Honda Shadow exhaust mods

Making some mods to the Shadow, new seat and a better exhaust note.

[@trustno1342]

Good sharp 3/8 drill bit is the way I went. I drilled 3 holes in the welded in "plate" Changed the tone to a deeper sound without giving up all of the needed back pressure that the engine needs to run efficiently No retune needed

[@jacksonwalks]

Do you have a picture anywhere on the internet I’d like to see it or even better a video. I’m considering doing this to my vt1100c

[@danimal9775]

Excellent before and after comparisons ! I use to have that bike but I got bit by the must have bigger bike thing , in hind site , the shadow was all I needed .

[@vade6retro6alter6ego]

M E 🤣🤣🤣

[@smartmandakota]

I just really appreciate the editing quality of this video. Most exhaust mod videos have what seems 30 minutes between an after clip. Love how he explains it, then reassess the before clips prior to the after clips.

[@lanzotv]

this is a REALLY good video for Shadow owners... thanks for putting it up on KZbin...

[@chriselliott.4996]

No its horrible video and bad advice on baffles

[@DaroriDerEinzige]

@@chriselliott.4996 I mean, why didn't he simple put some steel pipes on it and sold his original exhaust pipes via eBay? Basically, he simple has now two empty steel pipes on it which is maybe legal in the USA or whatever, but yeah ...

[@Plissken84]

It’s cheap and it sounds better than with the baffles in, what don’t you get?

[@serenityinsilence]

Sounds pretty damn good for just cutting out the baffles!

[@humanbeingfromearth]

Don't forget that the engine, and exhaust are designed to work the way they are from factory. Engineers, much smarter than the average garage diy man, made the thing run the way it does for a reason.

[@sunshinelee31]

most states don't have a motorcycle decibel limit but they do require a functioning muffler system you can get a ticket. if you do take the baffles out, you'll need to rejet the carb because it is set from factory to adjust the back pressure needed to run the motor efficiently. without a rejet it will run to lean and cause the pipes to turn blue from over heating

[@christophermccartney5833]

Bike looks and sounds awesome. Little tip for you, get some old used engine oil (or cutting oil) and pour it into a cup, and dip the holesaw bit into the oil cup. Drill in short bursts with a holesaw, a couple of seconds at a time. Helps the holesaw stay cooler and keeps the teeth sharper longer, old pipefitter's trick. Lol. Some people say not to use old engine oil to lubricate drill bits, but it works better than nothing.

[@readparse]

This is a well done video, in terms of the before and after. As for me, I don't think I want loud pipes, so exhaust modifications aren't usually videos I look for. I just came here because I was looking for Shadow videos in general. But I must say that the production quality is pretty good, with the before-and-after shots. I like the choice to do the "before" shots in black-and-white.

[@t77snapshot]

I was thinking the same.

[@darnellrogers8884]

I didn’t understand the purpose of loud pipes I thought it was because guys wanted to look cool or sound cool... but now I understand it’s because if cars around you can’t see you then they can definitely hear you!

[@tonyming6969]

Loud pipes save lives!

[@dannytoeh]

Great video, you didn't even ruin the end of the muffler by letting the hole saw slip like the other video I saw, and the comparison of before and after was very helpful, great job.

[@obsessivegarage921]

Wow! Whoever edited this video did a great job. Also the difference in exhaust sound by just taking out what I assume would be called maybe a type of resonator it sounds MUCH better. Sounds like it has more of a bark. I love it. And I like to new seat and the backrest I haven't seen before. Nice touch

[@humanbeingfromearth]

Doing this screws up the performance and you'll lose torque. Unless u up the jets a size or 2

[@b10gazza]

It never ceases to amaze me how concerned people are by the sound their bike makes, rather than the performance of the engine.

[@tonyming6969]

It's about both. You especially need to be heard on the road.

[@timkis64]

you can blame harley guys for that.they would rather make more noise than a freight train while going nowhere quick, than go anywhere quick with normal noise levels.they say loud pipes save lives.but an aware rider saves his own life more than any pipes can.they just want to be seen & heard on slow fat loud overpriced bikes.

[@joshmcdonald9508]

Well, to be fair....I like to be heard when I'm on the highway. Nothing cool about being a bloodstain on the road because someone couldn't hear me.

[@b10gazza]

@@joshmcdonald9508 Good point.

[@choppergirl]

I bought a 2008. Sounds fine to me. What it sounds like is the least of your problems. Keeping it clean, polished, and maintained is going to take plenty of work....

[@ms.milianko]

I did the same pipe modification to my 05 shadow spirit back in 2012. I've also had the biggest jets installed prior. Not one problem has occurred.

[@sunshinelee31]

did your pipes turn blue?

