VLX 600 Hole Saw Mod

[anonymousdrummer]

This is different the the 750 pipes and I got lucky and figured out how to do it the right way. You'll need a 1 3/4" steel hole saw. You drill it through the inside of the pipe and there will be around 3/16th left on the outter brim. After its drilled a pair of plyers and a good grip will get them out.

After you pull out the guts if your looking for an even beefier sound get some rebar and cut it to a point and take a hammer and knock 3 holes into the other plate. My gosh it sounds good but I still want to be louder so i may end up cutting the stock pipes and adding an exhaust tip to them. Not sure if i can get to the baffles as they are at the bend of the pipes I believe but don't quote me on that. Oh i didn't have to remove the lower pipe to do this so its def possible to make this a one hour job. Also very cheap.

Loud pipes save lives! :jamming:

[ekozy1]

I did the Holesaw(in about 10 minutes) on my VLX when I first got it, and just like you, sounded good but needed something louder. I chose a whole new exhaust system, but exhaust tips would have been the cheap way to go.

And you're correct....you won't be able to reach the baffles that are in the headpipes.

[anonymousdrummer]

Haven't got the tips yet but plan to order them to fit and make some adjustable baffles. They sound really loud maybe too loud but things can be made to make them sound quieter and put more back pressure back into the pipe. I also plan to wrap mine so i'm not too picky on how the welding goes.

[Spiderlad]

Was thinking about doing the holesaw mod.(600c vlx) Any performance loss, rejetting, or having to turn the mix scrue or any other problems? Also could you point me to some where it tells in detell how to go about doing it (I think I got the just of it buit to be sure)

Thanks!!!

[anonymousdrummer]

No need to rejet and more than likely you won't have to adjust the mixture screw. I don't currently have any pictures but its pretty hard to actually mess up :) just don't scratch the chrome or cut the outer pipe ya noob! I actually gained top end power and maybe lost a little lower end but the bike has so much torque you won't notice. If anything else i need a new sprocket to gain even more top end. Hope this helps.

[Spiderlad]

It does and thanks!!!

[anonymousdrummer]

Good luck and remember no pictures = no bike.

[Spiderlad]

Ima take one with my phone today so I got aleast one up of her:blushing: Good luck and remember no pictures = no bike.

[anonymousdrummer]

good deal :)

[Spiderlad]

Got some pics up. Im official now... lol

[anonymousdrummer]

lol posing on your bike for the ladies

[Spiderlad]

Buahahahahaha... Yup!!! :cool4:

[Spiderlad]

I did the hole saw mod yesterday, and Wow am I sooooo happy!!!!! Cheap, easy and sounds good!!!

[ekozy1]

All manufacturers should design the stock exhaust with the option to make it louder as easily as you can(and freely) with the 750 and 600 exhausts.

[Spiderlad]

Yeah, I agree

[brotein]

Hey im doing the holesaw mod on my '94 VLX 600 im having some trouble pulling the baffles out after the saw, is there any supports inside i can chisel at? or anything i can do break it loose?

[brotein]

nevermind, got em to wiggle out and wow what an improvement!! i dont feel like im riding a sewing machine anymore XD

[Dallas]

After doing the hole saw mod on my 99 vlx I had to adjust the carb a little but still always had a little hesitation at the beginning of the throttle. After I cut paper out of the air filter and replaced it with some oil soaked foam there is no hesitation and its running better than ever.

[brotein]

hm i think my vlx must have been running rich from the previous owner because i think ive actually just noticed a power increase since the mod and it actually runs smoother and gets to a good running temperature quicker! :)

[Montanaghost]

This is different the the 750 pipes and I got lucky and figured out how to do it the right way. You'll need a 1 3/4" steel hole saw. You drill it through the inside of the pipe and there will be around 3/16th left on the outter brim. After its drilled a pair of plyers and a good grip will get them out.

After you pull out the guts if your looking for an even beefier sound get some rebar and cut it to a point and take a hammer and knock 3 holes into the other plate. My gosh it sounds good but I still want to be louder so i may end up cutting the stock pipes and adding an exhaust tip to them. Not sure if i can get to the baffles as they are at the bend of the pipes I believe but don't quote me on that. Oh i didn't have to remove the lower pipe to do this so its def possible to make this a one hour job. Also very cheap.

