It would and does effect the performance.

Buell uses a long path for low rpm in the xbs and short for higher revs.

When I rigged it so I was using the short path, I lost low end power.

That's what would think too...

Now my bike felt sluggish when I took off the muff and mid pipe. Even though it has a cat it felt slower getting up to speed. But between the shorty I have and the long scorpion (dont know what its really meant for), I couldnt tell.

Its simple really. Any kind of pipe or hose has an internal resistance to flow.

The longer it is, the higher the resistance.

A shorter path would produce less back pressure unless you throw some bends to compensate, or as some people do throw an adjustable baffle in the exhaust path. Then you can adjust the flow restriction accordingly. (this is usually a washer on the end of a bolt threaded into the headed or midpipe)

You a smart motherfucker.

http://theloveofmovies.com/wp-conten...am-jackson.gif