A few things really. 
I've recently placed an order for a new bike as some of you may know... A 2015 model Iron 883, black. 

Along with the order I've had a few upgrades...
• Tuner upgrade
• V&H Side Shots slash cut
• Screaming Eagle heavy breather
• 2 up Badlander seat
• Drag Bars
• Forward controls

My first question is probably the most important... Since placing the order I've read more and more bad stuff about noise problems with the side shots and how it constantly lands you at the mercy of the 5-0. 
I've read plenty about the quiet baffles and have decided to make them a requirement, but would love to know if people do really have much trouble with them...?  Are they THAT loud? 
If so, what are the alternatives for a nice bit of grunt vs a sewing machine?  I know I dont want 2-1, and ideally not slip-ons as I want a 'black' bike so want to remove the chrome headers etc. 

Second question is on the seat - again since ordering I've read a few bad bits on the badlander and have settled my mind on the 2 piece la pera barebones set up with the removeable rear seat. Would that be the best way to go? It will mainly be for around the city, travelling to work together etc and the odd road trip on weekends. (So I like the idea of being able to have a solo seat when I fancy it). 

Third question is a simple one... Speedo relocation... Illegal? 

Fourth, Suspension... 11 inch progrssives are seemly all the rage - but are they worth the coin? 

Sorry to compile so many questions, but thought it best to not spam up the section with multiple posts. 

 

Thanks in advance  

 

Pretty much, any pipes other then the ones that come with the bike will raise the noise over the max limits.. in Victoria, the fine is 704 dollars from the MOTHER FU&**ing EPA for the first offence..... This said, it is only if you have failed the full sound test with the mics and shit, most people, when they get done, get the letter to go get checked which costs 50 bucks (and then put the original pipes back on to pass)...The MOTHER FU*^ing EPA is doing the full sounds tests in victoria more and more,,, so... good luck

Make sure you keep the original pipes and have the hardware to put them back on just in case the EPA ask you to dance.
The other things are either personal and I cant answer. In Carebear land any mods can be illegal re movement of speedo.

Just on the Badlander, it's a great seat just not for a pillion. I have one on my Road King and I love it for solo riding but the missus absolutely hates it.

Regarding your pipes, if they are removable baffles then try them in and try them out. As Wimbo said, make sure you keep the originals as pretty much most pipes (other than stock) are going to fail noise tests. Mine are 6dB over stock and I like the sound, fuck the over the top LOUD pipes anyway, most sound shit.

Could always go with black SE slip-ons & cover the chrome pipes with black heat shields. I almost went down that road but I'm keen on 2 into 1's. I'm only going off hearsay, but SE slip-ons seem to get a good rap on their sound, and have the benefit of easy removal should you fall foul of the fuzz.

Thanks for your opinions guys... Still tentative on the pipes, may end up going for some more subtle slip-ons. Any in particular that are not too loud but give a nice purr? Jayman, i'll check our the eagles this weekend.

I had the chrome sideshots on my 1200 sporty, they were way to loud, so i tried the quiet baffles and while they did knock the edge off, it was still too loud. I did try a few mods on the baffles, but they still drew too much attention in my small town. i have put the sceaming eagle mufflers on and they are a happy medium.
It only takes 2 minutes to change the seat over, so you could have the solo seat and change it when you want a pillion.

Can't add any more than has been said on the pipes. Agree that a quick change solution gives you the best of both worlds for the seat. On the shocks, the progressive 11 inch are pretty good, and value for money. Most opinion is that Ikons are better, but dearer again. If you spent the money on the progressives and changed the front springs to the progressive units as well, it would be money well spent. Just my 2c worth, feel free to ignore anything I say...TC

Thanks so much for all your input guys... You can watch as many YouTube videos etc as you like but it doesn't compare to knowledgeable feedback.
I think I've decided to go for the SE slip ons and get the mustang 2 up