exhaust experts

[New2Me]

Ok I see tons of exhaust posts but the one question I have is which AVAILABLE exhaust system is a true performance? I have read numerous times the Kerker/Supertrap system is the best performer but no longer available unless you find someone willing to part with their's. Mac advertises their 4-1 system as a performance system but you don't actually get much gains from it.

My conclusion is that I need/want a 4-1 system with same length headers. From my research that's part of why Kerker works so well and why Mac does not. There's other factors obviously but my quest for now is to find a 4-1 system with equal length headers. My assumption is I can fit tuned mufflers like Kerker's later?

[natemoen]

The German SS oem replica exhaust is probably the best!

[XS1100 Newbie]

You need to dig a little deeper, and you will find that it is hard to beat the stock set up.

[crazy steve]

The Campbell X-Pipe is the only available exhaust that probably has a legitimate claim to being a 'performance' system, but one forum member who has bought one has reported fitment issues (neither stand will fit).

And how much power do you think you're going to get? Even in these bikes heyday, an exhaust change was only good for maybe a 10% gain at best, with most coming in at around 5%. And the gains were all at the top of the tach (with usually matching losses down low), not all that useful on a street bike.

Not trying to be discouraging, but these bikes as-delivered left very little in terms of power on the table. Generally, tuning them to a fine edge will get the same power as trying to modify them....

[New2Me]

I guess I figured there was more to gain from a proper exhaust set-up. Has anyone seen OEM systems still being sold? The reports people make regarding gains from aftermarket systems is over stock so why would OEM be best?

Maybe I'll just scrap this thought and go for looks instead. Then I'll save for EFI system for a serious gain.

[crazy steve]

For a stock exhaust, you just have to keep looking. They do turn up (and usually cost as much or more as a new MAC system, so that'll give you an idea of how good the MAC is...) every once in a while, sometimes at decent prices. Mint versions will be huge bucks, but a very serviceable system can be found for reasonable prices generally...

[ddragon63]

I've seen some exotic stuff home made on youtube. Like a guy that did a standard into a Cafe with a 4 into 1 and a modern carbon fiber sport bike muffler on it.... sounded awesome!

I like my stock special pipes and stock air box and stock jets... it all talks nice to each other.

I just ride it.... Besides on a 90 something hp, air cooled motor... in a 600+ lb bike, I don't see how 2 or 4 hp after the headache is gonna help ya. YMMV of course... and my views are Jaded as most will tell ya

[New2Me]

Yea I'm just going to deal with what I got and get it running the way it should. I can be impulsive and obsessive at times. I been trying to get info on the kerker system that was once sold for the bike, like the part number so I can compare it to other bikes like the kz1000. For some reason that bike has a decent selection available on the market still. Maybe ill find a local person that will let me test fit it to my bike.

Problem is I'm trying to do reaserch on a mobile device while working midnights. My other problem is Id like a black exhaust and don't have it in me to ruin this system I got with paint.

[b.walker5]

Changing the exhaust system on it's own is only noise unless your going to rejet and retune to go with it. Theres no point in improving air flow at the exhaust without improving air flow, and fuel mixture, at the intake. If you want improved performance, they go hand in hand, otherwise it's just noise, and may actually decrease performance.

That said, almost any exhaust shop with a decent mandrel bender will fab an exhaust for your, if you've got the budget. Basic rules are keep the header tubes to the collector the same length, or as close to as possible. Exit the collector to a decent sized expansion chamber (3 inch or so), and have just enough baffle to provide some back pressure, and kill some of the noise. Without a flow bench you're not going to get closer than that, but for the minimal gains in performance, a flow bench designed exhaust isnt going to be much better anyway. Mines homemade and works fine. Sounds good too.

[Lonerider62]

Since I can remember, bikers have changed the mufflers or entire exhaust system more often than any other part of the motorcycle. I've done it myself on the majority of bikes I've owned. On my FZ1, I went to a MIVV Suono with a PCIII for fueling set up and after running that for about a year and a half I decided to go back to the stock set up. The stock unit is much better on the ears and there has been and is no noticeable difference in performance. Our brains have a tendency to interpret a higher sound level with a higher H.P. output, which in most cases is very minimal or non-existant. We think we know more than the designers and engineers but they put a lot of work into making sure all components work well together for the best overall performance, not just at one end or the other. I just wish I had the money back in my bank account that I've spent over the years on exhausts, only to lose money on each one.

[New2Me]

I just realized that I never clarified my intentions with the bike. I would like to make it into.........a comfort cafe racer. So its going to get LED's eventually, a cafe style seat for 2, and not sure how i'll paint it or if I'll replace the bars. I know for a fact I won't put clubman's on there because they are not comfortable to me.

Now I would just leave the exhaust till I found the one I want but I need to rework the carbs now, and prefer to get it right the first round so I can enjoy the season. The look of my assumed Mac 4-2 w/turn outs is not quite my style. Sending sound to both sides of me is nice in theory but we all know that dont make a difference to the cars not paying attention.

I was just trying to take out two birds with one stone. You make a good point Lonerider62 and that is why Im trying to get all the info I can now.

[skipper]

One thing to think about. You can change the power band with exhaust/ headder length (raise/lower the fat part). It's difficult to get MORE power, but you can move the band around to where you want the most power to be. It'll FEEL like you improved it. And maybe you will, if you get more torque where you normally use it.

[Joab]

Didn't TC buy some exhaust creating tools awhile back?

[tom clisham]

Nazis?

The German SS oem replica exhaust is probably the best!

I thought we put the german ss out of business in WWII

[tom clisham]

stock exhausts

I've got a stock set up from a 79SF you can have for $100.00
It has some dents in the muffs. That's why it's on the shelf. It's very solid & complete otherwise. I believe the chrome could be cleaned up pretty well.
The special exhaust will bolt on to the standard. Has a different crossover pipe, & muffs don't go as far back as standard.

Don't know how stock will look with cafe. I think a cool 4/1 would be more appropriate for that. Unless you're a strip drag racer, just get the exhausts that look & sound the way you want. The difference in performance between them all is not that significant.