Parts of a KLR Muffler
KLR bikes are dual-purpose motorcycles created by Kawasaki to appeal to a wide variety of consumers interested in having a bike that can be used for both transportation and recreation. While Kawasaki generally includes titanium mufflers on these models, many amateur enthusiasts choose to replace these mufflers with other versions that add qualities of sound they desire or simply look better to the owner. This article deals with the Kawasaki muffler.
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KLR Bikes
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KLR is the brand name for a series of motorcycles produced by Kawasaki. These bikes are generally all-purpose, lightweight vehicles that can be used for a number of recreational activities but are not specifically meant for offroading or dirt riding. With these all-purpose bikes, the mufflers are not like car mufflers--they must be lighter, smaller, less obtrusive, and are often subject to more concerns than just engine noise and pollution. For a bike, sound is often important, not only in dampening engine noise but in producing the right kind of noise to give the impression of speed or power.
Kawasaki Advancements
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In the latest KLR versions Kawasaki has included an secondary air system designed to reduce the amount of harmful exhaust emissions that the engine produces, which leads to less stress on the muffler system and slightly less noise. The cam chain on the 2010 KLR650 has also been modified to reduce noise and create a quieter engine overall.
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Muffler Main Parts
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The body of the KLR muffler is manufactured in one piece. This means that most of the outside of the muffler is a single piece--or rather, several metal pieces welded together and not attached by bolts or screws. Inside, however, there are a dozen different parts that make up the pipe through which the exhaust travels and sound is reduced. Many of the outside parts are made of titanium to reduce wear and improve the look of the bike.
Exhaust Pipe
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The exhaust pipe that runs through the body of the muffler is also one piece, but has many different attachments. There is a pipe cover designed to protect the pipe from outside elements and reduce vibration, along with a complicated gasket system where the muffler connects to the engine, ensuring that all exhaust passes through the muffler and none escapes into the air. A plate heat guard is also fitted over the muffler--a very important piece which keeps the muffler from overheating or being damaged by heat from the engine itself.
Necessary Pieces
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The exhaust pipe, muffler body, gaskets, heat shields, and pads are all connected by a series of bolts, clamps, collars, and screws. These are not important themselves, but for a muffler, which experiences constant vibration and stress, it is vital these pieces stay attached. Just one loose bolt will affect the noise and integrity of the entire muffler.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Colin
