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Here is my long-winded take on aftermarket exhausts:
I have a black Jardine 4:1 on my '80 SG.
I rate it:
Good performance (hangs together just fine).
Cheap construction.
Tough installation(I shortened the collector pipe for muffler bracket fit - this gives it a cheap but fast look).
LOUD cheap muffler (looks and construction)
Can't install oil cooler.
Must loosen to change oil.
I have a chrome MAC 4:2 on my '81 SH (which is for sale, BTW)
I rate it:
Good performance (hangs together just fine).
Avg. to good construction (much better than Jardine).
I didn't install it.
Mufflers are quiet and look nice
System will easily take oil cooler.
Changing oil is easy.
I don't know how much the MAC unit costs or if they are available, but I like it much better and will replace my 4:1 when and if it wears out (if possible).
When I was looking to replace mine I checked the archives on the XS11 group list (which you can still do). The solid majority of posts favored the Jardines, so I got those. The chrome, construction, performance, and looks are good. I'm happy with them and would recommend them. The only negative is that installation is difficult, you really need two people.
I actually can change the oil on my bike with the Jardine 4:1 without loosening up the exhaust. My error. I have the black version with the canister.
Sorry about that,
Tim
The price for the part I need for the stock exhaust to work correctly seems reasonable compared to local offers for the same part. I just need some help on what to do. I am unsure how the bike would look with a Black 4-1 compared to the stock Chrome 4-2 that needs a little elbow grease...
I prefer the original exhaust. It took me quite awhile but I eventually found an original set for my bike. I like the balanced 4 to 2 look. The man I purchased it from, threw in a pair of brand new accel coils too! I gave him a fair price and we are both happy. Just another view from an XS 1100 special owner who prefers keeping his bike all original.
I have an 81H Venturer fully stock including the oil cooler. After my stock exhaust rotted away I went through a number of new systems and could not find one to fit. The main problem is the stock oil cooler. The MAC 4 into 2 header pipes come together to soon and hits the oil lines. The Jardine 4 into 1 hits the oil lines as well and the #1 pipe hits the oil filter housing as it goes into the collector. The oil cooler housing sits about 1.5" lower because of the oil cooler adapter plate. If you are willing to loose the oil cooler, you have your choice of any after market system. If not, your best bet is to find good stock header pipes with the collectors and go with the Jardine slip-ons or the Harley mufflers. The Jardine slip-ons have a crossover pipe for balanced exhaust. The Harley muffler option does not. The one option I did not try was the Jardine 4 into 2 system. You will probably have to find a way to reroute your oil lines. But it should not come in contact with the filter housing. And it looks pretty sharp
I heard back from MAC finally. Their 4-2 exhaust systems will not fit with the factory oil cooler. The 4-1 will.
I figured up that I can spend about the same price, maybe a little more to get the stock back on the bike. Especially using the PowerSportsPro link mentioned above. I am goignt o wait and play with the bike first, it seems as though the previous owner/owners did not care too much for it. So i think I will have some restoration ahead of me. I plan to keep this bike, I just may not get to ride as much at first as I wanted to.
One benefit to me about a 4-1 system is that it is louder. My stock exhausts were so quiet it was easy to sneak up on people. I believe there is something to the "loud pipes save lives" theory in that hearing I'm there is a good backup in case a car doesn't see me (although I don't believe in the extemes that so many Harley riders take it to). Plus having a bit of a growl gives the bike more character.
I found a dealer that offers the MAC 4-1 for $200 shipped. I think I am going to get it. I hate to get rid of my stock pipes, but I am already putting money into a bike that I am unsure of.
I hope Robert is right, and it is a little louder, some of these people are just not aware of you. And it sucks when they cut you off, and never see you.
Could you let us know your source? I would like some new pipes for $200.
Bill Murrin
Nashville, TN
1981 XS1100SH "Kick in the Ass"
1981 XS650SH "Numb in the Ass"
2005 DL1000 V-Strom "WOW"
2005 FJR1300 Newest ride
1993 ST1100 "For Sale $2,700" (Sold)
2005 Ninja 250 For Sale $2,000 1100 miles
Soon as I order them, and the price is confirmed on my CC bill, I will let everybody know. Also, I will try to get some pics when they come in, and when they are attached.
Ok, for anybody interested. I ordered the MAC 4-1 Annaversery Edition Pipes. MAC themselves retails them for $299. I got a quote from them...
2canucks.com sold them to me for $180
I will have to pay approx. $18 to UPS when they deliver.
And UPS will charge me a fee of $13 for shipping from Canada to the USA.
Not that bad a deal if you ask me. $210 total.
When they come, I will post a picture of before and after, if somebody tells me how to post some pictures...
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