Tips On How To Choose A Slip-On Exhaust

For some riders, it only natural to want to upgrade certain stock parts that go on their motorcycle. One of the first things riders tend to look at in terms of changing-out parts is the exhaust system. While some riders choose to replace their entire exhaust system with a new one, there are other options with slip-ons.

Typically, slip-ons are much cheaper than choosing an entire new exhaust system and they can give riders some similar results by simply replacing a single component on instead of replacing an entire system. For the most part, slip-on exhausts can offer weight reduction on your bike, which all depends on the type of material you choose. Additionally, a slip-on exhaust gives a small boost in power and a better, more-aggressive sounding exhaust on your bike.

Slip-Ons Are Just Add-On Parts

When you're choosing a slip-on exhaust system, you need to know that it's not replacing the entire exhaust, but it's just a part of the full system. Aftermarket slip-on exhausts have a much more distinguished sound and appeal than regular stock exhausts. It's a fairly simple, but common modification bikers tend to invest in.

For motorcycle manufacturers, there are specific noise level regulations that have to be met before they can legally sell their products. Since there's a lot of tame muffler systems that come in stock, the aftermarket for new exhausts is quite popular. All mufflers limit the airflow of a motorcycle at the same time as dampening the sound, however aftermarket exhausts tend to be more efficient which can add more power to your street bike.

Extra Low-End Power

While sound and look are the two main reasons people choose to add slip-on exhausts, this equipment can boost their low-end power on their motorcycle. This gives riders to get a little more take-off power, which basically allows them to pick up speed in a hurry. However, they're not necessarily beneficial if you're looking for medium to high-end power performance to give your motorcycle the extra push when you're already traveling 50 mph.

Slip-on exhausts are very common for commuter and city riders who need small bursts of speed to get around traffic or road obstructions. This allows riders to have an affordable option to getting the power boost they want without making the major investment to add a whole new exhaust.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you purchase a slip-on exhaust:

What do I want out of it? If you're looking to boost racing speed, overall power and high-end performance, slip-on exhausts might not be enough. However, if you just want a little extra "giddy-up" and much better sounding exhaust, slip-ons are perfect.

What material should I choose? Most slip-on exhausts are made of stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium. Stainless steel is the most common and least expensive, but weighs a lot more than more expensive options such as carbon fiber. However, titanium won't rust and won't break in an impact like carbon fiber would.

Will my slip-ons be street-legal? This is a question you should ask the manufacturer and your local law enforcement for specific regulations. Some areas have laws that prevent exhausts from being too loud or require strict emission levels - even on aftermarket parts. On the other hand, there are plenty of exhausts that don't add necessarily more bark, but extra bite. This means the sound is thicker, more aggressive and not necessarily a higher-decibel noise.