Whether you’re competing at the track or simply looking to add more power to your street bike, the right exhaust is essential. Choosing the right exhaust is all about finding a balance between sound, aesthetics and weight savings.
A well-designed exhaust will diffuse and broaden a pressure wave so that it arrives at overlap over a wider rpm range, giving you smoother torque curves and less engine temperature fluctuation. Find out more on Exhaust for motorcycles.
Aesthetics
A bike’s exhaust is a huge part of its overall look. It can be designed to complement or contrast with the rest of the bike’s design, and it may feature a variety of easily swappable tips for different looks.
The sound profile of an exhaust system is also important. Different exhaust designs, muffler configurations and materials can create a variety of sounds, from mellow to aggressive. Look for a system that matches your preferences and meets local noise regulations.
The material of an exhaust can influence its appearance and durability. Steel pipes can rust over time, but stainless steel pipes are less likely to corrode and can retain their bright color. Look for exhaust systems that feature extensive heat shielding, which protects the pipe from high temperatures and prevents it from staining.
Performance
One of the main reasons to invest in a new exhaust is to see power gains. Look for a system that offers an increase in horsepower and torque to make your bike more responsive, especially at lower rpm.
A good exhaust can also help flatten the engine’s torque curve and alter its sound at a specific rpm to meet government noise regulations, says Wells. However, he notes that these effects are limited by other factors such as air-to-fuel ratio and engine dyno tuning.
When considering an exhaust, look for options that offer a double-wall design to keep the outer visible pipe from reaching the high temperatures that oxidize the metal. Some brands use a layer of cool ambient air between the inner pipe and the outer visible shield, so it never comes into direct contact with the hot exhaust gases. This also prevents the dreaded blue-staining seen on some cheaper pipes.
Noise
The sound of your motorcycle’s exhaust system is an important part of its personality. The type of pipes, their size and muffler configuration shape the tone and volume of your bike’s unique sound.
Most motorcycles leave the factory quiet, but many riders want their bikes to be louder. A well-designed aftermarket exhaust system allows you to enjoy your bike’s noise without violating EPA production standards or creating excessive noise pollution.
Most aftermarket systems feature mufflers that reduce the sound of your engine by blocking or deflecting some of the gases from escaping into the atmosphere. They also help keep the interior of your pipes clean, reducing corrosion and extending their lifespan. You can further extend the life of your pipes by using a protective coating or buying double wall pipes, which are made of inner and outer visible pipes with a layer of cool ambient air between them. This way, the outer pipe never reaches the high temperatures that can cause rust and staining.
Weight
The weight of an exhaust system can have a significant impact on the performance and handling of a motorcycle. Replacing a large steel dual exhaust with a single short titanium unit can shed 15 pounds or more from the bike. That can be as much as five percent of the total weight and may significantly improve the peak engine horsepower.
Aftermarket exhaust systems are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and finishes. They offer a range of benefits that many motorcyclists find worthwhile. They can add a cool look to the bike, create a unique sound and offer improved fuel efficiency. However, it is important to consider the weight of an exhaust before purchasing it.