Upgrading a Motorcycle Exhaust System

Posted in Exhaust Tips, Materials and Styles, Performance
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Upgrading our bikes is a big part of the enthusiast experience. We want to make that bike ours, and we want to make it perfect. With any luck, we’ll just get close. For many, the factory exhaust system is the first target. After all, what other component has this much influence? A motorcycle exhaust affects both the look and the sound, and upgrading it can provide the bike a completely new image. However, upgrading the exhaust is a big step, so here are a handful of points to consider before taking it.

1. There is a stunning amount of diversity in aftermarket exhaust systems. Enter the process prepared by knowing exactly what you want. What is my budget? Do aesthetics rank supreme? How loud? What type of tone? How much power do we want? Does fuel performance matter? Do whatever research necessary to answer those questions.

2. Pay particular attention to the specific needs of your bike because unless you are prepared to do customization, the exhaust system must fit and accommodate the needs of the bike perfectly. Some models are more demanding than others are and impose serious limitations. Be aware of them.

3. Armed with this knowledge, you should have the selection field narrowed to something manageable. You can narrow it further by considering material and accounting for weight. The common options are aluminum, carbon fiber, stainless steel, and titanium. Don’t simply rely on looks. Consider how the weight will alter the ride of your bike.

4. Almost all of us want our bikes to be loud. A motorcycle should demand attention. However, remember that the onus is on you to make the bike street legal. Before buying the loudest unit you can find, investigate the laws in your area. If you’re unsure, speak to a motorcycle mechanic. You can probably get the info for free right over the phone.

5. Finally, know that a full system is not the only option. In fact, many enthusiasts can achieve what they want simply using a muffler upgrade the slips or bolts onto the existing header pipes. This provides both a performance and style upgrade, and does it at a cost that is far less than a full exhaust system.

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Custom sports bike mufflers — round or oval?

Posted in Exhaust Tips, Materials and Styles
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If you’re looking for information on custom sports bike mufflers, look no further. Everything you need to know about running the different types will be revealed.

It should come as no surprise that the most popular way to customize your bike is with a new exhaust system. There’s just no better way to change the look and sound of your bike than to ditch the stock setup. For some strange reason, most of them are big and cumbersome. Stock systems are usually also only a single pipe, also has question marks over size, heat and sound. So the question remains, round or oval?

First let’s look at round type mufflers.

The common consensus between riders seems to be that round mufflers are old school and look stock from bikes 10 years ago. They mostly come in aluminum, so that is worth keeping in mind when considering the look of the system on your bike and round mufflers also tend to have a quieter sound. They can be either single or twin pipes, but in most cases, the experts believe the only difference between a round and an oval muffler is the appearance.

Next, let’s look at oval type mufflers.

Without doubt, the most popular custom sports bike mufflers are oval. They generally come in carbon fiber, titanium and stainless steel and according to many riders, create a deeper, more robust sound. There is also the belief that an oval muffler does a better job directing gases and improves scavenging/back pressure. Depending on who you ask, this is either confirmed or you are told there is no difference between the two, other than the look for your bike. Again, many ask if there really is a difference between a twin pipe system with a round or oval muffler.

Finally, let’s look at durability of round and oval mufflers.

Any muffler, regardless of the type, will require repacking at some stage to ensure it provides their performance and sound it should. Carbon fiber and other composite materials have demonstrated they are just as durable and don’t require maintenance any quicker than those made with metal.

You’re now ready to decide which muffler system is best for your sports bike.

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