Loud pipes save lives! :jamming:
A better and easier way to do this ( I customize VLX'S for a business) is to take a 1/2 inch metal drill but that is about 1 foot long ($9 at Sears) and drill (at first) 2-3 holes through BOTH baffle walls (they are 3 inches apart) in each pipe, then start up your bike and take it for a short 1 mile ride to se how it sounds, then keep drilling one more 1/2 inch hole at a time, testing each new hole till you gat the sound that you are after. I personally ended up with 5 holes in each pipe, where most end up with 3 or 4. What this does different is to keep the TUNING of the exhaust system that the engineers put into the exhaust so that when the exhaust valve opens there is a small vacuum at the valve to aid in cylinder scavenging. this mod will net you 2-3 more HP over using a hole saw and removing the baffels entirely. this has been proved on a dyno. for more info, email me at glenn.merideth@gmail.com
to see pics of my 2007 VLX Deluxe customized bike, visit - http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr176/montanaghost

[Montanaghost]

hm i think my vlx must have been running rich from the previous owner because i think ive actually just noticed a power increase since the mod and it actually runs smoother and gets to a good running temperature quicker! :)
if you send me your local riding conditions and you ride a VLX 600 Shadow, I can give you pretty close jet recommendations( by that I mean alltitude, average humidity, and average temps, any intake/exhaust mods) I restore/customize VLX'S for my own business, and along with belonging to a very good VLX forum, have recorded a LOT of knowlage about Honda's great VLX wonder bike. send any info IF YOU DESIRE to glenn.merideth@gmail.com

[VLX_Rider]

ok ive been reading this post for a half an hour now, and i just cant figure out how to do this mod. anybody have pics of the process? i would like to do it on a 2006 vlx 600

[Montanaghost]

It's very simple really, you get yourself a foot long half inch (that's the size hole it will drill, one half inch) metal cutting drill bit, and then you stick this dril bit up the end of the tail pipe, and r
drill through BOTH walls that are on each end of each pipes baffle.
You start with 3 holes all the way through, then start your engine and see how it sounds, going up to no more than 5 holes each pipe. Now, you have that "sound" that your after, without taking ALL the "tuning"
out of the exhaust "system" that Honda spent a few million $$$
tuning in, so that there is an actual vacuum at the exhaust vavle when it first opens, which help to scavage the combustion chamber.

[VLX_Rider]

It's very simple really, you get yourself a foot long half inch (that's the size hole it will drill, one half inch) metal cutting drill bit, and then you stick this dril bit up the end of the tail pipe, and r
drill through BOTH walls that are on each end of each pipes baffle.
You start with 3 holes all the way through, then start your engine and see how it sounds, going up to no more than 5 holes each pipe. Now, you have that "sound" that your after, without taking ALL the "tuning"
out of the exhaust "system" that Honda spent a few million $$$
tuning in, so that there is an actual vacuum at the exhaust vavle when it first opens, which help to scavage the combustion chamber.


o ok, i thought the mod was actually using a 2 inch holesaw and cutting the weld for the baffle, than pulling the baffle out?

[livingdead]

^^VLX rider your kind-correct the "hole saw mod" is actually using a 1 3/4 inch metal hole saw to drill through the welds that hold the resinator into the end of your VLX's exhaust system. You will need a 1 3/4 inch metal hole saw and a 12 inch extension for your drill. Use the hole saw to drill out the end of each muffler and pull the guts out with a pair of pliers. The resinator that you pull out is about 6 to 8 inches long if I remember correctly. This makes the pipes on the VLX sound pretty sick! There will still be some baffles left in the exhaust so rejetting shouldnt be needed. If you send me your email I can send you some pics of how to do it.

jasonhetfield@gmail.com

Just putting a few half inch hole in your exhaust is going to take you more time for piss poor sound reults. Pull the whole end out of your exhaust, ride and smile!

