Samson builds the first fishtip mufflers for Polaris Indians. Just recently we received a flash announcement from the new Samson factory in Sturgis, South Dakota. Here are the specs, and the story behind the R&D effort:
These puppies are 4×34 ½-inch Longtail mufflers with baffles. They Fit 2014 Indian Chief Classic, Indian Chief Vintage.
“As of right now we only have fitment on the Indian Muffler for the Chief Classic and the Chief Vintage,” said Brian White, Samson Production Manager. “Polaris threw a curve ball with the Chieftain, as it contains a series of clips for the hard bags clip-in installation. Once I can get my hands on a model example we will have product for all three models.
It’s a 4-inch in diameter muffler body with a performance baffle. It is 34 ½ inches from inlet to the bottom of the tail. “On the test rides we did on Lee’s bike there was a significantly noticeable improvement in torque and horsepower,” said Brian, “although we didn’t do any dyno runs to get actual numbers. Lee was in quite a hurry. Another Badlands snow storm was headed our way, so I only had about three days to handle the R&D and get something solid into production, but I think we did well.”
Samson moved their production headquarters to Sturgis South Dakota recently, although his daughter, Rachel bitched about it. “I want to stay close to Disneyland,” she said.
Samson Exhaust announced the relocation of its production plant from Brea, Calif., to Sturgis, S.D. a couple of years ago. The new 45,000 square foot plant was built from the ground up at 1151 Industry Road, Sturgis, SD 57785.
“When you have built up a company for so many years, packing up and moving your entire operation over 1,500 miles is quite an ordeal but we have managed to get it done,” Kenny Price or Mr. Samson said. Sturgis gave them a warm, supportive welcome. Samson is no stranger as they attended the rally since the company started. “We are excited to be able to contribute to the Sturgis community’s economic growth as well as the surrounding areas.”
“Over eight years ago, I had my first conversations with Sturgis area leaders about moving our manufacturing business to the Black Hills,” said Kenny. It was a long road with many people working to make it happen. “This was a giant step for Samson Exhaust to continue to be a world-class provider of quality products to the motorcycle community, and where better should we be but in Sturgis – the world renowned ‘City of Riders.'”
This massive facility will bring jobs and more economic growth to the badlands. Kenny owns several properties downtown on Lazelle and makes them available for vendors during the rally, but he is also offering free spaces in front of the new building during the 2014 Black Hills Rally. He will also host tours of his factory on a daily basis and offer free barbecue lunches.
“I finished editing the Indian Muffler video with the drive by shots, so thought I’d share the link,” said Brian. “Indian has that ECM figured out because you can see on the deceleration, we aren’t getting any popping at all.”
