Classic Wings

Doug and I are familiar with a shop that builds what most would consider custom mufflers. We going to be approaching them soon about repairing two GL1000 mufflers, and see if they're interested in doing a repair/replacement service. Their normal business is catering to aviation, so it may not fit their business plan. But, it might... Giving them some idea of the market for a stock-type (i.e., quiet and classic look) muffler would help.

Would a stock-type muffler be of interest to you?

How much would you be willing to pay for a bolt-on system that matches the bike (I'm discounting RANDAKK's report of turning down $2K for a genuine NOS Honda replacement he has)? By "matches", it probably won't be an exact match, in part because it would be made of stainless steel. But we're going to be asking about making sure it can be done "pretty close".

There is no guarantee that we can make this happen with this shop. And I know it's not going to be as inexpensive as some of the aftermarket systems are. But, you never know!

If it won't cost a fortune, count me in.

Bill~~

What I would would be interested in are brackets and exhaust manifolds that you could use with stock Harley Davidson mufflers. You can buy new Road King take-offs all day long on ebay for $25 a pair. The HD types have to have their 'life saving' loud pipes so there are plenty new mufflers out there. They may be a little louder than stock 'wing exhausts but you would have quality mufflers at an affordable price.

Hi, I would be interested in hearing more about the Harley mufflers also.

I would hope that replacement mufflers are an infrequent purchase, making the cheapness of HD mufflers a non-issue... And I've not been particularly impressed with the "quietness" of any factory Harley Davidson bike, since they push the limits of what the EPA will allow, to preserve that "patented Harley Davidson sound".

There are some vendors selling tube-type muffler systems (header pipes on out), so getting a "generic" system isn't the issue. Top Shelf Parts will sell you complete MAC systems for $330 to $350 + shipping, for example. But that changes the look and sound of the bike, for better or worse. It's certainly an inexpensive (relatively) way to go.

I must admit, the stock GL1000 muffler is a PITA to remove and replace, but it is quiet. And that's why we're looking at some way to fix or duplicate the system.

I would be interested in replacement exhaust, depending on the price, particularly if they are stainless.

I would be interested as well!

Better late than never!

There is an English company, Motad, that has introduced a stainless replacement exhaust for the GL1000/1100, that is $700 on eBay. The company importing them is only about 30 miles away from me. I'm thinking of going to take a look at it "soon", but the pictures look pretty good. Their web page describes it as being about the same volume as stock.