Drummer Exhaust, Noise Tickets, Drivability, and Open Intake Q&A's

[JWolk217]

I just purchased my first Buell last week- a 2007 xb12s. I am reading up on people's comments on different exhausts, different ECM's, and different intake systems- but I have a few questions for the experienced enthusiasts:

[1] I've only heard one exhaust on a xb12s, and it was the Drummer. It sounded nice. I don't like the idea of "trading in" my old muffler because I am in fear of "Fix-it-tickets". Has anyone dealt with this before?

[2] When replacing the muffler with a Drummer, I hear there is a tuning valve built into the exhaust which needs to be disconnected. Is this valve cable operated and where is the source of the cable lead?

[3] When replacing the exhaust, is it necessary to buy a Race ECM, or Powerizer, etc? I understand that the bike will not perform as well as it could without new air/fuel programming. But will the engine run poorly and foul out plugs if the Engine Controller is not modified? The reason I ask, is because I am interested in a louder sound, but not concerned on increasing horsepower. (if I wanted a faster bike, it would of been japanese)

[4] Can someone please describe what an Open Intake modification is? I can't find a post regarding what this is.

and lastly...

[5] Does anyone recommend who to purchase a Drummer Exhaust from?

- www.kdfab.com gives 2 options: Drummer SS which looks like it is all stainless steel($650), and the Drummer CF which looks to be carbon fiber($1200). With a price like that, you'd think they'd have a better web site!

- www.americansportbike.com sells the drummer exhaust too.

http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-prodshow/9086.html

The picture shows a black wrapped muffler with a polished tip. This Drummer costs much less at $395.00 + $250 refundable core charge. This exhaust (black with polished end) is what I want, but am scared to purchase it from the "middle man". Any comments?

Thank you to anyone who helps and contributes their knowledgable information.

[JWolk217]

p.s. I want TypeOne's black xb12s. Can someone please steal it for me? ;)

[LeFox]

[1] I've only heard one exhaust on a xb12s, and it was the Drummer. It sounded nice. I don't like the idea of "trading in" my old muffler because I am in fear of "Fix-it-tickets". Has anyone dealt with this before?
you could try buying an original of ebay, or sorts and send it for adjustments @ kdfab.


[2] When replacing the muffler with a Drummer, I hear there is a tuning valve built into the exhaust which needs to be disconnected. Is this valve cable operated and where is the source of the cable lead?
just disconnect the servomotor...
to make it easy for you to change from drummer to original, just bind the cable. no need to remove it.


[3] When replacing the exhaust, is it necessary to buy a Race ECM, or Powerizer, etc? I understand that the bike will not perform as well as it could without new air/fuel programming. But will the engine run poorly and foul out plugs if the Engine Controller is not modified? The reason I ask, is because I am interested in a louder sound, but not concerned on increasing horsepower. (if I wanted a faster bike, it would of been japanese)
the bike runs without these adjustments, but i wouldn't recommend it.
not only because of performance, but just for the health of your engine. running lean increases heat, which could be the cause of alot of engine problems.
i'm still for these mods, since every change in flow should done correctly.


[4] Can someone please describe what an Open Intake modification is? I can't find a post regarding what this is.
open airbox if easily explained, removing or opening the black airbox under your cover.
not only does that mean more air will get to the engine, but more importantly is that more 'fresh' air will help your engine cool = better burn = better performance = healthy engine.


[5] Does anyone recommend who to purchase a Drummer Exhaust from?
if you want the black with shiny tip, you want this one: oem-tuning (http://www.kdfab.com/drummer%20original.htm)
get it where you get the best price, with or without exchange exhaust.

[JWolk217]

I special ordered the Drummer slip on and the servo emulator from American Sportbike today. We'll see how it runs without any ECM mods, and then I'll decide if it's necessary later on.

[dans03firebolt]

Ok do what you need to do. The bike runs perfectly with the race ecm and the drummer. KDFAB pretty much built that muffler to run with the Buell Race ECM specifically.

