Exhaust systEm

/// super streetbike cover story
Exhaust System
Shootout 2012
SSB gathers 19 of the hottest
slip-ons and full systems and
puts them to the test on two
popular 2012 sportbikes.
Words: Justin Fivella
Pics: Jorge Nunez
Model: Nikki Leigh
The dyno sessions were done over the course of two
days—all of the ZX-6R slip-ons were completed on the
first day and the Gixxer full systems on the following
to insure weather changes wouldn’t give any advantages to a given system. A Bazzaz Z-Fi and Z-AFM Self
Mapping unit were also installed on the Gixxer to create
a custom map for each full system with a preset AFR
of 13.5:1. While certain systems might like a different
air/fuel ratio (AFR), we wanted to make it fair for all of
the competitors. All dyno pulls were done with Shell
91-octane premium fuel.
Inside the noisy dyno room it was impossible to get an
accurate dB level due to the overwhelming roar of the
fans and the rear tire spinning on the drum so we noted
each system’s sound levels in a + or – over stock: The
louder the system the higher the positive number and
the quieter the system (no system was quieter than
stock) the lower the number.
A
n exhaust upgrade is often the first addition to any
sportbike but even slip-ons aren’t cheap and the options
are numerous so choosing the right one for your bike
and budget is tough. Exhaust manufacturers claim big
gains with their systems, but how do you really know the truth
behind those claims? Simple, you let SSB do the dirty work. While
we’d love to dyno every system for every bike, that’s just not possible, so we picked two popular models: a 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000
for the full systems and a 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R for the slip-ons.
Each system was tested on the SuperFlow dyno at
Gene Thomason Racing, then weighed on the scales,
evaluated for fit and finish, and finally
measured with a decibel (dB) meter at
wide-open throttle
(WOT) and at a steady
5,000 RPM cruise.
46 / SSB
October 2012
Selecting an overall winner is meaningless since
everyone has an idea of the perfect exhaust. So we’ve
listed the cold hard facts so you can be the judge, while
also noting the leaders in each category. Kick back and
enjoy our exhausting shootout that took two days,
26 hours of dyno/install work and over 130 limiterbouncing dyno pulls. Welcome to SSB’s Second Annual
Exhaust Shootout.
superstreetbike.com / 47
2012 ZX-6R
Slip-Ons
Cat-Back
Systems
* Retains Catalytic Converter
A full system is nice, but expensive. For the price
of those pipe-dreams you can get an undertail,
windscreen, levers, tank protector, frame sliders
and a slip-on.
Team Green’s middleweight was selected for the
marathon of slip-on testing since it’s been out
for nearly five years and is a popular street
choice. It baselined at 109.1 HP / 43.9 LB-FT.
We divided the categories into two: the
systems that retain the factory catalytic
converter (cat-back systems) and those
that don’t (cat-delete systems).
Despite the differences—small to
big, shorty to full, cat to no cat—the
spread in power was just undertwo HP
and four pounds from lightest to the
heaviest.
Yoshimura R-77 carbon/stainless
slip-on
Construction: Stainless steel
muffler and piping
Weight: 4.18 pounds
HP/Torque: 112.2 HP/ 44.3 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +9
DB at cruise: +5
Fit & finish: 10
Price: $499.95
Contact: vanceandhines.com
Construction: Carbon fiber
muffler and end cap, stainless
connecting pipeand piping
Weight with insert/open:
5.62/5.98 pounds
HP/Torque with insert/open:
110.5 HP/ 44 LB-FT; 112.6 HP/ 44.3
LB-FT
dB at WOT with insert/open:
+5/+6
DB at cruise with insert/open: +4/+5
Fit & finish: 10
Price: $599
Contact: yoshimura-rd.com
The Word: Several years ago the CS One brought V&H back
The Word: Polished describes the R-77 system, as it fits like
Vance & Hines CS One Black
stainless slip-on
from a brief sportbike hiatus. Installation was OEM tight and the
black beauty looked at home on the Green Monster. Its fit and
finish are as good as anything from overseas. We awarded the CS
One “Best Bang for the Buck Slip-On System” because it showed
well on the dyno and scales and emitted a deep, mellow tone
all while looking like a piece of streetbike jewelry. The CS One is
available in matte black ceramic and polished finishes in case you
prefer bling over brawn.
