Choosing the right motorcycle exhaust system can be tricky. You might want to give your bike a new sound or improve its performance. There are two main choices: used parts or aftermarket options.
Aftermarket exhaust systems often use light materials like titanium, making your bike lighter.
This article will show you the pros and cons of both choices. You’ll learn about different types of exhausts and what to think about before buying one. Keep reading to make the best choice for your motorbike.
Ready to rev up?
Key Takeaways
- Aftermarket exhausts can cut bike weight by up to two-thirds, using materials like titanium. This improves speed and handling.
- There are slip-on and full system exhaust options. Slip-on is easier to fit but full systems bring more performance benefits.
- Upgrading your exhaust can change the sound of your bike, making it deeper and richer.
- Legal rules about noise might impact your choice. Checking local laws before upgrading is smart.
- Customer reviews help pick the right exhaust system, looking at sound quality, performance boosts, and brand reputation.
Understanding Motorcycle Exhaust Systems
Motorcycle exhaust systems play a key role in how your bike performs. They help manage engine noise and emissions while boosting power.
Purpose and functions
A motorcycle exhaust system helps your bike run better. It does this by removing gases from the engine. This keeps the engine cool and working smoothly. It also reduces noise levels, making your ride more enjoyable.
Upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust can bring several benefits. Aftermarket options often use lightweight materials like titanium or carbon fiber. These materials can cut the exhaust weight by up to two-thirds compared to OEM parts.
A lighter exhaust means better performance and handling for your bike.
Custom exhaust options allow you to change the sound of your motorcycle too. The right muffler can give you a deeper, richer tone that many riders love. Choosing an aftermarket system may enhance overall engine performance as well, making it worth considering for any DIY motorcycle enthusiast.
Benefits of upgrading
Upgrading your motorcycle exhaust system can bring many benefits. Aftermarket exhaust systems often use lightweight materials like titanium or carbon fibre. This change can reduce the weight of your bike by as much as two-thirds compared to OEM parts.
Less weight means better performance and handling on the road.
Another advantage is improved sound quality. Aftermarket options provide a deeper, richer tone that many riders love. A good muffler enhances your riding experience and makes your bike stand out from the crowd.
Performance will also increase with aftermarket exhausts. They almost always need some tuning for best results, but this extra step boosts horsepower and torque significantly. Choosing a well-known brand can impact how your motorcycle performs too, making it an essential part of any upgrade plan.
Next, let’s look at different types of exhaust systems you might consider.
Types of Exhaust Systems
There are two main types of exhaust systems for motorcycles: slip-on and full systems. Slip-on options replace just the muffler, while full systems replace more parts to improve performance.
Slip-on vs. Full system
Choosing the right motorcycle exhaust system is crucial for enhancing your riding experience. You have two main choices: Slip-on or Full system. Each option offers different benefits, from performance improvement to weight reduction. Let’s explore these options in detail.
| Feature | Slip-on Exhaust | Full System Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Easier to fit, often requiring less time and fewer modifications. | Requires more extensive modifications, typically replacing the entire exhaust system from the engine to the tailpipe. |
| Performance | Offers moderate performance improvements, mainly in sound and aesthetics. | Significantly boosts performance, often necessitating tuning to optimise. |
| Weight Reduction | Provides a slight decrease in weight due to smaller parts being replaced. | Can reduce the exhaust weight by as much as two-thirds, enhancing performance. |
| Cost | Less expensive, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. | More costly, but offers greater benefits in terms of performance and weight reduction. |
| Materials | Often made from similar materials as the OEM part it’s replacing. | Typically constructed from lightweight materials like titanium or carbon fibre. |
By selecting the right type of exhaust, you can significantly impact your bike’s performance. Whether you prefer the simpler slip-on option for a quick upgrade or the comprehensive full system for maximum performance enhancement, your choice will redefine your riding experience.
Aftermarket options
Aftermarket options for motorcycle exhaust systems give you a chance to customise your bike. These systems often use lightweight materials like titanium or carbon fibre. This reduces the weight of your motorcycle significantly, helping improve performance.
For example, replacing an OEM exhaust with an aftermarket titanium option can reduce weight by up to two-thirds.
