Quiet Silencers

Hi David,

I have said this many times in the past, but others have vociferously disagreed, that balanced pipes make the exhaust quieter, and 'peashooters' can sound nicely subdued on an 850 with balanced pipes.

For those who want to disagree again, ask yourself why Norton fitted balanced pipes when it would have cost money to do so? Similarly the big black airbox.

Norman

+1 to balanced pipes reducing noise levels, Triumph used the 69 balance pipes to allow use of the previously too loud shorties in the UK. The best peashooters have an inner perforated pipe where the perforations push out into the airflow and scoop the air into the outer chamber, Campbell 's made them but Andover may make them now, worth asking them.

I don't know for sure, but I think Norton introduced the balanced pipes to meet the noise regulations of the time.

When I needed replacement pipes on my 850 I went for unbalanced because it was cheaper and easier.

I think everybody here will agree that they are not noisey or that they intrude on the ride.

Solution to quieter exhaust note onmy two 850s (both with balance pipes)has been scouring autojumbles at big classic bike venues ,like Kempton and Stafford , for original Norton peashooters in reasonable condition (although someyou find will not be). Telling the difference between originalCommandoand pattern units is a simple matter of giving it a good rap withyour knuckle - patternshave a light tinny sound while an original makes a solid clonk and is heavier. Have accumulated several decent original Commando peashooters over the years for future use - even picked up two brand new original Nortonpeashooters once for 25 quid apiece near the end of the day. Add to your list next time you plan an autojumble visit.

Also Roadholder had an articleabout three years back from someone who had successfully quietened his new pattern peashooters with a pair of baffles he bought online - inserted and held in place with a self-tapping screw if I recall. Someone may be able tocome up with that particular article.

My first Commando 750 had genuine peashooters. They were very, very heavy compared to the replicas available today. Plus I am fairly certain that the central perferated tube had a wrapping of absorbsion material that helped to muffle the bark.

My 71 fastback had quiet peashooters on it when I bought it, changed them for some nice noisy one's. Plus they had suffered some minor damage over the years.