[@patricklogsdon1]

Nice video with the before and after clips. I've got a 2008 Shadow, and I'm considering doing the modification, but I will talk with my shop and fellow riders first. I really like that Mustang seat (and backrest too). Thanks for sharing your experiences and purchases! Well done video!

[@hard2getitrightagain314]

MUSTANG SEAT, BABY!!!! Mine came that way and it only took a minuto or two to figure out that I had been blessed!

[@davidmclaren7147]

I drilled holes in the rear baffle and it did make an appreciable difference in the sound, but removing the whole rear baffle assembly like this made a night and day difference.

[@trailingarm63]

That's a great video, both in style and content. Thanks for posting.

[@petrochemicals4u]

I like how it sounded both before, and after..

[@titanspider1]

Absolutely fantastic and thorough video, keep up the good work, going to do this to my bike

[@Dmonieluv]

There's also a screen further down, you also are gonna have to rejet or you'll have popping and backfiring.

[@danielquintero5186]

I dont understand how anyone could dislike this video! That shadow sound like a real bike now!

[@todddickerson7362]

Anyone that complains about this mod with popping and backfires, they didn’t re-jet the carb. It makes a HUGE difference and if you don’t will probably cause some issues down the road. The Honda’s tend to run lean anyway, and this just makes that worse. There are several companies that help you figure out what size jets you need and it isn’t hard. I don’t have a mechanic background at all. You tube and a repair manual was all I needed.

[@apaulotroughtzmantz2914]

Here’s a guy who actually knows how to use a hole saw. Most guys run the drill balls out and destroy the hole saw in the first cut. Bike sounds great as well!

[@icebrakernh]

Sounds good there neighbor. Now I know what to do for my wife's bike when she wants more sound from her shadow. We are across the river in NH.

[@aussiefarmer8741]

I just bought a 2008 used with 8700kms on the clock. The exhaust had already been modded but different. First I'm 57 & dont go for loud bikes these days but I feel this is not a bad compromise. You could try this method first then, If you decide it is not loud enough proceed to the holesaw method. But this option I am sharing is sort of in between std & the holesaw mod. I will explain, If you look end on, there are 4 holes drilled, 1st being at the 12, 3, 6, &9 oclock positions around the central main hole, this is done on both pipes of coarse. If I was doing the mod I would start with a 3/16 drill & work up till you get a reasonable note. Mine are about 3/8" holes. As stated if this is not loud enough then bring out the holesaw. I am fine with this level it rumbles nicely & ends up with a bit of a bark or crack sound if you wind it right out. Just thought I would share. I thought the clarity of this vid was good,well done sir. They are a fun bike to ride.

[@bhsbass]

I liked the exhaust before the mod

[@makgedambyah688]

absolutely better sound after cutting the baffles! nice bike dude!

[@tobtrue1717]

I just got a 2009. This my first bike so far in love

[@bubbaburns1830]

FYI I bought a 2007 in 07 Black. c2 spirit, just like this one. I noticed there's a spot weld on the inside of the exhaust end. I drimmeled the weld, the vice-gripped the inside pipe and hammered it out. stage 2 carb and KandN filter. great bike. Transformed real well.

[@ivanmerino8806]

Hello, I noticed that weld spot too, so you just drimmeled and put it out?

[@charleschidester6767]

wish I hadn't done this now. I need ear protection now.

[@Yakov94]

Man Watching your video makes me really wanna go for this bike , nice video

[@morningstarx5340]

I did the same thing on my 05 vt1100. Definitely sounds much throatier. But you wouldn't gain any torque down low by relieving back pressure. Actually, you would lose some torque. However, you likely did gain a small amount of hp by letting the bike breathe easier.

[@aussiefarmer8741]

Im not 1 for loud exhausts, but having seen the inside of the muffler if anyone wanted to mod it without cutting the whole thing out, you could centerally drill a 3/8 hole with an extended drill bit & see how that sounds. Then progressivley go bigger step by step until you reach an acceptable level of sound. Just an idea.

[@kevingrimbeek2106]

Nice job, good results with both sound and torque! I have a 1997 600 VLX which I also modified with slash-cut turn-out free flow pipes, and I also experienced an improvement in sound and performance. My machine has done 90 000 kilo-meters or 56 000 miles and still can do 160 k's on a good day!

[@gphilipc2031]

I like the exhaust sound. You will get tired of the snappy sound of aftermarket exhaust. I've got cobras on my Spirit and wish for stock pipes. These Honda V twins are double pin cranks and are not gonna sound like a HD engine. A few exceptions on some older single pin Hondas.

