The CB1100 Community Forum

I mentioned in another thread that I had ordered a new Arrow slip-on exhaust for my CB1100 back around Thanksgiving. I ordered this through a family friend who runs Richmond Superbike in Richmond VA. I am familiar with Arrow as a performance exhaust supplier from my previous bike which was a 2011 Triumph Bonneville SE. Arrow is a preferred factory aftermarket supplier for Triumph motorcycles. Muffler finally came in a couple days before X-Mas and my Dad, who lives in Richmond, was kind enough to pick up the part and deliver it to me in time for X-Mas. We have had several very nice days this past week and I was able to install the muffler. Today I was able to take a nice 30 mi ride as temps were near 60 in Northern VA.

My first impression of the muffler is that is is a quality piece. Materials are first rate with primary construction of stainless steel. Welds are beautiful and fit and finish excellent. The muffler is slightly smaller and lighter than stock but stock like in appearance. Muffler even has tabs to take the stock muffler heat shield. The end cap is held on by 6 stainless torx nuts. The muffler comes with a built in baffle for noise reduction but by appearances can be removed. The muffler is fully homologated for road use and papers stating this fact are included with the muffler. The muffler also comes with a high quality pipe clamp to replace the OE clamp. I made the mistake of trying to use the OE pipe clamp and found there is not enough adjustment to fully tighten the muffler to the main header. I had to pull the muffler off and install the Arrow clamp which is a nice piece in its own right. I did use a bit of RTV high temp silicone copper sealant on the slip joint before installing the muffler and tightening the clamp Install is straight forward and everything fits perfectly. Total install takes about 20 min.

My impression of the sound is that it is definitely louder than stock but not obnoxiously loud. Bike exhibits a nice rich rumble at idle and revs smoothly to redline. I have included a vid below with a sound bite. I also installed a K&N filter with the exhaust muffler. My bike exhibits no back fire or popping on deceleration. Power feels a bit more instantaneous. Nothing mind blowing but figure I picked up a couple HP. My goal was not the HP gain but a better overall sound for the bike. I feel this muffler accomplished this for me.

For those interested, the price of this muffler is ~$540 shipped. This is far cheaper than the Staintune. I liked the Staintune a lot but could not bring my self to drop almost $900 on a slip on muffler knowing the Arrow was out there. I did see one vendor on E-Bay who had two Arrow mufflers for the CB1100 new in box ready to ship for $464 + $40 shipping. A very good deal in my estimation. Figure ~$50 for the K&N. Purchased that through Amazon. For ~$600 the K&N and Arrow muffler are a nice combo for these bikes.

Part Numbers:
K&N - HA - 1301
Arrow Muffler - 71672PRI

[url=http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Supercruz_photos/media/2013%20Honda%20CB1100/DSCN0749_zpsd8353050.jpg.html]

[url=http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Supercruz_photos/media/2013%20Honda%20CB1100/DSCN0748_zpse4e023f9.jpg.html]

[url=http://s632.photobucket.com/user/Supercruz_photos/media/2013%20Honda%20CB1100/DSCN0747_zps1bb85f79.jpg.html]

[url=http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu44/Supercruz_photos/2013%20Honda%20CB1100/DSCN0746_zpsa9ad246a.mp4]

Just wanted to add a "Thumbs Up" for Arrow. I didn't know they had one available for our CB, so I already bought a Staintune. However, I had an Arrow on my 2010 Triumph Speed Triple and it was a very high quality muffler. I really liked the sound. I am very happy with the Staintune, but had I known the Arrow was available, it would have been a tough choice!

Sounds and looks good, I would have no problem trying that if I didn't already have the Staintune.