Quieter exhaust for the RX3

[detours]

Maybe I'm just used to the almost silent exhaust on my Vstrom 650, but the RX3 seems really loud. I ride with foam earplugs, but sometimes my ears are ringing when I get off the bike. Is there something I can do to make it quieter? Do I need a muffler or bike shop to find one for me? Not sure where to start.

[NoVa Rider]

I also think the stock exhaust is loud. Its OK, even kind of fun, blasting around town, but I get tired of the noise on longer rides. I would definitely consider a "quiet" muffler option if CSC offered one. Or from an aftermarket supplier. I think its unlikely that anyone will build one, though.

[SpudRider]

I was told that CSC might be selling the aftermarket muffler shown on the RX3 sold in Columbia. You can't hear it, but you can see the muffler in the following video. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhTvhE-GPLM

[SpudRider]

If you cut the midpipe afore the stock muffler, I don't see why you couldn't mount an FMF Q4 muffler. :shrug:

http://www.fmfracing.com/Products/MX/380

[SpudRider]

You can hear the muffler of the Columbian RX3 in the following video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXa_tPiufOA

[3banger]

I notice quite a bark in my ear on one leg of an extended day of riding, I actually pulled over to see if some thing had come loose on the exhaust. Turns out I just didn't get the ear plug in one of my ears well; all was back to acceptable levels after I just replacing both ear hole dampers with properly inserted freshies. Also I suspect a lot of the noise the rider hears is from the intake.

[SpudRider]

Upon further examination, I'm not sure the Columbian muffler will allow you to install the right side pannier. I think the muffler might hang too low. ;)

[detours]

I searched ways to quiet a muffler and I guess you can repack the can. I think I'll open it up and see what's in there.

[SpudRider]

Many stock mufflers employ baffles without any packing. I think one of our forum members opened the RX3 muffler, and reported it had that design.

[SpudRider]

Do you wear earplugs and/or other hearing protection?

[detours]

I wear earplugs and try to make sure they're in all the way.

[SpudRider]

Good for you. :tup: My hearing is shot, so I am not bothered by the exhaust noise. :ohno: You are wise to protect your hearing. ;)

[ElectricCircus]

...Turns out I just didn't get the ear plug in one of my ears well

Had the same issue as you: got better results with reusable silicone rubber ear plugs (like 3M's #4004), because they fitted better and deeper inside my ear; however, aren't so comfortable as the one-use foam ones.

[detours]

I guess I never followed up on this. I was hoping could easily open the muffler can after I removed the side boxes, but it's riveted together. I suppose I could grind them off and screw it back together, but that's more work and risk than I want to do right now.

I've tried a few different earplugs. The foam ones block out almost all the sound but they make it hard to hear anyone I'm talking to. I got a set of silicon hearos that work ok. I might take it to a muffler shop over the winter.

[Rich+PRCBike]

The best ear plugs I've ever owned are the "pod" style disposables. I put on probably about 100 hours per pair, and they are really fast to insert.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-311-1114-EARPLUGS-E-A-R-Pod-Plugs-Corded-Earplugs-w-Blue-Grip-100-Pairs-/281270611843?hash=item417d08ef83

[Huck369]

I don't think it's the exhaust that you're hearing, I think it's the intake on the air box....at least on mine it is loader than the exhaust, so a quieter muffler might not help...

[detours]

Didn't think of that. Maybe I'll check the foam filter and see how well it's oiled. That actually made a difference on my wife's old bike.