Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: DonB on January 07, 2012, 08:50:51 PM

Title: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: DonB on January 07, 2012, 08:50:51 PM
What is the quietest after market pipe for the C14?
I have the V&H CsOne and do not think I am going to be able to live with the sound. I think it is the best looking after market pipe but looks is not everything.
seem someone said area P or Leo Vance was one of the quietest ones.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: ZG on January 07, 2012, 08:53:29 PM
The Leo's have an insert that makes it quieter I believe, haven't had one for my Connie but for my VFR they had the removable inserts...
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: Pokey on January 07, 2012, 08:54:21 PM
Probably the Leo for all around quiet and mellow, the Area P is nice at idle...........very quiet at cruising speeds......and screams when wailing on the throttle! The Muzzy is real similar to the Area P, both are almost perfect IMHO.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: MrPepsi on January 07, 2012, 09:00:08 PM
V&H sells an insert for the CSOne as well.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: wally_games on January 07, 2012, 10:54:38 PM
V&H sells an insert for the CSOne as well.

I have the Leo and love it, but if I had the CSOne and didn't care for the sound, I'd first invest in an insert before switching exhausts.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: Son of Pappy on January 07, 2012, 11:19:30 PM
Probably the Leo for all around quiet and mellow, the Area P is nice at idle...........very quiet at cruising speeds......and screams when wailing on the throttle! The Muzzy is real similar to the Area P, both are almost perfect IMHO.
The AreaP does it for me, I think the muzzy is a close second, TwoBros are quite obnoxious accross the power band.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: olie on January 07, 2012, 11:25:14 PM
Remus with insert... so far the best I have seen! Expensive but top quality!
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: DonB on January 08, 2012, 08:06:00 AM
mine has an insert but I will check to see if they make one that does even more for quiet. if not then It looks like the Leo wins for quiet or back to stock
thanks for the info
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: ljcorby on January 08, 2012, 08:19:41 AM
I will have the 1 and 5/8 insert for my CSOne either Monday or Tuesday.  I will report back and let everyone know how it works out. 

V&H sells an insert for the CSOne as well.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: SimonSaysDie on January 08, 2012, 08:21:35 AM
I have the Leo and love it, both looks and sound.  Don't know if these will help or not but...

Stock:

C14 Stock Exhaust (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNHxrm7Y3DY#)

Leo with insert:

C14 with LeoVince exhaust (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abbykpeFaWU#)
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: rtarp1 on January 08, 2012, 08:40:08 AM
The V&H sounds great!   turn your hearing aid down.  :)
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: DonB on January 08, 2012, 08:45:41 AM
The V&H sounds great! 

that's what my neighbor says about his hardly
but he is wrong
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: coastalconnie on January 08, 2012, 09:40:25 AM
I use to think my V&H was too loud but now after almost three years, it's either mellowed out or I've gotten use to its tone. Funny thing is, it really doesn't make all that much noise until you romp on it.  Either way I would keep it on for awhile, as long your neighbors don't complain. Mine haven't and I live on a cul-de-sac.

btw: I have the quiet insert but went back to the stock insert. Much preferred the deeper tone

btw: That Leo Vince sounds just as quiet as the stock can. Makes you wonder why Kawasaki didn't use something much smaller in the first place.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: DonB on January 08, 2012, 09:55:55 AM
sounds like a Leo is in my future
thanks to all for the good info
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: SimonSaysDie on January 08, 2012, 10:12:54 AM
On my previous bike (a cruiser), I went for loud (not because of the delusion that it saves lives), but because it fit that bike.  However, when I got the Leo for the C14, I wasn't looking for louder as much as I was looking to drop 20 unsightly pounds and get a better tone; I think the Leo does that on both accounts.  Unfortunately, I don't have a video of the Leo with the insert removed, but if you want louder, it comes out with a screw.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: wally_games on January 08, 2012, 03:37:00 PM
Right after I got it, I rode without the insert in my Leo on a trip to Arkansas. The sound was great, but it did have a little decel pop that I really just didn't care for. It wasn't obnoxious, but just not what I wanted. So, I put the insert back in when I got home and have left it there ever since. I like the sound and contrary to previous reports, it is NOT as quiet as the stocker. It has a really nice, mellow sound and it speaks out when you get hard on the throttle.

I made some comparison videos with my iPhone and posted on YouTube. Not sure if the mic on the iPhone adjusted the volume, but here they are.

Insert removed:
MVI_1686.AVI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQA34kfw9i8#)

Insert installed:
MVI_1681.AVI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgOJLkNXWwk#)

The Leo is more expensive than the TBR and the V&H, but less than the Remus. The TBR and V&H do not come standard with an insert, the LV does, and I beleive the Remus does.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: DonB on January 08, 2012, 03:44:29 PM
Sounds like my V&H with an insert is louder than your Leo without an insert
I am going to take the V&H off , go back to stock and save toward a Leo. I am not real wild about the looks of the Leo but the sound is what I am looking for.
thanks much
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: wally_games on January 08, 2012, 04:13:12 PM
Sounds like my V&H with an insert is louder than your Leo without an insert
I am going to take the V&H off , go back to stock and save toward a Leo. I am not real wild about the looks of the Leo but the sound is what I am looking for.
thanks much

Have you looked at the all-Titanium version rather than the carbon fiber? The Leo may not as pretty to some as the other exhausts, but it's a ton smaller and lighter.

