Motorcycle Exhaust Pipes

Rumble on Down the Road

Motorcycle exhaust pipes... Okay, we all agree a good exhaust system increases the bike's look dramatically. And yes, sound is a major cool factor. Come on... but I also realize that different bikes need different things. A wing with screaming eagle motorcycle exhaust pipes wouldn't do it.

To start with emissions (which have become stricter and stricter) exhaust pipes have incorporated a converter which handles the exhaust fumes to accepted levels. Attached to it you'll find a muffler which deals with the noise and sparks. The fumes coming straight out of the engine are lead away by cooling pipes. Cooling pipes get VERY hot and can easily burn you. I have the scars to prove it.

Messing around with the motorcycle exhaust pipes is done by many riders (incl. myself) and can have huge influence on the motorcycle riding ability. Sound is one of the major things influenced but often this has direct effect on emission regulation also. Plus watch out that you don't negatively influence the performance (especially on two stroke engines where combustion and exhaust are often linked). Don't assume you'll automatically get a performance increase.

Exhaust pipe positioning has a lot to do with the purpose of the bike. Trail and off road bikes want to avoid dirt and water getting in them so a high end pipe is fixed. Customs have a low setup (a low setup is also much nicer for passengers riding along) and street and race bikes are setup for the best driving characteristics.

Motorcycle exhausts pipes need to perform different jobs: It needs to export gas away from the bike. It needs to improve performance. It needs to adjust the sound. It needs to regulate the emissions.

The hidden secret to a good exhaust system is the fact that exhaust fumes and heat still contain a lot of energy which a good system reuses for your bike.

It's easy to screw up your exhaust system by using the wrong after market parts - today's pipes have been engineered to great performance on bikes.

Scavenger power is power which comes from your exhaust gases which run through your exhaust system and create an energy pulse which can improve your engine performance (when out of sync it can also downgrade the energy performance). For optimal performance exhaust systems need to match the engine that they are designed for.

There are two types of mufflers: absorption type (allow the gases to pass through a tube covered with fiberglass which absorbs the high frequency) and the baffled muffler (forces the gases through a series of welded-in baffles which blocks the low frequency). Good modern mufflers use both designs.

For optimal performance from your exhaust system your carbs. need to be properly jetted and in sync with your exhaust system. Modern mufflers produce less noise and more horsepower.

Consider this when buying mufflers - if you are just looking for a cosmetic upgrade of your motorcycle nearly any muffler can do. When you want serious performance improvement only a few options will be available.

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