'79 XS1100SF pipe consensus

[XSive Dave]

I'm getting a lot closer to replacing the stock exhaust system on my bike and I'm looking for comments on the different systems that are available. I'm leaning towards MAC, but I want to hear more from others on their experiences with the various brands.
I'd like to keep the 4 into 2 configuration, but nothing's chipped in stone...

This topic has probably been beaten to DEATH here, but I'm on a couple of boating forums and WORKING MY A** OFF the rest of the time and haven't seen a definitive consensus yet.

Thanks in advance for all the advice and opinions!



Dave

[sam_cg_cook]

I have the Jardine 4 into 1 on my SG... I love it... great sound, smooth lines...but mainly because I don't care for the look of any of the 4-2's that I have seen out there... especially the Jardine 4-2 with the crossed pipes. Just my two cents.

Whatever you choose, though... look up the tip on this site about preventing blueing of your pipes...

[sam_cg_cook]

The link...

I would have added this by edit... but the time limit expired...


Here... I did the search work for you, go HERE for the bluing tips...

[fusionking]

Funny I tried the high temp paint thing on new pipes (mac) and it didn't work worth a crap! trust me I used a lot of paint. I figure most of the people who did this successfully already had their jetting ironed out. P.S. I even used the good ceramic stuff. I will say I do like the look of my Mac 4 into 1 system even if they do have a little blue on 'em, adds to the color! ha ha Garry

[XSive Dave]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I like the look of the stock system but it's got thumbprint-sized holes in a couple of spots on the mufflers & the header pipes are rusty and make the bike look kinda ratty.

Jetting? Ha! I've had my '79 SF for almost 20 years and haven't had the carbs apart yet! (Lucky?) Still runs great! Carb boots are in my immediate future, as are shocks and, of course, a new exhaust system.


Dave

[strom]

Just for info:

Material for building my own 4-2 exhaust system cost me bout 30$:

A piece of thin walled pipe for the pipes, I didn't get 38mm ones, so 40 should do it. Im using old headers here since they're not the problem.

A piece of 30mm pipe for the silencers... drilled a lot of holes (6mm) in there so I'll have 3 compartments in each muffler. Drilling takes time and... beer.

A steel sheet for the pots. I cut em out to size and took em to a guy who makes exhausts to roll em, but he screwed up, so we did it by hand... a large diameter pipe and a rubber hammer.
Another few circles were cut out to act as compartment walls inside the muffler.

1,5 kg aluminium piece for the end thingies that close the mufflers.

Another 20$ for getting the aluminium ends drilled to a nice coned shape.

Next some welding of the silencers and compartment walls... the whole assy. should slide into the pot. and since the pots are cone shaped, it should hold em there, then fixed permanently with the aluminium pieces at the end.

Get the pipes bent, welded, everything polished and chromed.

So max. another 100$ for polishing (not doing that myself, no time) and chroming of the whole thing.... and viola... new exhaust system... will post pics when everything is complete.

LP

[Jerry]

I don't care for the look of any of the 4-2's that I have seen out there... especially the Jardine 4-2 with the crossed pipes.

I like the looks, also the fact that if you are going to keep a 4-into-2 system the crossed pipes give you balanced pulses, unlike the stock system.

Firing order is 1-2-4-3, so 1 and 4 pulses go out the right pipe 180 degrees apart, and 2 and 3 go out the left pipe 180 degrees apart.

Stock system goes 1-2 90 degrees apart, then 4-3 also 90 degrees apart, with both sides having a 'gap' of 180 degrees before the next exhaust pulse.

Other systems...do a search (Tab is upper right of your screen) on mufflers or exhaust. In addition to MAC, Jardine lists 2 each 4-into-1 XS/XJ systems at about $365.00 per system, MAC, already mentioned, and a company called Motad has been mentioned. Kerker and Youshimura (sp ?) made systems in the past, good quality if you can find them.

Jardine page is http://www.jardineproducts.com I don't have the others bookmarked.

MAC has a reputation of being the loudest and cheapest of the systems out there. They work OK, had one on a Honda, but quality is not as good as some.

[XSive Dave]

Thanks, everybody for the replies!

LP, my hat's off to you for fabricating your own system - I hope it works out for you, good luck! We'll be looking forward to the pictures.

Jerry, thanks for the opinion of the MAC systems... I think I'll steer away from them... obviously a case of "You get what you pay for."

Dave

[schpiff]

I know of a few guys who have rplaced exhaust on older bikes... no XS'S..so far it seems that most opted for the 4 into 1 config. (most used jardine and some kirker) One is a guy I work with he has a 82 Kaw 1000 Ltd and is using a kirker 4-1. I have asked a buncha questions about how it works for him..He hasnt rejetted(stock airbox) and he says it actually get better mileage and runs better than with the stock 4-2 it had. Tho he aint real crazzy about the sound when the rpms get to like 5000 he says hes pretty happy with it.
[SIZE=3]AND[SIZE=1]his pipes have a bend in them to get to the oil filter!
I dont know if this can still be had but......
I myself like the stock sound..hoping.....