What Does a Baffle Do on a Motorcycle?

Installing newly designed baffles in the motorbike exhaust is a new trend that everyone seems to love, and that’s why the question arises, what does a baffle do on a motorcycle?

A motorcycle baffle is a piece made of iron pipe or rod that goes into the exhaust system of a motorcycle. Its function is to either make the exhaust sound deeper or to reduce its volume, which helps to minimize any disturbances caused by the noise from the exhaust. By using well-designed baffles, it is possible to effectively lower the sound level of the exhaust by around 7 to 15 decibels (dB).

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned, so you can learn everything about the function of baffles on a motorcycle. 

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What Does a Baffle Do on a Motorcycle?

Installing baffles in the exhaust is a cool trend that everyone seems to like, and that’s why the question arises, what does a baffle do on a motorcycle? 

A motorbike baffle is a component made of iron pipe or rod that is installed in the motorcycle exhaust system. Its purpose is to either deepen the exhaust sound or reduce its loudness, minimizing disturbances caused by the exhaust noise. By incorporating well-designed baffles, it is possible to effectively decrease the exhaust sound level by approximately 7 to 15 decibels (dB).

Also, some specially designed baffles can make the back pressure effects, which can boost the engine performance and even boost the life of the engine. 

Are Baffles Effective for Motorcycles?

So far, you understand what baffles do on a motorcycle, but now the question arises, baffle effectively for motorcycles? 

Baffles are effective for motorcycles, especially for reducing the exhaust sound by 7-15 db and reducing the unnecessary exhaust sound, which can be extremely disturbing. However, some baffles aren’t much effective for generating back pressure, but almost all baffles are effective for reducing sound. 

So it’s all about motorcycle exhaust baffles, making them effective on the motorcycle. 

What if You Remove Baffles on a Motorcycle?

Indeed baffles are much more effective for reducing unnecessary exhaust sound; now, what if you remove baffles on a motorcycle? 

Suppose you remove the exhaust baffles on a motorcycle, then your motorbike will create unnecessary exhaust sounds, which can be disturbing to neighbors, even your motorbike can cross the limit of permitted exhaust sound, which is around 70-100 db in the US.

And that’s why it would be a bad idea to remove the baffles from the exhaust. 

How Does a Baffle Work on a Motorcycle?

So far, you understand that removing baffles can make the motorcycle have a loud exhaust sound; now the question arises, how does a baffling work on a motorcycle? 

Baffles on the exhaust make the air coming out from the engine come out slowly and steadily; the more the air comes out from the exhaust slowly and steadily, the less the exhaust will sound. Baffles do this by making the air pass from exhaust difficulty making the air come out slowly and steadily. 

Baffles come with holes that make the air from the engine pass slowly and steadily; the more holes, the better the baffle for a motorbike. 

The baffle’s hole size is crucial in making the exhaust effective, for example, if the baffle’s hole sizes are small, it will be far more effective than big hole baffles. 

It’s like a straining mechanism in which the small holes are much better than the stainer, which comes with big holes for starting pasta or macaroni from water. 

Additionally, the number of holes also impacts the baffles’ efficiency; for example, the larger the baffle, the more it will come with the holes making it more effective than small baffles. 

And that’s why experts always recommend going with the baffle, which is long and has more holes for better efficiency. 

Do Baffles Impact the Engine Performance? 

Indeed baffles work by regulating the air pressure; now the question arises, do baffles impact the engine performance? 

Baffles can impact engine performance by creating back air pressure; however, it’s not true for all baffles and motorcycle models, as all motorbikes don’t come with the same engine functionalities. Also, all baffles don’t have the same configuration to create appropriate back pressure. 

And that’s why it would always be best to go with the appropriate baffle models for better engine performance efficiency and deeper sound. 

Should You Remove Baffles Out from a Motorbike? 

So far, you understand that the baffles can impact engine performance; now the question arises, should you remove baffles from a motorbike? 

