Best Motorcycle Exhaust Systems of 2020
Just like cars, all motorcycles are equipped with an exhaust system that is used to release toxic gas from the engine. However, there is more to the exhaust system than that. The pipes feature a muffler that reduces the loud noise made by the engine.
This is why most motorcycle enthusiasts choose to go with an aftermarket exhaust system that can produce an amazing rumbling sound and improve the performances of the bike.
The rumbling sound is one of the best things about riding a bike and while the sound might make some of your neighbors angry, it is quite necessary when riding through the city because it makes riders more visible to cars and pedestrians.
If you don’t know what exhaust system is best for your motorcycle, then you have arrived at the right place. Today we are going to present the top five exhaust systems that will take your motorcycle’s performances to the next level.
Best Motorcycle Exhaust Systems of 2020
1. Suzuki M4 GP
If you like the sensation that you get when you rev the throttle and the engine’s roaring sound makes everyone look at you, then the Suzuki M4 GP is just what your motorcycle needs. Suzuki creates some of the best aftermarket parts for motorcycles and the M4 GP is the perfect example of that.
Even though Suzuki manufactures amazing motorcycles, the company knows and understands that riders like to improve the performances of their bikes and this is why Suzuki is designing high-quality parts that provide premium performances.
One of the biggest advantages of picking the exhaust system from Suzuki is the product’s amazing design. The product features an innovative style that is going to make your motorcycle stand out while also boosting the sound quality.
Since this is Suzuki that we are talking about, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the exhaust system is built from aluminum and stainless steel materials. Therefore, installing this exhaust system will not put your motorcycle in any danger and the product is quite durable.
As previously mentioned, Suzuki understands its customer base. This is why it has designed the M4 GP as a slip-on product. What this means is that if you decide to purchase the exhaust system from Suzuki, you will be able to install in your garage and you won’t need to weld any parts.
On the downside of things, the product doesn’t include a heat shield.
Pros
- Amazing sound
- Premium design
- Renowned manufacturer
Cons
- The heat shield is not included
2. Cuque Full Exhaust
If there is one thing that all riders will agree on, then it has to be the fact that riding a motorcycle with a loud engine is more than about making people’s heads turn when you are speeding through the city. It’s also about safety.
Car drivers have a difficult time spotting motorcycles in traffic but this is not going to be a problem for you after installing the Cuque Full Exhaust. The exhaust system doesn’t feature a unique design that can make any motorcycle look like a street bike and instead, the product is well thought through and it excels at boosting performances.
The circling front pipe of the Cuque Full Exhaust is made from stainless steel that is durable and resistant to corrosion. Therefore, you will not have to worry about buying a new exhaust system anytime soon. Moreover, the stainless steel is making the exhaust system lightweight and thus, it will bring a small but significant improvement to your motorcycle’s speed.
Since we previously mentioned speed, we need to highlight the fact that the Cuque Full Exhaust does a great job of increasing performances. To top it all off, the engine will not only make the sound fiercer and run faster, but it will not overheat as fast.
This is thanks to the exhaust system’s design that allows for the unnecessary heat to be eradicated.
Pros
- Amazing sound
- A major boost in performance
- Reduces bike weight
Cons
- The installation process is complicated
3. Ransoto Slip-On with Muffler
Considering that Kawasaki’s Ninja motorcycles are the most popular bikes in the world, it’s only fitting that the exhaust system from Ransoto is featured on our list. This product is compatible with the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Ninja 300, Z300, and Z250 (2008-2017 models).
A powerful engine sound will make you more visible in traffic but let’s be honest here, it will also make you feel like a badass. This is exactly what you can expect from the Ransoto Slip-On with Muffler that will make your motorcycle sound like a mean street bike that is ready to race at any hour of the day.
The main reason why most people riders don’t want to purchase aftermarket parts for their motorcycles is that they don’t know how to install them. It’s much easier to change parts on a car and you will more than likely have to visit a mechanic’s shop to install aftermarket parts on your motorcycle.
Fortunately, this is not the case for this product. The exhaust system is super simple to install and the folks at Ransoto have included an installation guide in the package.
When it comes to exhaust systems, the most important criteria that you should look for is premium construction quality and the Ransoto Slip-On with Muffler doesn’t disappoint. The product is made from aluminum and stainless steel which guarantees durability.
Additionally, the aluminum will make the motorcycle lighter.
Pros
- Amazing sound
- Premium construction quality
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only compatible with Kawasaki Ninja models
4. JFG Racing
Some people like to ride at fast speeds on the highway while others prefer to get an adrenaline boost from testing their skills on dirt roads. If you fit in the latter category, then you can’t go wrong with the JFG Racing exhaust system.
This is an affordable product, but you shouldn’t be fooled by the price tag and think that it doesn’t deliver premium performances, quite the opposite! The JFG Racing is built from stainless steel. Although, the cool thing about this exhaust system is the fact that it also ships with a carbon fiber color vinyl that looks amazing.
While the carbon fiber color vinyl will make your dirt bike, scooter or ATV look luxurious, this is not the best thing about the exhaust system. What truly makes the JFG Racing stand out is the fact that it has a removable DB killer.
This is one of the most important features that an exhaust system can offer. The reason behind this is that the DB killer will take the roaring sound of your motorcycle to the next level.
We also want to highlight that even though the manufacturers of the exhaust system have designed it for dirt bikes, scooters and ATVs, it can be installed on all types of motorcycles. The only thing that a motorcycle is required to have to be compatible with the JFG Racing exhaust system is a welding bracket that is used to fit a pipe of 38 to 51 millimeters.
