DIY Motorcycle Exhaust Installations: What You Need to Know Before Getting Started

A motorcycle exhaust system removes harmful gases from the engine and reduces noise. It also helps your bike perform better.

Full exhaust systems provide a significant increase in horsepower and torque. Choose an exhaust that also includes a remap to optimize your riding experience.

Lightweight materials like titanium and carbon fiber are used in many performance exhaust systems. This reduces the weight of your bike, providing a more agile and nimble ride.

Performance

A motorcycle exhaust system is a vital component that removes burnt gases from the engine’s combustion process. The gases are channeled through a series of components including the header, catalytic converter, and muffler before exiting the tailpipe. This process produces sound waves that create the distinctive engine tone we all love. The size of the pipes and their shape can affect the sound produced. For example, shorter pipes can produce a deeper, throaty sound.

Performance motorcycle exhaust systems are designed to maximize power and throttle response. They can also improve scavenging and help the engine breathe more efficiently. A properly tuned exhaust can make better use of the waste pressure pulses created during the intake stroke, which helps flatten the torque curve and improve fuel economy.

A full exhaust system is a good choice for riders looking to boost performance and reduce weight. It replaces the entire exhaust from the header to the muffler and can offer significant performance gains.

Sound

When it comes to sound, exhausts do a lot more than decrease volume. By using different materials, diameters, shapes, and interior pores they can alter the pitch, timbre, and tone of your bike’s engine. This means your ride can be smooth or raspy, full or “tinny,” and loud or quiet.

While the internal combustion of your bike’s engine is incredibly noisy, exhausts muffle that noise by reflecting pressure waves against each other. They also help scrub hazardous compounds such as carbon monoxide out of the exhaust.

Many aftermarket exhaust manufacturers have become renowned for their dedication to power, aesthetics, and sound. Zard Exhausts, for example, offer high-quality systems made of premium materials that improve engine performance by reducing backpressure and increasing horsepower. Additionally, their systems feature distinctive exhaust notes that allow riders to customize the auditory experience of their ride. These unique sounds are sure to turn heads on the road.

Aesthetics

The sleek designs and precision engineering of high-quality exhaust systems elevate the aesthetics of your bike. From subtle purrs to thundering roars, there’s an exhaust system for every rider’s style.

The most popular type of motorcycle exhaust upgrade is a slip-on muffler. This type of system retains the factory header pipes and replaces only the muffler. They’re cheaper than full exhausts, but you shouldn’t expect massive boosts in power unless you add an appropriate jet kit and fuel controller.

Exhaust makers often use featherweight, ultra-thin metals to make their systems lighter. This improves performance in two ways: by reducing back pressure and by shedding weight, which frees up more space for the explosive combustion that makes horsepower.

Weight

A good aftermarket exhaust system consists of lightweight metals, which can reduce the weight of your bike. When combined with better flow that reduces back pressure, a lighter exhaust can boost horsepower by optimizing the air-to-fuel ratio.

If you choose to upgrade your entire exhaust, full systems that replace the headers, pipes, and muffler will result in more significant power gains. These may also require fuel management modifications such as a jet kit for carbureted bikes or a fuel controller for fuel-injected motorcycles.

Upgrading your exhaust can unlock a trifecta of benefits including improved performance, an appealing aesthetic, and a distinctive, soul-stirring exhaust note. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making any changes that require substantial disassembly of your motorcycle. Make sure you’re comfortable tackling the installation and understand your mechanical aptitude. If you’re not, consider hiring a professional to get the job done. Also, be sure to factor in the cost of the new exhaust itself.