So, after spending some time on these boards, not only before registering, but before I even bought my Super Duke, it looks like a good way to go (exhaust-wise) - especially for a dude on a budget - is to do the de-cat and keep the stock silencer, as is. I think that's what I've decided to do. However, I have a few questions: The only de-cat pipe that isn't just a straight pipe is the Bodis pipe. The Arrow de-cat is fairly straight, but has that "power bulge." Looks to me like the IXIL, MIVV and Remus pipes are just straight pipes, right? What are the advantages to each design? I like the look and the *idea* of the Bodis pipe, but if an $80 (used) IXIL pipe will do the same thing, why not save myself some cash?

Thanks!

The arrow power bulge as you describe it is just a resonator to keep the noise down a bit or if you buy the cat version it has a cat in it.
Reason they do this is that when you remove the stock can it hardly makes a difference in sound, most of the sound deadening is done in the cat box under the bike.
The bodis longer length is supposed to preserve the torque as longer exhaust is normally better torque figures.

To confirm this we probably have to have a look at all the print outs of the 1290's that have been on the dyno so far and see if that holds up.
Kev might be your man to elaborate more has he tested several setups on the dyno.

The other ones are just straight trough and depending on the end can... loud!