[LeFox]

We'll see how it runs without any ECM mods, and then I'll decide if it's necessary later on
i just gave you the advice, the decision is yours...

[JWolk217]

I got a drummer in black. I am happy with the way it sounds. I don't feel like the bike runs any better or worse. I do not feel that a race ECM or other controller is necessary because the bike runs so smooth.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n15/JayBird217/IMG_0279.jpghttp://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n15/JayBird217/IMG_0273.jpg

[LeFox]

I do not feel that a race ECM or other controller is necessary because the bike runs so smooth.
you won't know unless you try...but hey, it's your engine ;)

[dans03firebolt]

For the air box I took a 3/8 drill bit and drill and drilled about 50 holes in my air box. I think that should make a nice difference in the way the bike runs.

[LeFox]

For the air box I took a 3/8 drill bit and drill and drilled about 50 holes in my air box. I think that should make a nice difference in the way the bike runs.
if he's not changing AF ratio, i would not recommend running changing the airfilter.

atleast with the muffler you can't force in more air than the filter allows [smirk]

[BuellPastor]

Bike looks great.

[dans03firebolt]

LeFox I have the complete Race kit on my bike already. A little more air isn't going to make a difference.

[EVLTWN]

What's that black canister behind the oil cooler?

[JWolk217]

The black canister behind the oil cooler is a Charcoal Canister. It's part of the emissions system mandated by the Smoggy state of California. Aint it pretty? NOT!!!!!! I haven't taken it off yet, because I'd have to bypass the emissions hoses that go to it. If I completely removed it and left the hoses hanging, my check engine light would surely illuminate. I'll get to it one day.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n15/JayBird217/IMG_0273.jpg

[strmvt]

So glad I don't live in cali tho I wish the weather was here in Oh like cali

[LeFox]

LeFox I have the complete Race kit on my bike already. A little more air isn't going to make a difference.
i ment JWolk217 ;)

[BuellPastor]

Which K&N should I get? This one?
http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-prodshow/9300.html

[BuellPastor]

I really like that black bike and the Drummer looks great. Yep, that emission can looks like crap.

[LeFox]

Which K&N should I get? This one?
http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/c ...
yep, that's the reusable one, wihch means you can clean and oil it yourself with this kit:
http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/media/ccp0/prodlg/5638.jpg
=> link (http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=5638&sid=7u31y44wb89w8z70kz0jdq123hwfyp77)

and for an even better result, combine the above with:
http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/media/ccp0/prodlg/9304.jpg
=> link (http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-prodshow/A9304.html)

;)

[BuellPastor]

Ok. I haven't removed muffler servo - is that the valve? I still have it since I have the econo drummer. So, do I need the Open Airbox Conversion Kit and the Catch Can too?

[LeFox]

the servo has nothing to do with the type of open airbox conversion.

with the conversion you'll get more air in, you do have to reset your ecm if it's a race.
if you don't have a race, i would buy one or better yet, adjust your stock one.


:)

[BuellPastor]

Do I need a catch can too?

[LeFox]

you don't if you don't you didn't reroute it...but it's recommended that you do reroute the breather for a better result ;)

[JWolk217]

So evidently the Drummer exhaust paint is not that durable.

I just completed my first oil change and had some oil spill on the engine. I used Brake Cleaner to spray it off (which I am a mechanic, and it cleans everything except clear coats) and the black paint on the muffler wiped right off!

Note: DO NOT USE BRAKE CLEANER ON DRUMMER MUFFLERS!

[LeFox]

get it ceramicly coated...it's much nicer and durable ;)

[mrdozer2you]

it cleans everything except clear coats

It's a hot solvent used in brake cleaner. Meaning that it will act like a paint stripper. So brake cleaner will damage most finishes. It may not be noticeable at first but over time it will damage almost any paint finish!!! Some finishes it will strip almost instantly....so be very very careful when using brake cleaner or trying any new type of cleaner that you are unfamiliar with
:)

[JWolk217]

I'm a mechanic, and I've used brake cleaner for 5 years on engine parts all the time. Plenty of painted parts. This has never happened. :(