Went ahead and knocked a baffle from my stock exhaust

[Bartolucci]

After spending several hours (literally) reading pros and cons as to knocking out baffles from a stock exhaust, I bit the bullet and decided to just knock out the first baffle. This is on an XS400 twin. So far, so good. I like the sound and it's by no means too loud. The plugs showed that I was running rich so I hope that this helps lean it out some. Going for a test drive now.

TAB

[Bartolucci]

Update

Took a 4 mile ride (it was freezing - 35 degrees out there!). Was very pleased. The sound is good, if anything still a tad on the quiet side. Best of all the bike pulled well at all rpms. Apparently, whatever change in back pressure was not detrimental.

Next I will check the plugs.

I need some suggestions on two fronts: 1) How long should I ride the bike before I check the plugs? 2) This bike has been a notorious hard starter (even before I made any mods). The battery is toast. Kick starting is an adventure. More distressing is that the bike can be all warmed up and if I turn it off, restarting can be a challenge.

TAB

[fredintoon]

It's a Zen thing.

- - - I need some suggestions on two fronts: 1) How long should I ride the bike before I check the plugs? 2) This bike has been a notorious hard starter (even before I made any mods). The battery is toast. Kick starting is an adventure. More distressing is that the bike can be all warmed up and if I turn it off, restarting can be a challenge. TAB

Hi Bart,
1) 4 miles aught to do it. ( Actually that's a smartass remark. Do a search on "plug chop test" to see the methodology of checking carb leanness via plug inspection.)
2) Oriental Wisdom sez that a question will contain it's own answer.
Betcha the bike is a bitch to start because the battery is toast.
Although you should run jumpers from your car battery and see how the bike starts then before spending the big bucks on a new battery.