LeoVince GP Pro stainless
slip-on
Construction: Stainless steel
Weight with insert/open: 4.88/ 4.54 pounds
HP/Torque with insert/open: 109.5 HP/ 44 LB-FT;
111.6 HP / 44 LB-FT
dB at WOT with insert/open: +2/+10
dB at cruise with insert/open: +2/+10
Fit and finish: 10
Price: $509
Contact: leovinceusa.com
The Word: LeoVince has deservedly earned a name in the highend exhaust business. In addition to scoring well on the dyno and the
scales, the GP Pro has the fit and finish of artwork. The pipe looks and
sounds like it belongs on a MotoGP monster. The exhaust note is deep
and raspy, but subdued with the insert in place. LeoVince also offers
more traditional pipe designs in stainless steel, carbon fiber and
titanium. But trust us, in person this bad dog is a true beauty.
Hotbodies Racing MGP Growler
carbon/stainless slip-on
Construction: stainless piping
and end cap, carbon fiber
muffler
Weight: 2.60 pounds
HP/Torque: 112 HP/ 44 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +17
dB at cruise: +16
Fit and finish: 9
Price: $299.95
Contact: hotbodiesracing.com
factory, sounds fantastic and made the most power of the catback systems. Its fitment is factory fresh thanks to details like a
billet heat-shield and the quiet insert not only works admirably
well, but it doesn’t rob too much power in the process.
The Word: Straight from the MotoGP paddock and onto a
bike near you, the MGP Growler slip-on chocked up the title of the
lightest cat-back slip-on and made solid power in the process.
Being a shorty pipe means it’s on the loud side, but the
byproduct is sweet, sweet racebike sound at WOT wrapped in a
unique design that looks tiny next to the others.
It can be had in multiple muffler styles: stainless steel, carbon
fiber or titanium so finding one to match your bike won’t be an
issue. It is heavier than some of its competitors but made the
most HP out of the cat-back systems tested.
The pocket-sized killer is crafted in Italy and at $299.95 it’s also
damn affordable. For those looking to save a buck, increase
performance and style and want a lot of bark to match the bite, the
MGP is hard to beat.
Akrapovic titanium/carbon slip-on
Construction: Titanium muffler
and piping, carbon fiber end cap
Weight with insert/open: 3.96/
3.70 pounds
HP/Torque with insert/open:
111 HP/ 44.3 LB-FT; 112.2 HP/ 44.5
LB-FT
dB at WOT with insert/open:
+2/+4
dB at cruise with insert/open:
+2/+3
Fit and finish: 10
Price: $744.95
Contact: akrapovic.com
The Word: Quality goes hand in hand with Akrapovic and this
titanium and carbon fiber version came within one HP of the top
spot despite breathing through the stock cat (the winning pipe
ditched the factory cat). Of course Akro also sells an closedcourse cat-delete should you want a few more ponies.
Fit and finish were top-rate and the deep, robust sound quality of
the uncorked pipe is what we’ve come to expect from them. The
dB insert did an admirable job of killing sound without the power
and the edged muffler design is as classic as it is modern.
Best
bang
for the buck
Slip-on
48 / SSB
October 2012
superstreetbike.com / 49
2012 ZX-6R
Slip-Ons
Cat-delete
systems
Jardine RT5 titanium/
carbon slip-on
* Removes Catalytic Converter
Construction: Titanium muffler with
carbon end cap, stainless steel piping
Weight: 4.54 pounds
HP/Torque: 112 HP/ 44.4 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +12
dB at cruise: +17
Fit and finish: 9
Price: $537
Contact: jardineproducts.com
FMF Apex carbon/titanium slip-on
Construction: Carbon fiber muffler with
titanium end cap and piping
Weight with insert/open: 5.76/ 5.55 pounds
HP/Torque with insert/open: 111.6 HP/ 44.4 LB-FT;
111.9 HP/ 44.3 LB-FT
dB at WOT with insert/open: +10/+11
dB at 5,000 RPM cruising with insert/open: +8/+10
Fit and finish: 9
Price: $549.99
Contact: fmfracing.com
The Word: This was another strong performer that fared well on
the dyno, the scales and in the fit and finish department. Its unique
muffler design was unlike any in the test and it complimented the Kawi.
Sound quality was an octave higher than the deeper pipes and it bordered on “screamer” status, a title several of the testers enjoyed under
WOT. Available in multiple finishes including carbon or polished stainless steel and several additional pipe designs from duals to slash-cuts.
The Word: The carbon fiber and titanium Apex slip-on packs a lot
of punch with high-grade materials, a removable quiet insert, and solid
power on the dyno and faired well on the scales.
Fit and finish are top-rate and the insert installs at the front of the muffler so it doesn’t muddy up the end cap. Sound quality was full yet mellow and its design fit the factory lines of the ZX-6R nicely.y.
