Slip-on exhausts are an excellent way to improve your motorcycle’s performance and sound. By replacing a large full system with a lightweight slip-on exhaust, you can expect to lose weight, modestly enhance horsepower and torque at lower settings, and improve exhaust tone – all while saving money.
So, if you have been wondering whether a slip-on exhaust system makes a difference, yes, it does.
What are slip-on exhaust systems?
Slip-on exhaust systems are aftermarket modifications that replace the OEM muffler unit while keeping the original head pipes and collector. A motorbike exhaust system consists of three parts: header pipes, a mid-pipe collector, and a muffler.
A slip-on exhaust does not increase a motorcycle’s speed, but it does improve its sound and overall performance.
It is vital to note that the higher decibel levels of a slip-on exhaust can draw attention from law authorities and may not be permitted in many places. So, be cautious before replacing your exhaust.
One advantage of a slip-on exhaust is weight reduction. A slip-on exhaust can weigh a few pounds less than the stock muffler. Weight reduction improves handling and overall performance.
Another advantage of Radiant Cycles motorcycle exhaust slip on is their low cost and ease of installation. It’s a low-cost change that motorcycle fans may accomplish themselves without the requirement for professional installation.
Slip-on exhaust systems improve the sound and performance of a motorcycle. While it will not deliver a huge performance gain, it will improve weight distribution and increase horsepower and torque.
When choosing a slip-on exhaust system from a trustworthy supplier, you should evaluate the decibel levels and ensure they are allowed in the areas you will be riding for the majority of the time.
You also should consider the material of the exhaust tip. Carbon fibre is lightweight and has outstanding performance, yet it can be costly.
Titanium is likewise lightweight and has a unique appearance, although it is more expensive than other materials. Aluminum is a cost-effective, long-lasting material that performs well.
Slip-on systems vs full systems.
Slip-ons provide the biggest bang for your buck. In many cases, they provide the same sound and styling benefits as a full system, at a fraction of the cost.
While this is the case you should note that slip-on exhausts will provide little performance benefits. This is because the mid pipe and head pipe remain stock hence the weight savings aren’t particularly significant. Likewise, a slip-on exhaust will not result in significant horsepower gains.
With full systems you replace more pipes, which means you get to spend a lot of more money.
Of course, the full systems produce an excellent sound and appearance. However, what you’re really paying for are performance improvements.
In rare cases, full exhaust systems can remove approximately 20 pounds from the factory weight. And with the required air-fuel adjustment, horsepower gains can approach 15%.
You should note that these statistics frequently necessitate the removal of a catalytic converter.
Slip-on exhausts are easy to install. In many cases, it’s as straightforward as it seems. Remove the stock muffler, install the new one, and tighten the clamps. Road-going motorcycles may require some bodywork to be removed initially, but that’s not a big deal.
If you are an off-road rider, you should be aware that many dirt bike slip-ons replace both the muffler and a significant portion of the midpipe. Even with this, installation remains straightforward, but the horsepower and weight savings are more significant.
Full exhaust systems are more complex to install. Although the typical tinkerer can accomplish it, many individuals choose to employ a mechanic for peace of mind.
So, should you choose a slip-on or a full system? Well, it depends on what you are looking for. If you simply want great sound and style, get a slip-on.
If you want to improve performance, or if your bike’s midpipe and header are exceptionally nasty and you have to replace them, purchase a full system.
Questions to ask before getting slip-on exhaust systems
While sound and appearance are the two main reasons people choose slip-on exhausts, the exhaust can increase the low-end power of your motorcycle.
This provides you, the rider, with slightly higher take-off power, allowing you to accelerate quickly.
While this is the case, as mentioned, the exhausts are not always useful if you want mid to high-end power performance to give your motorcycle an extra push when you’re already going 50 mph.
Slip-on exhausts are highly popular among commuters and city riders who require short bursts of speed to avoid traffic or road obstacles. This gives you an economical way to achieve the power boost you need without having to invest in a completely new exhaust system.
To ensure that the unit you get gives you the results that you are after, you need to ask yourself a number of questions. These questions include:
What do you want out of it? Slip-on exhausts may not be sufficient for increasing race speed, overall power, and high-end performance. But they are ideal for adding a little extra “giddy-up” and producing a far nicer exhaust sound.
Which material should you choose? Most slip-on exhausts are constructed of stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fibre, or titanium.
Stainless steel is the most popular and least priced, yet it weighs significantly more than more expensive ones like carbon fibre. Titanium, on the other hand, does not rust and will not break in an accident, unlike carbon fibre.
Will the slip-ons be street legal? For more information on specific regulations, contact the manufacturer and your local law enforcement.
Some jurisdictions have rules prohibiting excessively loud exhausts or requiring tight emission levels, even for aftermarket equipment.
On the other side, many exhausts offer extra bite rather than more bark. This means the sound is thicker and more forceful, but not necessarily louder.
Parting shot
If you have been wondering whether a slip-on exhaust system makes a difference, it does, but you shouldn’t expect exceptional changes when it comes to performance. They are excellent when it comes to better sound and looks.
