Kerker Pipes

[egleaves]

I just bought a 1980 eleven special, with Kerker pipes. I can't find any info on these pipes anywhere. Has anyone ever used these pipes on their bike? What advantage, if any, do they give over stock pipes?

[Jerry]

The Kerker pipes are considered to be amoung the better performance pipes on the market. As with all 4 into 1 systems, you loose the weight of the 2nd muffler and gain some ground clearance. Generally the carbs need to be re-jetted to take advantage of the scavaging and higher-end flow of the system. Check your plugs for color to make sure the PO did the job right. Typically the Kerker improved mid and top-end performace at a slight loss of low-end grunt. Performance also will vary depending on which muffler you use. The sound is also different than a 4 into 2 system.

Drawbacks include - on some models - restricted access to the oil filter and inability to use the center stand, which must be removed to install the exhaust system.

The Kerker is a good system, particularly if the carb jetting has been set to match.

[egleaves]

Thanks for the info. I do seem to be lacking a little bit of low end power, but once it hits the powerband, we're off! I read somewhere else about the center stand needing to be removed, but mine is on the bike and works just fine. As soon as I get a chance I'll have to check out the plugs. I was told the carbs were re-worked right before I bought it, we'll see.