It’s safe to say that the most popular aftermarket motorcycle accessory of all is an upgraded exhaust.
Whether you want to make your sportsbike or cruiser sound better, fancy giving your bike a bit of branded bling, want to cut weight or improve power or all of the above, an aftermarket replacement exhaust is the way to go.
But, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds, a baffling choice of brands and an equally huge variety of types available — full systems or just silencer/can — it’s hard to know not only what’s out there but what you should go for.
Which is where we come in. This guide isn’t intended as a definitive explanation of what’s available for your specific bike — we simply haven’t the scope or space here to do that.
Instead it’s an overview to most of the different types and brands available, which should point you in the right direction to be able to make a decision about your machine.
So, with all that in mind, here’s our current guide to (some) of the best aftermarket exhausts available, in no particular order...
1. Two Brothers Comp-S Slip-On Can
Description
A great example of a performance can for machines other than sportsbikes, in this case Honda's
This one’s in matt- black stainless steel with a carbon-fibre end cap and, importantly, retains the bike’s stock 02 sensor. It’s also beautifully crafted and sounds great, although it’s not the cheapest.
Pros:
One for cruiser fans
Respected American brand
Quality construction
Con:
Check it’s UK road legal
2. Akrapovic Full System, Yamaha YZF-R125
Description
One of the biggest names in motorcycle exhausts, on one of the most popular 125s. Slovenia's
A full system from cylinder to silencer, giving the biggest potential for performance enhancement, in 100% titanium for lightness, with an oval silencer in either carbon fibre or titanium. It sounds good, this one’s race only (due to noise, road versions are also available), enhances performance and is beautifully made which, at this price, perhaps it should be.
Pros:
Best brand of all
Full system so most performance gain
Fabulous quality
Con:
This one race only – not road legal
3. Arrow Bolt-On Silencer, Honda CBR125R
Description
If you can't afford or don't need the maximum performance gain a full system offers, a bolt-on
With a titanium body and carbon fibre end cap it looks almost as good as a full system, is quicker and easier to fit, requires no re-mapping and yet still sounds and looks great – and all for a far more affordable price. With this Arrow (and many others) lots of different options, shapes and materials are available, but make sure you get the right one for your bike.
Pros:
Reputable brand
Great looks and sound
More affordable and easy to fit
Con:
Hasn’t the extra performance of a full system
4. Gianelli Expansion Chamber, Vespa PX125
Description
Although two-stroke powered two-wheelers are now few and far between due to tightening EU
One of the leading brands is Italian scooter performance specialists Gianelli (which is also behind Arrow) with this pipe for the Vespa PX125/150 a typical example of its wares. It’s beautifully made, significantly raises performance and is of decent value, too.
Pros:
Decent performance (and sound) hike
Reputable brand
Good value
Con:
Can require expert setting up
5. Yoshimura R-11 Slip-On Silencer, Suzuki GSX-S1000
Description
Japanese brand Yoshimura can rightfully claim to be another of the world leaders in motorcycle
It comes in a variety of specs, either stainless steel, titanium or blued titanium, all with a carbon end cap and collector-box heat shield, has a detachable ‘DB killer’ baffle, looks and sounds great and is easy to fit.
Pros:
Famous quality brand
Top quality
Variety of finishes
Con:
Premium price
6. GPR Slip-On Can With Catalyser, Yamaha MT-09
Description
Here's another example of a decent, mid-range can, this time from the more affordable Italian
Nor is it as fancy-looking or in as exotic materials as some offerings, which may all add up to the question ‘Why bother?’ There is a double removable db-killer baffle, though, so at least you can make it sound good!
Pros:
Street legal
Improved sound
Reasonable value
Con:
Requires stock exhaust to be cut
7. Scorpion RP-1GP Exhaust, Yamaha R1/R1M
Description
Scorpion is probably the leading British aftermarket motorcycle exhaust brand and, like its larger
This is their high-end road/race can with a super-light carbon fibre construction a claimed 3bhp power improvement over stock (without need for remapping) and great looks and sound. It’s pretty good value, too.
Pros:
Improved power/weight
British brand
Decent value
Con:
Less well-known than some
8. IXIL complete system, Yamaha MT-07
Description
Another full system, this time from quality, but lesser known, French brand IXIL. The downpipes
Performance is claimed to be slightly up, as is the sound; weight is usefully down, and long-term durability should be excellent – plus it’s even not that expensive! IXIL may not be as well-known as some in the UK but they’re worth checking out.
Pros:
Good value
Improved performance all round
Lighter than standard
Con:
Lesser known than some
9. Bad Dog Oval Race Can, Triumph Tiger 955i
Description
Another British exhaust/accessory brand, but this time one at the more budget end of the spectrum.
It hasn’t the performance gains, options or quality of some more expensive alternatives but, at this price, is great value.
Pros:
Good value
Stainless steel construction
Simple to fit
Con:
This one’s not road legal