Bitch-ass loud is my first gut reaction. That's exactly what I wanted, as drivers in NYC keep trying to kill me by turning into my lane, cutting me off, etc. I wanted people to have more... ahem... 'situational awareness' of my bike.

I set my first car alarm off just idling the bike right after I put them on. That's a good indication. I will say that after riding 50 odd miles on Saturday I'll probably never go without ear plugs again, but they are SWEET to listen to. I feel like a better rider just because of the sound!

As to the note, it's deeper and a little less refined. Stock pipes are obviously 'tuned' to some degree at the point of manufacture to ensure a 'Ducati' exhaust note. You'll lose a little bit of that 'music', and gain a shitload of volume.

FYI, I did the full job. No half measures for me.

Another benefit is a buttload of weight savings, I'd guess at least ten pounds if not more. There seems to be a modest increase in power, probably about a horsepower or two that shows up at different places in the RPM range. Both the weight and power combine for a slightly noticable more responsive throttle.

Additionally, the typical 'cough' that happens around 3500-4000 rpm has moved slightly up the RPM band to around 39-4200 rpm. My interpretation is that this is a 'lean' spot on the fuel injection mapping for emissions reasons. I'm having my chip 'flashed' by BCM this week, which hopefully will cure that issue.

The best thing about the whole thing is the price. $150! Yes I would love to have a thousand dollar pair of CF slip ons, no I don't have the dosh for that and a new kitchen right now. And I have to say... I kinda like the stock look. Call me crazy.

Final conclusion? It's a win-win situation. If you don't like 'em, go get a pair of hi-mount SILs from BCM (on sale, last I heard). You can always find replacement stock exhausts on e-bay for pennies on the dollar if you're totally disatisfied, which you won't be.

Cheers,

Joe Grant
FYI Ed, this is me... did you ask for my handle? And 8 degrees F. is no reason not to ride, people. Just put anti-freeze on your visor before you walk outside!