Pros
- Fiber color vinyl
- Removable DB killer
- Perfect for dirt bikes
Cons
- You are recommended to visit a professional for installation
5. Radiant Cycles GP Exhaust System
The last product on our list is manufactured by Radiant Cycles and despite being the cheapest exhaust system on our list, it stills does an incredible job of improving the engine sound. One of the best things about using aftermarket parts is the fact that they allow you to customize your motorcycle’s performances and make the design unique.
Since we mentioned design, we need to talk about the amazing looking finish of this exhaust system. The folks at Radiant Cycles have equipped the product with powder-coated black that doesn’t only look outstanding, but it also matches all types of motorcycle designs.
This is a heavy-duty exhaust system and it features a completely welded design. This is great for two reasons. First off, you will not be required to visit a specialist to weld the exhaust system to your motorcycle.
Secondly, the heavy-duty design means that you will be able to use the product for years without needing to purchase a replacement.
Moreover, the exhaust system fits 45mm chamber pipes and this makes it perfect for 2017-2019 Honda CMX 500 CMX500 Rebel.
The biggest problem when it comes to aftermarket parts is the installation. Despite what many people may think, motorcycles are generally more difficult to work on than cars. This is why riders are usually forced to visit a special mechanic’s shop.
Luckily, this is not the case for the Radiant Cycles GP. The only thing that you need to do is to remove the stock muffler and slip on the new pipe in its place.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Powder-coated black design
- Super-fast installation
Cons
- Only compatible with 2017-2019 Honda CMX 500 CMX500 Rebel models
Motorcycle Exhaust System Buying Guide
Picking the right motorcycle exhaust system for your motorcycle is not an easy job, especially for beginners. If you don’t know what to pick, then you should check out the list below and see what are some crucial factors for finding the best motorcycle exhaust system.
- Compatibility
The first thing that you should do before starting your search for the best motorcycle exhaust system is to understand how your motorcycle’s engine works. Not every motorcycle exhaust system is compatible with all motorcycle models and this is why it is highly advised to check the model, engine display, year, and manufacturer of your motorcycle. If the motorcycle exhaust system that you purchase is not compatible, you will be required to make modifications such as relocating the oxygen system for example and this is not a simple task.
- The Materials
One of the most important benefits that using an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust system brings is the fact that it will make your motorcycle lighter and thus, make it faster. The materials used to build the motorcycle exhaust system are a crucial factor. Products made from aluminum are light and durable. However, aluminum motorcycle exhaust systems are also more expensive. A cheaper and equally reliable alternative are products made from stainless steel. Some of them even ship with a carbon fiber vinyl to make the stainless steel look premium.
- Slip-On or Full-System
The most difficult part about finding the best motorcycle exhaust system is picking between slip-on or full-system models. Our advice is to go for a slip-on design because this model provides a super-fast and simple installation. You don’t even need to touch the head pipe! Just replace the muffler.
On the other hand, we have the full-system designs that are complicated to install. You will more than likely have to visit a mechanic’s shop because you need to replace everything starting from the engine block and ending with the fuel system. However, this is all worth it because the full-system provides better performance.
- Power Efficiency and Audio Quality
The fastest way to determine if a motorcycle is equipped with an aftermarket exhaust system is to listen to the sound that the engine makes. If the sound is fierce and powerful, then the motorcycle is surely equipped with aftermarket parts. This is why we are advising everyone interested in purchasing a new exhaust system to search for YouTube videos of it to hear exactly what is the kind of sound that it produces.
Not only that, but another great tip here is to ask a specialist or visit motorcycle forums and find out what is the power efficiency that the product offers. The motorcycle community is known for being friendly and you will get all the answers you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an exhaust do for a motorcycle?
All motorcycles are equipped with an exhaust system that serves the purpose of discharging gases away from the rider or passenger. Therefore, the exhaust is keeping the rider and the passenger safe from toxic gases. That’s not all! The exhaust is also used to dampen the noise of the engine so that your neighbors don’t get waken up from their sleep every time that you turn on the motorcycle.
Additionally, aftermarket exhaust systems will improve the overall performances of the motorcycle and even make it lighter.
How do I clean motorcycle exhaust pipes?
Cleaning the motorcycle exhaust pipes can be annoying at times but fortunately, the process is not complicated. The great thing about the process is that you can perform it right in the comfort of your garage. All that you need to do is to apply the metal cleaner solution to the pipes, wait for a couple of minutes and then use a scrubbing pad to clean all the dirt.
The next step is to rinse the pipes by using a water-filled spray bottle. You don’t need to worry about the rust because exhaust systems are made from either stainless steel or aluminum.
Are motorcycle exhaust systems universal?
Unfortunately, motorcycle exhaust systems are not universal. The reason behind this is quite obvious. Every motorcycle model uses a different engine and they require special exhaust systems. On the bright side of things, manufacturers know that this is an issue and they are equipping their products with an interactive system that allows you to check and see the compatibility before purchasing them.
Additionally, some exhaust system manufacturers are specifying the compatible motorcycle models right from the start so that you don’t have to waste any time.
What causes an exhaust system to turn blue?
One of the weirdest things that can happen to an exhaust system is for it to turn blue. This happens to all models and the construction quality isn’t the one to blame here. The reason why exhaust systems turn blue is that they are running too hot.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to dust the motorcycle pipes, wash and then polish them to prevent discoloration. Although, we do need to mention that dusting the motorcycle pipes too often can ruin them.
How can I make my motorcycle exhaust sound deeper?
All exhaust pipes have distinctive sounds. If you are not happy with the way that your stock motorcycle sounds, then we have some great news to share with you. Aftermarket parts such as an exhaust system will make your engine’s sound roar as it has never done before.
What’s great about this is that installing slip-on exhaust systems is not complicated at all. They can be installed by simply replacing the muffler.