HMF Performance Series stainless/
aluminum slip-on
Construction: Aluminum
muffler with stainless steel
end cap and piping
Weight: 6.78 pounds
HP/Torque: 113.6 HP/ 44.7 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +13
dB at cruise: +9
Fit and finish: 9
Price: From $359.99
Contact: hmfracing.com
The Word: SSB has been a longtime fan of the OG raspy
rumble that HMF pipes produce. It not only sounds wicked but
made the most power out of all the slip-ons and tied for the most
torque production as well.
Its aluminum and stainless construction means it weighs more
than several others. There’s also an optional dB killer, multiple muffler and end cap designs along with over 10 different colored cans.
Competition Werkes carbon/
stainless slip-on
Construction: Stainless steel
piping and end cap, carbon fiber
muffler
Weight: 2.58 pounds
HP/Torque: 112.8 HP/ 44.7 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +19
dB at cruise: +16
Fit and finish: 9
Price: From $349.99
Contact: competitionwerkes.com
The Word: This feathery slip-on barely moved the scales at
an impressive 2.58 pounds. Its showing on the dyno earned it a
two-way tie for top honors in the highest torque production for a
cat-delete system. Fit and finish were top rate and sound quality
was thunderous, if not a bit on the loud side–it is a shorty race
can. Its carbon and stainless steel construction is dead sexy and
it’s also available in eight different colors to match any OEM hue.
Hindle Euro stainless slip-on
Two Brothers Racing V.A.L.E. Black
Series carbon/stainless slip-on
Construction: Stainless
steel can, end cap and
piping
Weight: 4.98 pounds
HP/Torque: 112.8 HP/ 44.7
LB-FT
dB at WOT: +11
dB at cruise: +7
Fit and finish: 9.5
Price: $424.89
Contact: hindle.com
Construction: Carbon fiber
muffler, stainless steel piping,
end cap and hardware
Weight: 3.62 pounds
HP/Torque: 112.1 HP/ 44.4 LB-FT
dB at WOT with insert/open: +19
dB at cruisE: +17
Fit and finish: 9
Price: $649.98
Contact: twobros.com
The Word: With 44.7 LB-FT at the tire, the Hindle tied for the
most torque production and did so without breaking the bank.
The stainless steel piping and muffler looked good and the classic
full-length pipe with its Euro end cap was a nice blend of modern
style and classic design. Our example was the 14” variant and
sound quality was mellow and deep without ever being too much.
Like most of the cat-delete systems, the installation process was
easy and it also saved weight at 4.98 pounds. Hindle offers its
pipes in 14-20” lengths, in titanium, carbon or stainless steel and
in a Euro (tested) or Alien-Head design.
The Word: This shorty was one of the lightest in the test and
also one of the best looking. The carbon pipe looked mean under
the Kawi and the included undertail, blinker and LED plate lights
only sweetened the deal–a freebie only found with Two Bros.
Sound quality was enjoyable, but as a shorty it was on the louder
side. However, it can be dampened with optional quiet inserts or
with the larger V2 muffler. If carbon fiber isn’t your weave, it’s also
available in titanium or polished stainless steel with options like
custom badges and multiple colored inserts/bolt sets.
most
powerful
Slip-On
LIGHTEST
Slip-On
50 / SSB
October 2012
superstreetbike.com / 51
2012 ZX-6R
Slip-Ons
2012 GSX-R1000
Full Systems
Cat-Delete Systems
* Retains Catalytic Converter
Sound the Alarm
M4 GP Mount stainless slip-on
Construction: Stainless steel
can, end cap and piping
Weight with insert/open: 3.90/
3.36 pounds
HP/Torque with insert/open:
109 HP/ 44 LB-FT; 111.1 HP/ 44.4
LB-FT
dB at WOT with insert/open:
+19/+12
dB at cruise with insert/open:
+10/+17
Fit and finish: 9
Price: $342
Contact: m4exhaust.com
The Word: Although the M4 didn’t win any category outright, it placed in the upper percentile in almost every slot. It put
down good power, chopped serious weight and didn’t break the
bank. Its shorty GP-style design looks good and the fit and finish
are solid. The installation process was status quo, save for a bolt
on the right rearset to hang the low-slung pipe which prolonged
the install by a few minutes.
Like all of the shorty pipes, the M4 was loud but it did have a nice
blast under WOT. It was the only pipe to come with two quiet
inserts, the larger one was included in our shootout and chopped
serious decibels without killing much power. The smallest insert
(not included here) robbed more power, but further curbed the
dBs. We awarded the M4 as the best bang for the buck cat-delete
system for its performance and price.