Upgraded motorcycle exhausts offer many benefits. They can enhance the sound of your bike and improve airflow. Most aftermarket options require tuning unless they are exact matches for stock parts.
Choosing the right brand is also crucial as it impacts performance greatly.
Popular brands include Akrapovic, SC Project, and Yoshimura among others. Each brand has its unique features and sounds that appeal to different riders. Finding the right fit ensures you get the most out of your modification while meeting emissions regulations.
Factors to Consider
When choosing an exhaust system, think about performance and weight. Consider the legal rules in your area too.
Performance enhancement
Aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems boost performance. They often use lightweight materials like titanium and carbon fibre. This cuts the weight of your bike, sometimes by two-thirds compared to stock options.
A lighter bike accelerates faster and handles better.
Upgrading the exhaust can also improve airflow. Better airflow means your engine runs more efficiently. Most aftermarket parts need some tuning to work well with your setup. The right system can make a big difference in how your ride feels on the road.
Weight reductionWeight reduction plays a big role in motorcycle performance. Replacing an OEM exhaust system with an aftermarket titanium one can cut the weight by as much as two-thirds. Lighter materials like titanium or carbon fibre are common in aftermarket bike exhaust systems.
These upgrades help your motorcycle accelerate faster and handle better.
Many riders look for custom exhaust options to reduce their bike’s weight. This change can improve overall riding experience significantly. Consider how lighter parts affect your bike’s speed and handling as you explore different options for upgrading your motorcycle exhaust systems.
Legal and practical concerns
Using an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust can have legal effects. Many places have rules about sound levels for motorcycles. If your new exhaust system is too loud, you could get a fine.
It is wise to check local laws before choosing an exhaust upgrade.
Installation can also create some challenges. Aftermarket systems might need tuning for the best performance. This ensures your bike runs smoothly and meets regulations. Installing these parts incorrectly can cause problems down the line.
Consider how aftermarket options impact resale value too. Buyers might prefer bikes with standard OEM exhausts due to legality and noise concerns. Research popular brands like Akrapovic or Yoshimura for quality choices that attract buyers later on.
Next, explore the durability and longevity of different motorcycle exhaust systems available today.
Customer reviews and ratings
Customer reviews and ratings can give you valuable insights. They help you choose the right motorcycle exhaust system.
- Quality of Sound: Many riders comment on sound levels from aftermarket exhausts. A good quality exhaust will enhance your bike’s roar without being too loud. Pay attention to these ratings when choosing.
- Performance Improvements: Reviewers often mention noticeable performance boosts with upgraded motorcycle exhausts. Aftermarket options can improve power and acceleration, making riding more enjoyable.
- Weight Reduction: Riders highlight the benefits of lightweight materials like titanium or carbon fiber in aftermarket systems. These materials can cut exhaust weight by two-thirds compared to stock systems, improving handling and speed.
- Installation Experience: Many enthusiasts share their installation experiences with different brands. Some are easy to install, while others may require professional help or tuning for best results.
- Durability and Longevity: Customer feedback often focuses on how well an exhaust holds up over time. Reviews may point out if a specific brand offers better durability than others, which is key for long-term use.
- Legal Considerations: Some riders note whether certain aftermarket options comply with local laws. It’s essential to check sound regulations in your area before buying a new system.
- Resale Value Insights: Several reviews discuss how aftermarket upgrades can boost resale value. Bikes with popular aftermarket parts often attract more buyers when you decide to sell.
- Brand Reputation: Look into the top brands like MIVV, Scorpion, and Yoshimura mentioned in user feedback. A strong reputation among consumers usually indicates reliability and quality in products.
- Sound Levels Compared to Stock: Customers frequently rate the sound difference between stock and aftermarket models highly. A pleasing sound adds excitement to riding without crossing legal noise limits.
- Overall Satisfaction Ratings: Check overall customer satisfaction scores for various exhaust systems before purchase decision-making. High ratings commonly lead to loyal customers advocating for their favorite brands based on personal experience.
Top Exhaust Brands for Consideration
5. Top Exhaust Brands for Consideration: Many brands make great motorcycle exhausts. Each offers unique features and styles to fit your bike. Explore these options to find the best fit for you.
