Exhausts

[Hedgehog]

Hi,

I'm considering a replacement exhaust system, and like the look of the Cobra 6 into 6. However I notice on here that a lot of folks like the dragon system...


What are the pros and cons?

I'm not looking for really loud its just that some idiot has damaged one of the OE cans and attempted a clumsy repair with a welder...

Any need for re-jetting?

One key question would be whether such a system would be road legal in Europe - the British Forum is down at the moment - but in the unlikely event that anyone knows I'd be grateful for the info...


Any info on exhausts, shared experiences gratefully received.

Thanks

HH

[9Ball]

you may be a candidate for installing truck stacks to replace the stock covers that were damaged.  I would doubt that any modified exhaust would be acceptable for EU specs.  Some of the Triumph guys run the Triumph factory TORS, marked off-road to get around legal issues.  Some have reported problems during annual safety inspections....it all depends where you go and what kind of a day the inspector is having.

Another option would be modifying your pipes to glaspaks, re-installing the factory covers (new ones if yours are damaged beyond repairs) and welding in a screen so that if they stick anything into the end of the exhaust it hits the screen and disguises the glaspak.  If you're easy on the throttle the glaspaks may not raise any suspicions.

Good luck...

[Imohtep]

Hi,

I'm considering a replacement exhaust system, and like the look of the Cobra 6 into 6. However I notice on here that a lot of folks like the dragon system...


What are the pros and cons?

I'm not looking for really loud its just that some idiot has damaged one of the OE cans and attempted a clumsy repair with a welder...

Any need for re-jetting?

One key question would be whether such a system would be road legal in Europe - the British Forum is down at the moment - but in the unlikely event that anyone knows I'd be grateful for the info...


Any info on exhausts, shared experiences gratefully received.

Thanks

HH

Are you sure, that you need any EU-provement (stamp or card or what ever...) for that old bike?

I have year 2000 (2002 in papers, because stupid Finnish regulations), and don't need anything for pipes.
And we have very hard system here (only 106 db. is max for old bikes and it's been measured for inspection, because it's imported from USA with Supercharger)...
On the other hand, we don't have yearly inspections>only hard regulations>and cops really reed the lawbook on the road 

[Hedgehog]

Unfortunately, my understanding is that in the UK, any bike made after 1985 has to have BS or EC or makers marks to pass an annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test.

Hmm...

[Ricky-D]

Most likely your best effort would be to replace the damaged parts with some more stock components.

it would probably be the least expensive route and also the easiest way to keep within the legal requirements of your area.

Not to mention that any additional requirements needed when adding aftermarket accessories like exhaust pipes would not be necessary. 

And there is no aftermarket accessory made to replace the stock exhaust system that will last as long nor continue to look as good as the stock Honda exhaust system.

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[Hedgehog]

That's all useful stuff - in terms of stock parts I guess this means second hand? ???

[9Ball]

If you're asking in reference to my posting, I was saying that if the chrome covers are damaged then you can buy replacements.  If the core is damaged beyond repair then you would have to buy another complete core....most likely used.

There aren't too many unmodified cores out there, but they do come up occasionally.  A lot of people punch the baffless, cut the piggies, or radically remove the silencer section.  I don't know if new cores are still available through Honda, but I would imagine they would go for a couple thousand dollars....avoid Pinwall for used stuff if at all possible.  My experience with them was less than satisfactory.

I bought a new (only 6 miles on them) spare set of unmodified pipes about 7 years ago...I know I wouldn't sell them for $2000.  That's my insurance policy for keeping the Valkyrie stock in the event of wearing out the first set....

[Hedgehog]

Thanks JR , I think I'll have to dismantle it further to see what can be saved and what cannot.

I believe that new parts are still available so I may go that route if not too much is required...


Thanks

HH

[tmfp]

Unfortunately, my understanding is that in the UK, any bike made after 1985 has to have BS or EC or makers marks to pass an annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test.

Hmm...

A definitive no to that HH, the only regulations regarding markings is that they may not have "For race use only" or similar stamped on them.
Loudness is at the discretion of the tester.

Where are you in the UK? 

[Hedgehog]

I'm in the south west TMPF....


Legal data re marking was from MAG website...

The regulations they quote are the  Motor Cycle Silencer and Exhaust Systems Regulations 1995 (no. . 2370). I have looked these up on OPSI.

These do state quite clearly that motorcycle exhausts made after the applicable date must be marked.

The requirement to pass an MOT and thereby discretion of the tester is a quite separate matter. That's just a one-off check once a year.;

Regardless of MOT, The police can still prosecute if any exhaust fitted on road to a machine made or first used after the applicable date (1983) is not appropriately marked. They do not need to conduct a sound test to do this.

I'm no legal expert, but that does sound fairly clear to me... ???

[tmfp]

There have been many changes and much confusion regarding MoT, noise and exhausts.
I am 99.9% sure that the following prevails currently, according to the Tester's guidelines here

http://www.motuk.co.uk/mcmanual_710.htm

I'm in Porlock if you're passing. It's not you with the 97 we met at Paignton bike night, by any chance?




Information

A durable repair to an exhaust system which effectively prevents leaks is acceptable providing the system is structurally sound.

Method of Inspection

1. Examine the condition of the whole exhaust system including the silencers and mountings, for security, deterioration and completeness.

2. With the engine running assess the effectiveness of the silencer in reducing as far as is reasonable the noise caused by the exhaust from the engine.