Unfortunately 2013 brings with it a new set of strict exhaust
laws to California motorcyclists that says all pipes (stock or
aftermarket) must be EPA approved or you can be cited. Any
2013 or newer bike, even if parked in a public location, can still
receive a citation–BS, we know. This means all pipes must be
whisper quiet at under 80dBs and each manufacturer has to
pay big money to have their pipes tested by the EPA. It also
means that any non-EPA compliant system is for off-road use
only. While we don’t agree with the new law, there is light at
the end of the tunnel thanks to companies like Yoshimura that
have stepped up with EPA-compliant systems. Have a look!
Yoshimura R-77 EPA legal stainless/
carbon slip-on
Construction: Carbon fiber
can, stainless connecting pipe
Weight: 6.02 pounds
HP/Torque: 110.1 HP/ 44.1 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +0
dB at cruise: +2
Fit and finish: 10
Price: $629
Contact: yoshimura-rd.com
The Word: Yosh took on Uncle Sam and won the battle
thanks to its unique EPA-compliant system that slides under the
80dB limit. Power on the dyno was within one HP of the standard
system and the carbon can (also available in titanium or stainless)
was only ounces heavier than the non-EPA unit as well.
Sound quality was mellow, but the patented Yosh wail at redline
was apparent, albeit a little subdued. Fit and finish were on par with
factory stuff and the carbon can looked solid flanking the Kawi. For
those wanting to keep it legal and add a few ponies, here is your
E-ticket ride to lawful horsepower.
Make it rain, max out your VISA and burn your budget because
full systems are all about full power, maximum weight savings
and legit street cred. When it comes to the pinnacle of
performance, aftermarket full systems are the answer—one
look at this pile of hot pipes and you’ll know why.
For this test we chose a 2012 GSX-R1000 because it’s the
quintessential literbike. Plus, little has changed since ‘09. It
baselined at 151.4 HP / 74. 9 LB-FT.
There wasn’t a bad system here. We incorporated the full
gamut from budget to baller, stainless to titanium, shorty to
full length. On the dyno the
spread was a mere four
HP and 1.5 LB-FT at the
tire with the weights from
lightest to heaviest being
six pounds. Throttle up!
Leo Vince Factory R stainless/
titanium full system
Construction: Stainless steel
piping, titanium muffler, carbon fiber end cap
Weight: 12.96 pounds
HP/Torque: 162.4 HP/ 75.4 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +16
dB at cruise: +15
Fit and finish: 10
Price: $1479
Contact: leovinceusa.com
The Word: The system fit like factory and made great power.
Its stainless headers were a bit heavy, but they still shed nearly
five pounds off stock and power production was within 1 HP and .4
LB-FT of the top seed, well within the margin of dyno error. Sound
quality was racebike fresh with a crisp snap unlike any other pipe.
Installation was slower than the rest due to the intricate process,
but the fitment is OEM quality. It was the only system to come with
a new pillion-peg mount, a carbon fiber one at that. Titanium headers are also available as is a carbon can and optional quiet inserts.
FMF Apex titanium/carbon
full system
Construction: Titanium piping
and end cap, carbon fiber
muffler
Weight: 7.98 pounds
HP/Torque: 163.7 HP/ 75.9 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +15
dB at cruise: +13
Fit and finish: 9.5
Price: $1799.99
Contact: fmfracing.com
The Word: This bad boy is straight off the AMA racebikes and
it’s constructed of full titanium with a titanium/carbon can that
checks in at a feathery 7.98 pounds–the lightest in the test.
Power and torque production was second in the test by less than
one HP and .2 LB-FT, which is well within the realm of dyno error.
Sound was full and stout. Fit and finish were also top notch thanks
to a multi-piece design primarily held in place with lightweight
springs. If you’re after racebike bling without the fluff, consider this.
lightest
FULL system
52 / SSB
October 2012
superstreetbike.com / 53
2012 GSX-R1000
Full Systems
Brock’s Performance Alien Head
stainless black ceramic coated
full system
Construction: Ceramic coated
stainless steel headers, piping,
can and end cap
Weight: 9.06 pounds
HP/Torque: 159.9 HP / 74.5 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +19
dB at cruisE : +15
Fit and finish: 8.5
Price: $1395
Contact: brocksperformance.com
The Word: This system packs great performance and value
at a tick over nine pounds with strong dyno numbers. The black
ceramic coated finish is buff-looking and keeps the heat inside
the pipes instead of inside the fairings but will scratch if you’re
not careful. The shorty Alien Head pipe made some solid sound,
but was on the louder side. Brock’s also offers different, mellower
mufflers of varying lengths. Three different header designs are
also offered from old school megaphones and dragged-out Sidewinders to high-mount roadrace pipes and titanium construction
is an option too.
