FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELF DUCATI OWNER

MUFFLER MODS

$0

Allen Wrench, Hammer, Grinder, Chisel, Safety Goggles, Bandsaw (or Sawzall or Hacksaw if Needed)

When I got my bike, the mufflers had already been partially cored.  How do you partially core a muffler?  Well, it's quite simple, and can even be done with the cans still on the bike.  My mufflers had actually been taken apart and the back half of the pipe lopped off, etc.  But, my friend simply took a die grinder and cut from the outside in about 3 inches and got the same results, so that is the technique I will recommend.  To see what was done to mine, you can check out this page for more info, but here is what I recommend:

Take your die grinder and cut out the little disc surrounding the pipe.  Once that falls out, begin to cut the pipe back into the muffler, removing the baffles and packing as it comes loose.  You only need to go in about 3 inches or so for the full effect.  Also, keep in mind that this isn't a performance mod, only a sound mod.  My friend did the die grinder method, but beforehand he put my already modified mufflers on his bike to compare them with stock.  He noticed barely any difference- maybe a teeny bit less torque.  Then again, the sound is WELL worth it.  It is intoxicating to say the least, and totally transforms the whole driving experience.  The pic below shows how far in the mufflers are cored (stuff removed/cut back to).  To the best of my knowledge, the packing is still down below the line.  But, my friend's packing is definitely still below the line the way he did it, and it has the same sound.  You really don't need to pull it all out.

This pic shows how the pipe was cut back beyond the larger outer diameter exit line.  The sound can kind of reverberate inside, making it louder.

Here's some pics I took while disassembling a spare set of mufflers.   The first step is to Unbolt the mounting bracket from the cans with an allen wrench.

Next, put on your safety goggles and use a chisel and hammer to knock the inner muffler away from the outside shell.  The best way to do it is by kneeling on the shell while pounding.

This page is in no way associated with Ducati.com, nor is it an entity of Ducati Motor Holding, S.p.A.  All content, information, and views expressed herein are those of myself and do not reflect those of Ducati or its affiliates.  The "DUCATI" logo and "Circle D" are registered trademarks of Ducati Motor Holding, S.p.A., all other content on this website is copyright 2006, Monster Man Productions.

Simply cut a little at a time and pull
it out as you go.  It may be harder
cutting it out with than without the
shell removed, but remember that
removing the shell is a PAIN.  The
packing is removed this far back,
the pipe itself is flush with the start
of the exit chamber on the can
(where the disc you cut out used to
be).

Once knocked free, I put a block of wood on the bottom
of the pipe, then lifted it in the air, and came down hard
to knock it free.  It only slides down about four inches
because of the bend in the muffler, unlike the straight
pipe of the other Ducati models where it just slides all
the way off.  That will make it harder to core out than
normal mufflers.  I then ground the welds down and
attempted to get the end cap off.  But, the end cap is
held fast by the inner pipe, which is attached to a baffle
thing at the very end, and is in turn attached to the end
cap.  Once you egt the end cap separated form that
baffle, it should fall right off.  I believe a sharp whack
with a hammer might be able to do it.

I plan to cut the mufflers down about 6 inches in the
near future, I've been kind of busy.  Then I will have
better shots of the inside.  Until then, these pics give
agood idea of what you're faced with when the shell is
pulled back.