[mcvierh]

Livingdead is right, but then so is Montanaghost....Montanaghost about the scavanging effect....if you open up the entire pipe you throw away power by giving up the scavaging effect....And Livingdead is right in what the holesaw mod is all about, and with just taking out the resinator you get the best of both worlds. and chances are you'll need to adjust your A/F mixture to enrichen the mix as the bike is shipped from the factory already lean to pass EPA/DOT import standards., so doing the holesaw will really make it run lean and give it that annoying decel pop.........

[marcus Welby MD]

Any way to get the baffles out of the pipes?

[VLX_Rider]

well I decided to try this. I went out and bought a 2-1/8" holesaw because that is what someone told me previously to use. Turns out it was too big and would not even fit in the exhaust. So as soon as the kids wake up from nap time (haha) im running out to lowes and buying the 1-3/4" holesaw and extension to do the job just as livingdead said. are the pipes the same on 2006 models as they are on previous years? there is no room on the end of my baffle to pull it out, here is a picture. there is also a weld on the outside it looks like

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj393/hotrodder000/bike021.jpg

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj393/hotrodder000/bike020.jpg

[VLX_Rider]

Ok Ladies and Gentleman, I finished the "hole saw" mod. Here are some videos that I recorded and posted on youtube. Check out the before and after videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9sjAEcE6lM (Before)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVeWqdQQQzA (After)

[livingdead]

Sounds good bro!!!!! Hope you dig it!!!!!

[VLX_Rider]

oh im diggin it, it sounds awesome. nice and loud and did not require any adjustments. thanks for the info and tips livingdead

[livingdead]

No prob dude glad it worked out for ya! I did the hole saw mod and loved it................however it was just a gate way drug to louder pipes!!!! I just cut the mufflers off both of my pipes not to long ago. I added chrome tips and hammered some baffles in the end of each pipe. They sound amazing! I'LL post a vid when I can...

[VLX_Rider]

nice

[Montanaghost]

actually, if you had done it the way that I told you, the end resulting sound and decibel of the exhaust would have been hard to tell apart, but now you have about 2 HP less than you would have, and that has been proved on a dyno more than once.

[VLX_Rider]

since when has it been about horsepower? if i wanted more horsepower, i wouldve bought a bigger bike...these 600's are nothing compared to big bore bikes. i noticed more throttle response, the sound is exactly what i was looking for, and i dont see that nasty looking baffle in the end of my tailpipe anymore therefore, im glad i didnt do it your way.

[livingdead]

I agree the hole saw mod is a sick easy mod. Sounds great and made my bike snappier (if thats a word lol). I started by drilling holes in my baffles first but didnt like the sound and am very glad I pulled the whole damn resinator out hahaha. 2HP I'm sure a computer could tell the loss but I know I couldnt so who cares, gut em'!

[SATANKID69]

Did this after about a year and love the new sound great way to get more rumble without buying new pipes

[raffica]

actually, if you had done it the way that I told you, the end resulting sound and decibel of the exhaust would have been hard to tell apart, but now you have about 2 HP less than you would have, and that has been proved on a dyno more than once.

MG, I like your way better,more "my bike" specific than taking out a lot at once, keeps the best of both stock/modified IMHO. this will work on a 2006/2007 shadow 600? I'm looking to buy one locally. Also, any insight on changing sprocket teeth on the 600 as another poster did on the 750? I've always looked for the phantom 5th gear on the '96 600 I had.
TIA , raffica

[seniorsalazar]

VLX rider and Livingdead ima newb with my wifes shadow but she wants it louder than stock and im wanting to do the mod you guys did, sorry but can you explain why i need the extension like i said im a newb and want to make sure i know what im doing before going in blindly at it, thanks alot in advance. If yall have pics of process that would b awesome.

[Dallas]

I think the extension allows you to reach the front pipe. I didn't have a hole saw so I used an angled die grinder with a metal grinding stone. I drilled several small holes and connected the dots. then ground it all smooth. Only took about fifteen minutes. Oh yeah, FUCK-OFF-NOOB!

[HOTRODTOD]

No prob dude glad it worked out for ya! I did the hole saw mod and loved it................however it was just a gate way drug to louder pipes!!!! I just cut the mufflers off both of my pipes not to long ago. I added chrome tips and hammered some baffles in the end of each pipe. They sound amazing! I'LL post a vid when I can...

