Tech Tip - Exhaust

No exhaust system is the perfect match for every bike. In fact every exhaust is specifically designed to perform a certain task.  Before performing exhaust changes or modifications to increase performance, it is critical to determine what kind of performance you want.

• Are you looking to gain low-end and mid-range or maximum top-end power?
• Do you have additional engine modifications?
• Do you want aesthetics or performance? 

A poorly chosen exhaust system can yield very disappointing results. However, one that is well-matched to the engine can provide outstanding power gains. An exhaust system will not produce more power on its own. The power of an engine is determined by the fuel and air mixture. However, the combustion is heavily influenced by the exhaust system.

Pipe Design:
A mistake often made is the selection of an exhaust system with pipes that are too large in diameter for their engine's output. Bigger is not necessarily better and is often worse. In addition equal length pipes offer some benefits that are not present with unequal length pipes. longer pipes typically produce more low-to-mid range torque than shorter pipes.

• Longer pipes will increase power below the engine’s torque peak and shorter pipes tend to increase power above the torque peak.
• Large diameter pipes tend to limit low-range power and increase high range power.
• Small diameter pipes tend to increase low-range power and to some degree limit high-range power.
• "Balance" or "equalizer" chambers between the exhaust pipes tend to flatten the torque peak(s) and widen the powerband. 

There are many other contributing factors to choosing the proper exhaust for your motorcycle.  We encourage you to join our next Service Seminar on Wednesday, January 26th at 6pm where we will discuss the differences in exhaust systems and further explain how to choose one that is right for you.

Tony D. & The Wild Fire Service Team