[notdeadman]

It appears to me that there is a new stock muffler.

On this OEM parts site, the old model number is scratched
out and a new one is added.

http://www.partspitstop.com/oemparts/a/suz/508c02aaf870020498e36788/muffler

Does anybody have a clue about this?

I'm really, really hoping they made it stronger, less
susceptible to interior breakage?

(Mine is getting louder and louder. If it bothers me,
it has to be hella annoying to my neighbors and strangers alike.
So I went ahead and ordered a new muffler. The price is rising.
I went through the above site, but I believe Bike Bandit has a price
of $599. Ouch.)

 

[Scootereno]

To the best of my limited knowledge there was a change during 2003-2006 models but basically interchangeable.
Can't say the new part number will be better or improved but it will look the same.

 

[cliffyk]

It was not the design of my original 2003 muffler that was the issue, but rather the construction--the welding in particular. The welds on the main pipe hanger in the front section had very poor (in some instances no) penetration. Elmer's Glue would have provided a better bond:

 

[notdeadman]

I went ahead and ordered one of them,
so I HOPE it is better.

Of course, it hurts when I think that the
cost is probably more than a quarter of
my bike's value.