Sorry for the late reply Dash8, I run a collision centre so I have access to Mig welders at any time. I can weld but I must admit to having one of my bodymen do the welding. Didn't spend much time on it and I cleaned it up very quickly, could have been much prettier but who cares, from 5 ft looks factory and spark arrestor is still intact if Mr. Law decides to stick a stick in it! Just barely louder than stock with a deeper thump, definately not annoying and although not sceintific, seat of the pants says it pulls better. I suspect it can't hurt now that it's breathing much easier than the stock straw. Too bad we're not closer, we could switch bikes, or maybe a drag race? Had a terrific ride yesterday on some gnarly ATV trails in Parc Papineau Labelle, only dropped it once and no damage except to my pride of course!