What ya mean by hammering baffles into the end of your pipes?? Bike looks great by the way!

[VLX_Rider]

VLX rider and Livingdead ima newb with my wifes shadow but she wants it louder than stock and im wanting to do the mod you guys did, sorry but can you explain why i need the extension like i said im a newb and want to make sure i know what im doing before going in blindly at it, thanks alot in advance. If yall have pics of process that would b awesome.


hey man, sorry i missed your post. go to my youtube account and check out my videos. i have a small tutorial showing why you need the extension and what not. there are also sound clips before and after, and a ride by video showing what it sounds like while riding and accelerating. heres the link to my account. let me know if you have any more questions.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ride300exRed

[seniorsalazar]

hey man, sorry i missed your post. go to my youtube account and check out my videos. i have a small tutorial showing why you need the extension and what not. there are also sound clips before and after, and a ride by video showing what it sounds like while riding and accelerating. heres the link to my account. let me know if you have any more questions.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ride300exRed

Thanks alot ill check it out right now, and no prob man thanks for the link.

[MightyMouse]

I did this mod a few weeks ago and love it. My scooter(what the guys at work call my vlx) sounds pretty bad ass

[jd3l88]

Just Did this mod tonight an it sounds way better. I don't know why i didn't do it sooner. Real improvement without the resonators.

[Gump07Shadow]

I love this mod, I am fairly new to riding and do not have much extra money so this was really nice to come across that gives a great sound. I do wish it was a little louder but for free you cant complain much. and i agree with the holesaw method just pull the whole thing out looks better and no one is gonna miss 2 HP

[RedRooster]

Okay, my wife has a '93 vlx and for the life of me I can not get the damn baffels out. i've followed instructions to the T and am very good with tools so I know i'm not completely stupid. Do the '93's have a different baffel than the rest? I've drilled all the way down to the bottom of the damn saw and these fuckers will not slide out like everyone says they will. i've bent the piss out of the tips of the baffels and busted my elbows numerous times trying to pull these out? What the hell???

Fire the noob alerts away!!!

[gochisox81]

Okay, my wife has a '93 vlx and for the life of me I can not get the damn baffels out. i've followed instructions to the T and am very good with tools so I know i'm not completely stupid. Do the '93's have a different baffel than the rest? I've drilled all the way down to the bottom of the damn saw and these fuckers will not slide out like everyone says they will. i've bent the piss out of the tips of the baffels and busted my elbows numerous times trying to pull these out? What the hell???

Fire the noob alerts away!!!


Sorry to hear about the damage to the scoot while attempting this. Even sorrier you can't ride until you get those things out. When i did it to my 03, the baffles weren't easy to get out either, but a healthy dose of some WD-40 a set of clamps worked for me. Had to really pull and twist back and forth did and that did the trick. Maybe your getting held up by a rough lip left from the hole saw. Have you taken a file to the inside and shaved the lip down a bit? Without knowing what you did, I do have to ask, you did use a 1 3/4 right?

Oh and in case no one else told you yet. fuck off!!

[RedRooster]

Hey sorry but I failed to let everyone know I muscled it out a few hrs later. Apparently ur supposed to consume a fair amount of beer before attempting this as it increases strength. Every vid I watched on this it showed the baffels pretty loose and wobble back and forth. Mine had no wobble room which made it difficult. But once removed the bike sounds much healthier. Oh and thanx for the welcoming comment it's about time Ive received one lol.

[feellnfroggy600vlx]

I had a hard time getting a baffle out, on my pipes it was spot welded on th bottom.....? Anyways glad u got it out. Fuckoff # 2 :-)

[KenMcBreezy]

Interesting... I'm contemplating doing this to the wife's bike without telling her and seeing if she notices... what makes me nervous about doing it though is her starting and running until warmup issues. Still researching...

[RedRooster]

It's well with the effort. Since the removal my wife fell more in love with it so theres more mod fuel for me for my bike

[feellnfroggy600vlx]

I had only baffles removed ad dirty air filter and enough backfire that I bought a jet kit. It'll run jut fine, but she's gonna go into a dead panic when that sob fires up, lol. Get a video. Post it.