Header installation was bonehead easy with hex-head bolts
securing the flanges to the motor and a combination of springs
and bolts securing the rest. Since the pipe is a shorty design the
right rearset must be removed in order for the Brock’s exhaust
mount to be installed, but the detailed instructions made it easy. If
a standard system is just too plain, this low-mount shorty is your
unique alternative.
Leveling the Playing Field & Maximizing
Your Buck
Since installing a full system
usually requires a fueling
computer, we opted for a
Bazzaz Z-Fi and Z-AFM Self
Mapping Module to make sure
each pipe was maximized to a
predetermined air/fuel ratio.
Each bike was allowed the
dyno time for the Bazzaz to
create a map so no system
could be deemed a wringer. If
you’re in the market for a full
system, a fueling computer is
a wise investment and a selfmapper is all the better since
you can set it and forget it.
Hindle Euro stainless/carbon
full system
Construction: Stainless steel
header and piping, carbon fiber
muffler with stainless steel
end cap
Weight: 9.56 pounds
HP/Torque: 162.8 HP/ 75.4 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +12
dB at cruisE : +11
Fit and finish: 10
Price: $1199.99
Contact: hindle.com
The Word: The Hindle headers installed with flanges bolted
to the head followed by retainer springs to secure the headers to
the flanges and a combination of springs and bolts secure the rest
of the system. The quality stainless headers tucked nicely around
the bike and also featured an O2 bung with a reducer insert for the
factory or larger wideband O2 sensors. Hindle offers the cans in
stainless or titanium, in different lengths from 14-20 inches (ours
was the 14” variant) and in different styles like the Euro can we
tested or the optional Alien Head. The stainless/carbon combo
scored well on the scales and dyno and didn’t break the bank.
Sound quality was deep and mellow at cruising with a nice rip
under WOT. The Euro muffler has style on the Gixxer and the fact
you don’t see a Hindle every day is added exclusivity.
for The buck
Full system
October 2012
Construction: Stainless steel
header and piping, carbon
fiber muffler
Weight: 13.78 pounds
HP/Torque: 164.6 HP/ 76.1 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +11
dB at cruisE : +9
Fit and finish: 10
Price: $1149
Contact: yoshimura-rd.com
The Word: As one would expect from Team Yoshimura, the
Gixxer system pounded out serious power–in fact, it made the
most power and torque of the full systems. True, its stainless
headers and carbon can were the heaviest of the lot, but they still
shaved nearly five pounds off the stock setup.
Best
bang
54 / SSB
Yoshimura R-77 stainless/carbon
full system
Fit and finish were impeccable as the headers secured to the
motor with hex-head bolts and a combination of springs and
bolts attached the rest of the system. Sound quality was deep
at cruising speeds with the patented Yosh scream under WOT. If
carbon isn’t your style, the can is available in titanium or stainless
steel and Yosh also offers several different muffler styles and
even has the headers in titanium for a greater weight savings.
most
powerfuL
FULL SYSTEM
Two Brothers Racing Black Series
V.A.L.E. stainless/carbon
full system
Construction: Stainless steel
headers and end caps,
carbon fiber can
Weight: 8.98 pounds
HP/Torque: 160.2 HP/ 74.9 LB-FT
dB at WOT: +15
dB at cruise : +14
Fit and finish: 9.5
Price: $1189.98
Contact: twobros.com
The Word: At a svelte 8.98 pounds, the full stainless system
with carbon can was only beaten on the scales by a full titanium
system. The feathery headers install as one piece and fit like
factory, while the shorty can also fits without trouble. Since it’s a
shorty design the right rearset mount is utilized for the exhaust
mount, but that’s the only unordinary step in the installation
process. We did run into a problem with our Bazzaz wideband O2
sensor since it was too big (the O2 bung is made for the smaller
OEM sensor) so if you’re running a wideband, a quick trip to a
muffler shop is in order.
Power production was solid and midrange grunt was toward the
top of the pack. Sound quality was deep and with a shorty can it
makes lots of noise under full throttle. For those wanting to tone it
down, a dB insert is optional and longer V2 cans are also available.
Our example had the new Black Series carbon fiber muffler, but
titanium and polished stainless are also available as are multiple
styles. Titanium headers are also an option for an even greater
weight savings.
HEARING IS BELIEVING
During the testing we noticed an interesting trend with the dB
inserts. In most cases the systems increased an octave with the
insert in place, making it seem to the human ear as if they were
much quieter than the decibel meter would have led us to believe.
Special thanks to
Gene Thomason
Racing and all
those who
supported our
second annual
exhaust shootout.
superstreetbike.com / 55