[@rlholt48]

I can honestly tell you couple years ago I purchased a Mustang seat for my 2006 Aero and I can now ride all day without the terrible rear end pain I was experiencing before with the saddlemen seat that was on when I purchased. good luck

[@kuzmikval]

i like how the before footage is black and white, makes it look unappealing, and grim..

[@jasonclemente4392]

At low idle or blips it sounds alittle like a slight tincan echo but driving it sounds really nice

[@josephnicosia4559]

Great video showing before and after sounds. Thanks

[@acj071584]

Really good quality video!

[@davidcox9115]

2Cool.nice bike..very reliable motorcycle, ive had harleys ,yamahammers.lol but seem to always go back to the honda.had a 700 magna.. fast bike...thanks for the video.. safe riding.

[@brent1041]

I did that to my 2009 shadow and it makes the bike so much better sounding. I put cheap 87 octane in it and it almost sounds like a Harley. I've had multiple Harley riders comment about it because it actually sounds good now.

[@petelohr351]

did you rejet the carb? what happens if I dont?

[@tonyming6969]

@@petelohr351 Not necessary. Just a slight tweak on the mixture screws if it starts popping on decel.

[@Voltomess]

great fucking job boys great fucking job, I love before and after scenes.

[@shadowrider2918]

YOU SHOULD SPRAY WD-40 BEFORE CUTTING

[@joemonkey6979]

Thanks for this video...very helpful.

[@corneilcorneil]

Nice mod, the bike looks much better.

[@84400]

Sounds much better.

[@mrradioman445]

nice,i have an 2003.already has drag pipes but was wondering what stock sounded like,also i like the seat with the back rest,may get me one!Thanks for sharing!

[@user-xv3lb9eu5c]

Hi! I have the same bike and I want to do the same with my exhaust. Tell me please, after 3 years, do you noticed any problems with the bike? Overheating, loose power, increased gas consumption or something like that?

[@ArmoredScorn]

I did this on my 600 like 6 months ago huge sound upgrade and no issues as of yet. Do it.

[@ArmoredScorn]

I actually feel like it has more zip... you won’t regret it.

[@krry9191]

Bros, tune your carbs after if it's got carbs

[@hogie9]

@@krry9191 no one ever mentions this

[@krry9191]

@@hogie9 I'm only just starting with my shadow. But I work on cars, same principle you'd think.

[@albertomponce]

Excellent video and tips!!! Happy riding!!!

[@manuhonkanen2111]

Nice seat! How has the motor held up after the removal of the baffles?

[@YTjndallas]

It’s not a seat. It’s a Saddle!!

[@MitchJohnson-uu5uf]

Sweet, sounds way better.

[@briandeluca6908]

My seat also hurt my butt. I bought a mustang one but had to return it. It actually was the same exact one you got. Im short so i couldn't touch the ground after it

[@filofas7353]

How short like 170 ?

[@briandeluca6908]

Im only 5 3

[@Primenilla]

couldn't help but notice the Ford, are you sure the bike is the real cause to your pain in the butt?

[@wizzardoffuzz]

Does this not ruin the backpressure in the exhaust?

[@rayota260]

backpressure on a 4 stroke is a myth

[@NEETHERREALM1]

Beautiful motorcycle

[@shadowrider2918]

Ok, I take back the last comment i posted, this mod is not what was giving my bike problems, I apologize, this mod definitely makes this bike sound a lot better.

[@jackhammer7745]

I do like the exhaust part

[@angrytrucker3628]

Sounds nicer than stock mine has Vance and Hines on it they sound really throaty wish I would have known your way, a lot cheaper

[@craigpennington1251]

Nice bike. Sounds good to me. Use to ride with straight open exhaust all the time. These have a good low mellow tone & they look good. I just saw this on youtube today. I guess you still have it or have moved on with something else. If treated right that Honda will last just about forever. Too bad Honda didn't make this bike in a 2,000 cc model. Instead they went to VTX stuff. Those bikes do not fit me. They look nice but not for me. For that job, I use cutting oil. Goes much smoother & fast.

[@skottlee8959]

I did the same thing. Sounds sick

[@davidefland1985]

Mustang seat is good lve had them before

[@sulp2]

so nice video thanks for video before i was looking how to set a mustang seat now i know

[@Boulevard-ok3rr]

Wonderful work

[@rickywhite7578]

Did you have to rejet the carb for running open exhaust?

[@Westdawgg]

Hey did you jet the carb after cutting the restricters out?

[@Painkiller1984]

What's the meaning in spanish for jet or jetting the carb? What means that?

[@tonyming6969]

@@Painkiller1984 They are nozzles that adjust the fuel mixture

[@rollerfritz3000]

Really nice Made for comparing. Thanks.

