Motorcycle exhaust options are one of the most popular upgrades riders can make to their bikes. They can dramatically improve a bike’s style, sound and performance.
The sound profile of an exhaust depends on its muffler configuration and materials. The noise ranges from a deep rumble to a roar.
A good performance exhaust should increase horsepower and torque. It should also reduce weight for a lighter, more responsive ride.
Bassani
Bassani exhaust systems are a top choice for Victory and Indian motorcycle owners looking to upgrade their power and sound. Their stainless steel construction and premium finishes provide an excellent combination of style and performance.
Darryl Bassani has built a career out of moving gas a few feet out of a tube, and he knows what it takes to make your bike produce big power. That’s why every Bassani exhaust system is engineered for optimal power gains, with a deep, throaty tone that sets them apart from the competition.
Designed with a 2-into-1 equal length stepped Stainless header, each Bassani exhaust system features hand TIG welds and an upswept short megaphone muffler. The mufflers are also ported for maximum horsepower and torque production, with a smooth, consistent inner diameter for maximum flow.
Each system is precision-engineered for a clean fit on your specific bike. They are crafted using superior materials and feature 304 stainless steel tubing, mufflers and show quality polished tips. A stainless steel system is a great choice for riders living in warm, dry climates, as it will withstand corrosion much longer than an aluminized exhaust.
Yoshimura
Hideo “Pops” Yoshimura started the company in 1954 after finding success and a reputation working on BSA motorcycles owned by US Air Force servicemen stationed in Japan. His talent centered around modifying existing parts for more power. He knew how to work on just about any engine but his true love was racing motorcycles.
Yoshimura produces some of the lightest and most powerful exhaust systems available today. Their products are made in the USA and Japan, and they have been involved in world class racing at all levels for six decades.
The Yoshimura slip on system consists of a muffler and computerized mandrel bent 304L polished stainless steel mid pipe that is designed to fit the collector flange of your stock header. These systems give moderate power gains and weigh less than a full system. The system is dynamometer and track tested to ensure quality and performance. Yoshimura offers different types of slip-ons to meet your specific needs.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an important metal in the automotive industry, used extensively for functional piping and exterior decorative/finishing applications. Its corrosion resistance enables it to stand up to salt-rich environments that quickly degrade even well-protected basic steel alloys, making stainless an ideal material choice for vehicles, particularly those that frequently expose their components to the elements.
Zard’s stainless systems are crafted from either 304 or 347 grade stainless, with 347 being the preferred option for header applications due to its higher heat fatigue resistance (compared to 316L). Both grades contain less carbon than other common stainless alloys, which helps prevent carbide precipitation that can reduce the effectiveness of chromium as a corrosion-protection agent. Both stainless and titanium exhaust systems are highly sought after for their ability to save weight, improve performance and add a unique aesthetic customization to your bike’s appearance. However, they both come with their own advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making your final decision.
Titanium
Titanium is a naturally occurring metal that is part of the group 4 elements (IVB). Titanium and its alloys have high strength, low weight and exceptional fatigue resistance. They also have excellent ductility and weldability.
The metal spontaneously forms a tough, hard protective oxide film when exposed to oxygen. This makes it corrosion resistant and an ideal material for bicycle frames, aerospace parts, medical devices and sports equipment. It is the metal of choice for the 40 m statue of Yuri Gagarin in Moscow and the revolving restaurant at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Titanium and stainless steel are often used interchangeably in aftermarket exhausts. Depending on the model, titanium can be up to 40% lighter than the OEM exhaust system. Officine Italiane Zard even offers a model that features both titanium and stainless steel. The result is a stunning exhaust that offers full torque from low to top speeds, with no loss in performance.