The exhaust is one of the most important pieces of a motorcycle and yet many people don’t know much about it. That’s a problem because it can make a huge difference to your performance and fuel economy.
The exhaust pipes are designed to send a wave of back pressure back to the engine, which helps it function more efficiently. Without this back pressure your bike will run lean and you could suffer a loss in low end torque.
Exhaust Pipes
What people don’t often realize is that the exhaust pipes on their motorcycles have a unique purpose beyond simply routing away exhaust from the engine. They also create back pressure that helps the engine run more efficiently.
What happens is that as the exhaust gasses travel through an Radiant Cycles exhaust pipe, they widen at certain sections. This enables them to expand and send a wave of exhaust pressure back toward the engine. This back pressure helps the engine stay cool and avoid backfiring when decelerating.
While this might sound like a good thing, it can also result in a drop in fuel economy and low-end performance when pipes are not properly tuned. This can be a major problem for many bike owners who are looking to boost their horsepower.
Header Pipes
A motorcycle exhaust system is a complex four-in-one, made up of header pipes, collectors, catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. Each piece serves a different function, including reducing engine noise and regulating emissions.
A good quality exhaust is made up of a combination of materials, including stainless steel and aluminum. This allows a pipe to resist heat, which is necessary in order for it to work properly.
The header pipes are a vital component of the entire system and play a big role in boosting horsepower. Their shape and diameter have a direct impact on the velocity of pressure pulses that travel down the exhaust tube.
Increasing the diameter of a header can increase the pulse’s velocity, which helps with scavenging. But it’s important to remember that this isn’t the only way to improve the system’s performance.
Exhaust Tip
If you want to make your motorcycle exhaust sound deeper, there are several things you can do. One way is to replace the muffler.
Another thing you can do is to remove the baffles. This will allow your exhaust to produce a deep, louder sound.
However, keep in mind that removing the baffles can be illegal and it may also reduce the engine’s performance. You should also check the dB allowed for motorcycle exhausts in your area.
The third thing you can do is to install a new baffle. This will give you a deep sound but you should still check the allowed dB levels in your area.
Lastly, you can also change the diameter of your exhaust tips. The bigger the tip, the higher the dB you’ll get.
Collector
A collector is a part of the exhaust system that connects the header pipes. It converts harmful gasses into less toxic ones and helps reduce engine noise.
The collector also acts as a filter for the gasses that enter the muffler. It also reduces back pressure in the head pipes, preventing damage to the motor and improving performance.
Exhaust systems can also include a catalytic converter, which transforms the harmful gases into more neutral ones and helps improve the air-fuel mix. It also helps to increase engine efficiency, and decreases emissions.
How a motorcycle exhaust works depends on several factors, such as the type of engine, the exhaust valve size and induction system, cam profile, and exhaust port design. There are certain general rules of thumb that apply, but tuning the system to specific applications is a case-by-case challenge.
