Slip-On & Silencers

Sound Reasons to Choose an XLMOTO Bolt-On and Slip-On Motorcycle Exhaust

When a motorcycle manufacturer launches a new model for the USA and European markets, it must comply with an extensive list of restrictions. These restrictions cover safety items such as brake systems and lights, but also concern emissions. Today, motorcycles are equipped with fuel injection and catalytic converters in the exhaust system. The result is better for the environment but these additions considerably affect exhaust noise. For this reason, a fresh-from-the-showroom 100+hp motorcycle often sounds like a small, portable air compressor. What happens if you love your bike but hate its exhaust sound? The solution is to replace the stock silencer with a slip-on motorcycle exhaust. This aftermarket accessory is often one of the first items that new owners change. Here are some reasons why slip-on motorcycle exhausts are so popular.

Weight

Take, for instance, a 2010 Kawasaki Z750. This motorcycle has a 4-1 exhaust system and the factory silencer weighs 6kg. As the exhaust system bolts to the engine, this counts as 'sprung weight.' Reducing sprung weight eases the burden on the engine and the suspension system. So, neither has to work as hard. An aftermarket slip-on exhaust can weigh anything between 2-3kg. This figure represents a weight saving of 50% or more compared to the factory silencer.

Appearance

Factory exhausts are often large, bulky and drab and merge with the bike. In comparison, a slip-on motorcycle exhaust is smaller, brighter and sure to stand out. In addition, slip ons are available in various materials and finishes. These include stainless steel, titanium and carbon. Add to this shapes that range from oval to triangular and your slip-on exhaust is sure to turn heads.

Sound

Designers spend 1000s of hours creating beautiful, curvy, head-turning motorbikes that give an impression of speed, even when parked. For most owners, this illusion is shattered the moment the engine starts. For this reason, a sound upgrade is the number one reason for changing a motorcycle's stock exhaust. Some slip-on exhausts are louder than others. Some manufacturers opt for a specific shape and length, providing a trademark sound. It's safe to say that every slip-on motorcycle exhaust in XLMOTO's lineup will sound significantly racier compared to the stock version. If the silencer is too 'racy', calm things down by adding a 'DB killer.' These small baffles bolt into the end of the aftermarket exhaust and lower noise.

Ease of assembly

Most slip-on exhausts have a mounting strap and a reducing sleeve that fits onto the stock exhaust pipe. However, always read the product description. Also, replacing only the silencer is far easier and quicker than changing an entire exhaust system.

Cost

Returning to a Kawasaki Z750, a genuine factory replacement silencer costs over 1000 euros. By comparison, XLMOTO silencers range from 100-700 euros, depending on spec and material.

Performance

A slip-on motorcycle exhaust sounds much racier than a factory version. Yet, this doesn't mean it offers a considerable performance boost. The reality is that aftermarket slip-ons produce around the same performance figures as a stock system. Slight performance increases, if any, are noticeable in the mid and top end. If you want your bike to be louder and sportier, a slip-on exhaust is the way to go. Lucky for you, XLMOTO offers an incredible choice. Always read product descriptions in case the exhaust is model specific. Plus, double-check that the mounting hardware is compatible with your motorcycle.

XLMOTO Universal Motorcycle Silencers

There are many reasons to change the silencer on your motorbike. For example, the original muffler has scuffs or signs of wear and rust. Or maybe you aren’t a fan of the stock exhaust sound. Whatever the reason, check out XLMOTO’s range of high-quality, universal motorcycle exhaust silencers.

A universal motorcycle silencer will fit on most motorcycles and manufacturers often supply a reducing sleeve. This small conical pipe allows you to attach the silencer to different-diameter header pipes.

Adaptor cones allow the silencer to fit header pipes between 36-50mm in diameter and you can check out this information in the product description. It will also provide dB (sound) levels and advise if a removable baffle (dB killer) is part of the package.