So my first bike was a VTX 1300, and it was easy enough to get a somewhat louder exhaust by drilling holes in the back of the mufflers. Didn't kill back pressure but made it noticeably louder. I don't necessarily want to replace the stock exhaust on this bike, because it looks ok to me, but I also don't suppose there's a simple solution for making the stock exhaust louder either. I'm mostly just concerned with being louder so cars will hear me. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Gut the Cats?

used slipons. ...weld on car exhaust tips will make it quite loud. I don't think the reduced back pressure will be noticeable on the 14. I noticed no real low end change with a full race exhaust.

Seems like modifying the stock exhaust is something outside of my skill level. Been doing research on it and it seems like the later model mufflers are pretty complex, and would require welding to put it back together (which is not something I've ever even tried).

If I'm going to change out the stock exhaust, I'd like to go with something quite a bit shorter to open up the look of the bike. I'm not looking for an increase in power or anything, just something a fair bit louder than what I have. Don't really want it to be super obnoxious or anything, just something that will let other drivers know I'm nearby so they don't lane shift into me. I also live in California, so I'm sure there are some considerations in that department as well. Anyone have any experience with short pipes that are loud, but not ridiculous for the ZX-14R? Do shorter mufflers require a fuel remap, or is the change insignificant from that standpoint?

You dont need to remap - won't bother the bike but you get no additional HP without.
Plenty load for me and when I get tagged I can swap the stock pumpkin chunkers back on fast to fix the ticket.