MIVV
MIVV makes high-quality motorcycle exhaust systems. They use lightweight materials like titanium and carbon fibre. This helps reduce the weight of your bike, improving performance.
Many riders notice better sound levels with MIVV products.
These exhausts can often enhance the look of your motorcycle too. They come in various styles, which allows for customisation options that suit each rider’s taste. MIVV exhaust systems are popular among DIY enthusiasts seeking aftermarket upgrades to boost their ride’s performance and appeal.
Scorpion
Scorpion offers great motorcycle exhaust systems. Their products are known for performance improvements and quality materials. Many riders appreciate that Scorpion’s exhausts often use lightweight materials like titanium or carbon fiber.
This choice can reduce the weight of your bike, sometimes by two-thirds compared to OEM parts.
You will find a range of options with Scorpion. They have both slip-on and full system choices to fit various motorcycles. Installing an aftermarket exhaust from Scorpion usually requires some tuning for best results.
Riders also value customer reviews, as they help gauge effectiveness before making a purchase.
Scorpion’s focus on sound levels matters too. Their systems meet legal requirements while still offering that deep, rich tone many enthusiasts love. If you seek performance upgrades, consider what Scorpion has to offer in the world of motorcycle mufflers and exhaust pipes.
Zard
Zard offers high-quality motorcycle exhaust systems. Their products often use lightweight materials like titanium and carbon fibre. This reduces the weight of your bike, improving performance.
You can cut down the exhaust weight by as much as two-thirds with a Zard titanium system.
These aftermarket options help enhance your motorcycle’s performance. They may need some tuning unless you choose an exact OEM replacement. Riders appreciate how Zard improves sound levels too, making for a thrilling ride without breaking legal regulations.
Zard is popular among DIY enthusiasts for its durability. The materials used ensure that these systems last longer than stock parts. A good choice from Zard can also help maintain or increase your motorcycle’s resale value, especially if you ever decide to sell it later on.
Grand National®
Grand National® offers quality aftermarket exhaust systems for motorcycles. These systems often use lightweight materials, helping to reduce the overall weight of your bike. This is important because a lighter motorcycle can result in better performance and handling.
Prices among brands may vary, but Grand National® is known for durability and effectiveness.
Upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust like Grand National® can lead to noticeable performance improvements. Many riders find that these systems not only enhance their biking experience but also improve resale value.
The choice of an exhaust brand can greatly affect how your motorcycle performs on the road.
Next, let’s explore top factors to consider when choosing an exhaust system for your ride.
SuperStreet 2:1
SuperStreet 2:1 exhaust systems offer great performance for your motorcycle. They use lightweight materials like titanium and carbon fibre, which can cut the overall weight by up to two-thirds compared to stock parts.
This weight reduction boosts your bike’s speed and handling.
With aftermarket options like SuperStreet 2:1, you often need some tuning for the best results. Their design can greatly impact how your motorcycle performs on the road. Upgrading to this type of exhaust system can improve not just sound but also efficiency.
Consider these factors when choosing an exhaust system for your ride.
Conclusion
Choosing between used and aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems can be a big decision. Each option has its own benefits. Aftermarket systems often improve performance and save weight.
You should also consider the sound and legal rules in your area. Upgrading your bike with the right exhaust can enhance your riding experience greatly.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between used and aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems?
Used motorcycle exhaust systems are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that have been pre-owned, while aftermarket options are brand-new upgrades not made by the original bike maker.
2. Are there any benefits to choosing an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust system over a used one?
Yes, aftermarket motorcycle exhausts can offer performance improvements including better sound levels, durability and longevity. They may also increase the resale value of your motorbike.
3. How do stock and aftermarket motorcycle exhausts compare in terms of cost?
Aftermarket motorcycle exhausts tend to be more expensive than stock or salvaged parts due to their enhanced features such as chrome finish and catalytic converter integration.
4. Is it legal to install an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust system on my bike?
Legal considerations for installing an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust vary by region. It’s important to check local regulations especially regarding sound levels and if they’re LAMS approved.
5. Does using an aftermarket option impact the environment differently than a used one?
The environmental impact of both types is largely dependent on factors like emission controls within the system but generally, modern aftermarkets tend to be more eco-friendly compared with older used ones.