Your Motorcycle Exhaust System...

The look of your motorcycle exhaust can change the look of your custom chopper. Exhausts can be elegant, rude looking or overwhelm the bottom side of the bike with chrome.

However, whatever your personal taste is in motorcycle parts, the most important thing is to remember that whatever you buy must actually fit the size and other specifications mentioned by the manufacturer of the bike!

Motorcycle exhausts are classified by two main categories: the full exhaust system...

...or the slip-on system...

The full exhaust system is connected to the head of the engine and the slip-on exhaust connects to the opening where your stock muffler is usually found.

Here's what a bike will look like with a slip on (this slip on motorcycle exhaust is called a 'downturn' because the end of the pipe turns down)...

If a high end powerful performance is what you are looking for, than a full exhaust system is best for you. This exhaust system suits drag racers, long distance bikers and motorcyclists who frequently run their machine at full throttle.

Almost every cruiser or drag racing bike is outfitted with a full exhaust system to ensure optimum speed, power and control on the road.

The slip on exhaust system is best suited for what are called "stop and go riders." These include commuters and individuals who use their motorcycle infrequently or only for short trips within the city.

The benefit of using a slip on motorcycle exhaust system is that it gives your bike what is called "low end" power. This allows you to start and stop more easily.

A slip on exhaust system is also needed in order for a professional rider to pull a "wheelie" or dart the bike as if turning on a dime.

Drag racers will also employ high mount and low mount motorcycle exhaust systems. These are a type of slip on motorcycle exhaust that call for the raising or lowering of the motorcycle seat depending on the maneuvers that the driver wants to perform.

High or low mount exhausts are not recommended for individuals who like to carry passengers.

Once you have decided on which exhaust system is best for you, experts advise adding three extra components to your installation package. These additional motorcycle parts prevent stains, engine damage and undesirable performance.

First of all it is recommended that you install a fuel management system along with your new motorcycle exhaust system. This allows the airflow and fuel in your pipes to harmonize so that your bike runs smoothly. A fuel management system also prevents your exhaust from deteriorating and turning a brilliant blue. If your bike is fuel injected, you will need to install a type of fuel management system called a power commander. If your bike has a carburetor you will need to install a fuel management system called the jet kit.

Secondly it is recommended that you install new exhaust gaskets every time you replace the motorcycle's exhaust system. This prevents your exhaust from leaking and damaging the engine.

Thirdly it might be a good idea to replace your air cleaner as air is the key to getting more power out of your bike. This also allows for the optimum chemical reactions to take place in your exhaust so your bike can run at optimum efficiency.

There are plenty of used or cloned exhausts to be found in that part of the motorcycle market called the aftermarket. Exhaust systems for all types of bikes including Harley Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki brands are widely available both as cloned versions or the real thing.

Related Articles:

Exhaust Tuning.

Chopper Exhaust Tubing.

Chopper Motorcycle Basics.

Motorcycle Seats.

Motorcycle Gas Tanks.

Build A Chopper.

Motorcycle Frame Blueprints.

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