You shouldn’t remove baffles from the motorbike exhaust because doing this would cause the motorcycle to cause unnecessary sound, which can be extremely disturbing for people around you. Also, you’re liable for a penalty for crossing the minimum permit exhaust sound, which is around 70-100 db in many places across the state. 

And that’s why it would be a bad idea to remove the baffles from the motorbike exhaust, however, you can modify the sound of the motorbike by modifying the baffles and muffler. 

How to Change the Sound of Exhaust?  

Are you familiar with motorcycle exhaust baffles? If so, you might wonder how to change the sound of your exhaust. Since each bike’s exhaust differs in terms of length, circumference, and attachment, I’ll outline two methods to achieve the desired sound.

Method 1:

Removing the baffles Many motorcycles have baffles that can be removed to create a deeper exhaust sound. If your bike lacks baffles, I suggest trying the alternative method below.

Step 1: Locate the 10-inch nut situated at the end of the exhaust pipe or any other nut securing the baffles to the pipe.

Step 2: Once the nut is removed, use a screwdriver to push back and detach the baffles from the exhaust pipe. Alternatively, you can replace the baffles with a new muffler.

Method 2:

Modifying the muffler If the previous method doesn’t suit your bike, you can opt for this alternative.

Obtain a used muffler from a technician that produces the desired sound, or purchase a modified muffler if you prefer a non-technical approach.

However, if you’re technically inclined and want to save money, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Begin by unscrewing all the bolts to uninstall the muffler. Take note of the pipe’s length and circumference, as it will help determine the cut length.

Step 2: Using a small blade, cut around the outer edge of the pipe where it connects to the muffler, approximately 2 inches inside. Alternatively, twisting with pliers can facilitate a clean cut, allowing the tailpipe to be easily removed. This modification will result in a significantly deeper exhaust sound.

Remember to keep the original baffles in case you need to return them when selling your motorcycle. Additionally, consider purchasing exhaust wraps to mitigate the potential issue of engine overheating reported by some riders who have modified their mufflers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are baffles effective for motorcycles?

Baffles are effective for motorcycles, especially for reducing the exhaust sound by 7-15 db and reducing the unnecessary exhaust sound, which can be extremely disturbing. However, some baffles aren’t much effective for generating back pressure, but almost all baffles are effective for reducing sound. 

What if you remove baffles for a motorcycle?

Suppose you remove the exhaust baffles on a motorcycle, then your motorbike will create unnecessary exhaust sounds, which can be disturbing to neighbors, even your motorbike can cross the limit of permitted exhaust sound, which is around 70-100 db in the US.

How do baffles work for motorcycles?

Baffles on the exhaust make the air coming out from the engine come out slowly and steadily; the more the air comes out from the exhaust slowly and steadily, the less the exhaust will sound. Baffles do this by making the air pass from exhaust difficulty making the air come out slowly and steadily. 

Do baffles impact the engine performance?

Baffles can impact engine performance by creating back air pressure; however, it’s not true for all baffles and motorcycle models, as all motorbikes don’t come with the same engine functionalities. Also, all baffles don’t have the same configuration to create appropriate back pressure. 

Should you remove the baffles from the motorbike?

You shouldn’t remove baffles from the motorbike exhaust because doing this would cause the motorcycle to cause unnecessary sound, which can be extremely disturbing for people around you. Also, you’re liable for a penalty for crossing the minimum permit exhaust sound, which is around 70-100 db in many places across the state. 

Final Verdict: 

What does a baffle do on a motorcycle? A motorbike baffle is a component made of iron pipe or rod that is installed in the motorcycle exhaust system. Its purpose is to either deepen the exhaust sound or reduce its loudness, minimizing disturbances caused by the exhaust noise. By incorporating well-designed baffles, it is possible to effectively decrease the exhaust sound level by approximately 7 to 15 decibels (dB).

I’ve also mentioned how you can make the exhaust sound great by following some modifications.