always better.

 

[moenko]

You got yourself an extremely well-built and reliable ride, just like danimal mentioned. Congratulations !!!!

The Stratoliner with 113 ci (1854 cc) is, naturally, more powerful and torquey, but your SOHV engine runs smoother and quieter than the push-rod OHV design on the Strat. I think you will be very happy with the 1300 engine for quite a while!

 

[danimal]

You got yourself an extremely well-built and reliable ride, just like danimal mentioned. Congratulations !!!!

The Stratoliner with 113 ci (1854 cc) is, naturally, more powerful and torquey, but your SOHV engine runs smoother and quieter than the push-rod OHV design on the Strat. I think you will be very happy with the 1300 engine for quite a while!

I imagine the fuel economy is a lot different too. My wife has had mid to upper 40's as her average.