How do these muffler gaskets work?

[ACL 9000]

I did some searching and couldn't really find out much information about these. It seems like it must be really obvious to everyone except me...

I got some Cobra F1R slip-ons from a dude for $80. They sound really good, but they're too loud, so I don't know if I'm leaving them on or not. Either way, I need to know what's up with the ring gaskets.

The Cobra mufflers are shorter than the stockers, and they also seem narrower. I can't fit the gasket into them. What I've done is I put the gasket on the header and then put the muffler on. This basically just pushed the gasket forward. After tightening the clamps one side still leaks a little. Should I be trying to spread out the connection on the muffler until I can cram a gasket in there, or is this already as good as it's going to get?

I feel like a doofus for asking this. I've had the bike all kinds of disassembled and done a variety of maintenance and modification surgeries, but I'm stumped by these stupid rings.

[Ghostt]

Try spreading the muffler end a little at a time, til it slips on, then tighten the clamp, but don't go crazy tight, overtighening will lead to leaks.

[spooph]

To answer your question, the midpipe to muffler joint allows for some flex. The muffler gaskets are made out of a lead-like (Lead substitute, not actually lead) substance encasing a wire mesh. This allows it stay playable and move if in case the exhaust system flexes maintaining a seal. Obviously, beyond the tuning implications of having a properly tuned exhaust, there is the sound. If it's leaking, it's louder than it should be, however, the muffler has the biggest impact on the sound, so by creating a better seal, it won't quite hardly any more at all.

So, it's all up to you. If you want it to be "right", follow ghost's recommendations.

[Ghostt]

I have a nice pair of OEM mufflers in black I'm not currently using, If you don't like the Cobra, as mine are chrome to match the color scheme of my bike.