[@user-lg6ge8ts4e]

It sounds as good as my harley pretty red my harley is Red flake

[@BenDover4Mee]

Would you say the Cobra seat is SOFTER than the original, or about same firmness but just more comfortable due to other factors (wider, more support, better angle, etc)?

[@FireinUrEye]

Looks amazing, very nice bike, I have an 05 Shadow VLX and I have a few questions...what CC is your bike, did you have to have it rejet the carb and how does the seat feel without the backing to it VS stock seat? I want to do the hole saw mod so i figured i would get some feedback first and again very nice bike!!!

[@javiercorral1394]

Great video 👍🏽💪🏽👏🏽

[@washingtonconsultants1041]

about the sound, I agree with you. But when I put a hefty exhaust on my 750, my neighbors complained. One even called the police. I now have to roll my bike a block away from home and then start it.

[@louisvilaros9066]

Where do u live I would love to drive pass your neighbor and let him listen to drag pipes. No baffles

[@Mikezaffa]

My spirit doesn’t have nothing to regulate the minimum! Is that your modification on the left side?

[@WINSTONSMITH-hk3yj]

thank you for posting

[@djchris4771]

How is the seat compared to the stock one? I’m getting a shadow and I think the first mod I will make is the mustang seat.

[@hard2getitrightagain314]

DO IT!!!! There is no comparison. (you likely know this by now)

[@LuciTulcea]

New seat looks hideous. I ride mine with the original seat and it's perfect.

[@kenniitran]

Thanks for sharing video. I will cut my bike muffler soon 😃

[@slydale]

I have a fuel injection engine. Will removing my baffles require rejetting? I won't mind taking out the baffles as long it doesn't hurt anything else.

[@davidmathews2599]

I think I'd rather have a sore ass than mess with the look of the bike. It was a work of art before you put that big clunky seat on it. There are companies that will make your seat more comfortable without changing the look of it. I'd probably go that route.

[@TheXopony]

My 1100 spirit doesn't sound as good as your before . Wonder if this mod would help the lame sound of mine ?

[@brianboone5658]

It will I have an 1100 ace and it helps out tremendously

[@lonekyeagle]

But, did you have to add a fuel mangement system for the drilled out baffles?

[@johnnynliz]

nice bike nice color nice sound i have a 600 maybe its just a bigger trans but yours seems really clunky when shifting

[@dknight1221]

With unbaffled exhaust I don't know if you have had Dyna power commander installed I couldn't tell if you turned a choke off my Shadow has fuel injection so I didn't need the Dyna unit installed carburetor bikes run rich after you remove the baffles. I digress, I put on Vance and Hines short cuts on my Shadow Phantom and It says it increases overall torque and horsepower 17% it is the biggest boost in power you can get. I may stand corrected you may have to switch intakes as well but that will guarantee you the 17% total for sure. I like that mustang seat do they offer it at lower cost if you only want the single seat minus the back rest and passenger seat?

[@DavidLee-xl3no]

not a Huge differences in sound im watching with a BOSE sound bar but i like it

[@stanleydenning]

About to buy a 2004 and I learning how to make it a man's bike.

[@michelsandrel]

J'adore !!!

[@shadowrider2918]

im suprised you did not have problems shortly after doing this to your bike cause i did, i wouldn't suggest this mod to anyone.

[@prakticlej8677]

Aaron ANIMAL as long as you jet your carbs afterward it will be fine

[@xc_4x4]

Aaron ANIMAL what kinda problems did you have? I’m asking as a first time motorcycle buyer

[@renatomagalhaes1866]

linda shwod muito boa esta Moto pra facha tenho uma e gostei,!!!!!

[@Simonsund1]

all i got out of this video was that pre mod test ride, you where shifting up way to early.

[@user-oc2vg7sn6g]

Привет.хочу задать вопрос какое масло ты льёшь в Хонду???

[@obiwankenobi5769]

5:55 it kinda sounds like a lion

[@lepiedbleu1985]

waow good job!

[@PAINTER22]

Sounds the same,all he did was ruin his exhaust lol. Coulda saved the pipes and just bought louder ones. Good job bud you lowered the value of the bike lol

[@revo.lution1749]

I have one of those mustang seats and it hurts me arse.

[@bloodreighn]

a little better, how did you find the new seat??

[@supraptosatu9334]

Akieba trmok

[@JohnnyHatesVB]

Now that you opened the pipe up do you find it smooth through the rev range? I would imagine after opening the pipe you would need to rejet the carb. Is that an accurate assessment?

[@tonyming6969]

No rejetting for this is necessary. Just a slight tweak on the mixture screws if it starts popping on decel.

[@JohnnyHatesVB]

@@tonyming6969 So a little richer then

[@sweetkoogles]

Could you give me a link to the seat you used? thanks!

[@selbverstandlich]

Which red RAL color is that?