3. check the silencer(s) on all machines for unacceptable markings

Reason for rejection

a. Any part of the exhaust system missing or excessively deteriorated

b. A leak in an exhaust system which causes excessive noise to be emitted

c. An exhaust system mounting missing or one which is in such a condition that it does not fully support the exhaust system.

2. A silencer which is in such a condition or is of such a type that the noise emitted is clearly in excess of that which would be produced by a similar machine fitted with a standard silencer in average condition.

3. A silencer marked 'NOT FOR ROAD USE', TRACK USE ONLY' or similar words.

[Hedgehog]

I think we're both right mate... the MOT regs are indeed as you state, but the requirement to be marked is a separate thing - and that seems to apply across the board to any bike made after 1983..



Couldn;t have been me you saw---- my bikes been in the workshop for the last few weeks , and I've only been out on in twice since getting it a month ago (some muppet had dropped it before I bought it, crunching one of the brake calipers).
 


Picking it up tomorrow and then fitting RIVCO stand though!!

[tmfp]

Sorry, didn't see you had edited your previous post. I was replying to this

Unfortunately, my understanding is that in the UK, any bike made after 1985 has to have BS or EC or makers marks to pass an annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test.

Hmm...

If you are now wanting to comply fully with immensely complicated construction and use regulations, that's a different ball game, and sorry, I can't help.


My turn to edit, lol, I'm a custom bike builder and none of my bikes, or my friends, would pass C&U. No guarantees, but if you are riding an otherwise stock Valk I would suggest you chances of getting nicked, unless you are absurdly loud, are virtually zero.
Also, if you want to wait a week then my exhaust system will be for sale.

[9Ball]

Sorry, didn't see you had edited your previous post. I was replying to this

Unfortunately, my understanding is that in the UK, any bike made after 1985 has to have BS or EC or makers marks to pass an annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test.

Hmm...

If you are now wanting to comply fully with immensely complicated construction and use regulations, that's a different ball game, and sorry, I can't help.


My turn to edit, lol, I'm a custom bike builder and none of my bikes, or my friends, would pass C&U. No guarantees, but if you are riding an otherwise stock Valk I would suggest you chances of getting nicked, unless you are absurdly loud, are virtually zero.
Also, if you want to wait a week then my exhaust system will be for sale.

that sounds like the deal of the day....good job.

[tmfp]

Sorry, didn't see you had edited your previous post. I was replying to this

Unfortunately, my understanding is that in the UK, any bike made after 1985 has to have BS or EC or makers marks to pass an annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test.

Hmm...

If you are now wanting to comply fully with immensely complicated construction and use regulations, that's a different ball game, and sorry, I can't help.


My turn to edit, lol, I'm a custom bike builder and none of my bikes, or my friends, would pass C&U. No guarantees, but if you are riding an otherwise stock Valk I would suggest you chances of getting nicked, unless you are absurdly loud, are virtually zero.
Also, if you want to wait a week then my exhaust system will be for sale.

that sounds like the deal of the day....good job.

The Internet is indeed a wonderous thing. We probably live half and hour away from each other LOL

[Hedgehog]

TMPF, that does sound interesting - is that a standard OE system we are talking about?

What's the condition like?

Could be interested...


HH

[tmfp]

Yup, standard apart from the tips (which look rather good imo) and in excellent condition. The bike was recently imported from Colorado, so little moisture and no rust.
There are a couple of marks, one where a PO has used an abrasive and slightly dulled a small area.
This weekend promises to be nice and we aren't far from each other, if you're interested I'm sure we could arrange a meet up.





There are also two rub marks on the right muffler, probably from the bottom of a pannier, apart from that they are as near to new as a 14 year old system can be

[Ricky-D]

Please don't take this posting to be criticism but the exhaust in the pic's is not a stock system.

If you were to get hold of a stock exhaust system you would see what I mean.

Regarding Pinwall, usually all their parts come from downed bikes that are totaled. So if you were to secure a set of pipes from them you should expect to see one side in good condition and the other side revealing damage from going down. However it is important to note that the crash bars on the Valkyrie are very good at protecting the bike and especially the exhaust, so the damage to the exhaust could be very minimal.

The are on occasion, sets of exhaust pipes for sale on E-Bay from private sellers also.

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[tmfp]

Please don't take this posting to be criticism but the exhaust in the pic's is not a stock system.

I don't take it as a criticism at all, Ricky, more as an education.
As a newbie to Valks, I took it at face value when I was told that it was a stock system with different end tips.I would be grateful if you could enlighten me as to what you think it is, as, having inspected it, it closely resembles the ones pictured in parts fiches.
I have only seen one Valk in this country with a stock system and, apart from the tips, it looks very similar to mine.
As we are in the UK, shipping and import duties make Pinwall and other US suppliers very expensive for us, especially if the item needs returning. 

[Farther]

I was told that it was a stock system with different end tips.

Looks to me like a stock system with different end tips.

[9Ball]

I was told that it was a stock system with different end tips.

Looks to me like a stock system with different end tips.

+1....looks like someone added truck stack ends to the stockers....

[Ricky-D]

That sure could be the case.

For me there's not enough clarity in the pic's for a definitive conclusion and so I simply say they don't look stock, which they aren't.

As to degree of aftermarket/stock I'll leave it up to others to make those assumptions.

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