The V&H was my original first choice, but I always knew that I would be using an insert in that exhaust if I bought it. After it was backordered when I was ready to buy, I looked at the price difference (when adding the V&H insert) and went ahead and bought the Leo. I'm very glad that I did. (I also liked the look of the Remus, but chose the Leo and applied the difference to a Corbin seat.)
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 08, 2012, 05:05:18 PM
The stock pipe is pretty quiet.  No decel pop that you can hear.   I'm not so sure I understand wanting quiet with an after market pipe unless you're going for looks or something...

The problem with all this is that 'noise or loudness'  for one may not be for another.  You need to ride a bike with one of these at idle and at speed to see that you can live with it or not.  We've had a few members use one pipe or another and then have to go back to stock cause the sound got to be irritating at speed.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: Pokey on January 08, 2012, 05:10:03 PM
The stock pipe is pretty quiet.  No decel pop that you can hear.   I'm not so sure I understand wanting quiet with an after market pipe unless you're going for looks or something...

I literally can barely hear my Area P at highway or interstate speeds, unless I roll on the throttle or crack it open. The stocker is big, heavy and totally hideous, and makes this wicked engine sound like a Tecumseh powered lawnmower.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: coastalconnie on January 08, 2012, 05:18:35 PM
The TBR and V&H do not come standard with an insert, the LV does, and I beleive the Remus does.

The V&H DOES come standard with an insert. They also sell another insert for folks who want it a little more mellow.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 08, 2012, 05:27:31 PM
I literally can barely hear my Area P at highway or interstate speeds, unless I roll on the throttle or crack it open. The stocker is big, heavy and totally hideous, and makes this wicked engine sound like a Tecumseh powered lawnmower.

And I love it....
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: gnuse on January 08, 2012, 05:34:39 PM
The stock pipe is pretty quiet.  No decel pop that you can hear.   I'm not so sure I understand wanting quiet with an after market pipe unless you're going for looks or something...

It seems some of us think the stock pipe is ugly, heavy, etc...........so sound is not the reason for replacement.  ;) I think you got the reason!
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 08, 2012, 05:36:59 PM
Totally understand...
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: ZedHed on January 08, 2012, 05:44:27 PM
The stock pipe is pretty quiet.  No decel pop that you can hear.   I'm not so sure I understand wanting quiet with an after market pipe unless you're going for looks or something...


Weight, size, and looks of the OEM anchor.  Loudness is the downside of aftermarket. I have TB pipe with the small insert and it is perfect.  OEM quiet at idle and a little snarl under accel.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: Pokey on January 08, 2012, 06:00:10 PM
Totally understand...

Sure.........you do!!!!! :rotflmao:
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 08, 2012, 06:02:48 PM
You're a nitwit, you know that don't you?
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: curly on January 08, 2012, 06:47:35 PM
I've had the Leo and the Muzzy on my '09. The Leo was definetly the quieter of the two. Both were fine around town when rpms were varied but on long trips the droning of both of them at sustained rpm got to me after awhile. So I sold them and went back to the stocker. Sure it's big and ugly but it sure is quiet.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: wally_games on January 08, 2012, 06:54:31 PM
The V&H DOES come standard with an insert. They also sell another insert for folks who want it a little more mellow.

Interesting, didn't know that. It's not what I was told by two well known vendors, only that inserts were "available". Also, the V&H website says that they're "sound insert capable", not that one is included.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: wally_games on January 08, 2012, 06:56:37 PM
I've had the Leo and the Muzzy on my '09. The Leo was definetly the quieter of the two. Both were fine around town when rpms were varied but on long trips the droning of both of them at sustained rpm got to me after awhile. So I sold them and went back to the stocker. Sure it's big and ugly but it sure is quiet.

Just curious; what windshield are you running and if that makes a difference on how much you could hear the aftermarket exhausts?
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: ZG on January 08, 2012, 07:21:04 PM
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/idea.gif)
Turn up the tunes on your Scala G4 and you won't hear the aftermarket pipe...
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: Pokey on January 08, 2012, 07:41:46 PM
You're a nitwit, you know that don't you?

Yup! :nuts:
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: ljcorby on January 09, 2012, 10:32:29 AM
Ok all, have installed the 1 and 5/8 insert in the CSOne and it seems quite a bit quieter, although not as quiet as stock.  Just started it in the garage but haven't gotten a chance to take it out on the road.  Will let you know when I do.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: Pokey on January 09, 2012, 12:32:06 PM
Ok all, have installed the 1 and 5/8 insert in the CSOne and it seems quite a bit quieter, although not as quiet as stock.  Just started it in the garage but haven't gotten a chance to take it out on the road.  Will let you know when I do.

Of course it still isnt as quiet as stock.....and that is a very good thing.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 09, 2012, 01:27:51 PM
You need to take it on a 300 mile trip to see if it isn't going to bother you long term.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: Pokey on January 09, 2012, 02:30:41 PM
You need to take it on a 300 mile trip to see if it isn't going to bother you long term.

I know you aint talkin to me!!!!!!!! :battle:
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 09, 2012, 02:47:17 PM
Maybe...have you got out of your subdivision yet?
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: Pokey on January 10, 2012, 12:22:37 PM
Maybe...have you got out of your subdivision yet?

Oh most certainly, and the Area P really is barely noticeable at cruising speeds.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: curly on January 10, 2012, 12:39:29 PM
Just curious; what windshield are you running and if that makes a difference on how much you could hear the aftermarket exhausts?

I suppose it could. I run a Cal-Sci large.
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 10, 2012, 01:02:31 PM
Oh most certainly, and the Area P really is barely noticeable at cruising speeds.

 :) :thumbs:
Title: Re: quiet aftermarket pipe C14
Post by: maxtog on January 10, 2012, 04:34:54 PM
And I love it....

+1, me too.  Stock all the way.  Sounds fine, looks fine, costs me nothing.  :)