How to Upgrade a Motorcycle's Exhaust System

A motorcycle's exhaust system is generally easier to upgrade than the exhaust system on other vehicles because the motorcycle is smaller and easier to maneuver around while you work. Even so, it takes good mechanical skills to upgrade a motorcycle's exhaust system and you should only do so if you're comfortable with the procedure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench set
• Hammer
• WD-40
• Anti-seize compound

1. Remove any parts of the bike that may be blocking the exhaust system. Some models allow you to reach the exhaust system clearly, but others may have crossover pipes from other parts of the motorcycle's engine obscuring it. Unscrew them using a wrench and set them aside.

2. Loosen all of the nuts and bolts that connect the exhaust system to the body of the motorcycle, and remove each piece one at a time. Start with the tailpipe and the muffler and work backwards along the system until you reach the head pipes. If any bolts are rusty or stuck, apply WD-40 or give them a few whacks with a hammer.

3. Check the revealed sections of the motorcycle's exhaust system for any rust or damage. These sections are normally hidden by the exhaust system, and now is a good time to make sure they are all in good shape.

4. Remove the old exhaust gaskets with a wrench and install new ones for your system upgrade.

5. Spray the new head pipes with anti-seize and fit them into place on the bike. Tighten the retaining collars enough to hold the head pipes in place, but not so tight as to make removing them difficult. If there are any problems with the upgrade, you may need to remove them again quickly.

6. Spray the interior of new muffler with anti-seize and attach it to the pipe. Secure it so that it stays in place, but keep the connecting bolts fairly loose so that you can detach it or adjust it easily.

7. Connect the tailpipe to the assembly of the motorcycle's exhaust system, if necessary.

8. Examine all parts of the exhaust system so that they are properly aligned and fit together as they should. Your bolts and fasteners should still be semi-loose, allowing you to make minor tweaks and ensure that every piece fits exactly the way it is supposed to.

9. Tighten the bolts and fasteners on the exhaust system, starting with the head pipes and moving back to the tail pipe. They should now be secured as tightly as possible.

10. Reconnect any of the motorcycle's other components that you removed to get at the exhaust system.

Tips & Warnings

• Specifics on the motorcycle's exhaust system may vary depending on what type of motorcycle you have. Be prepared to make small adjustments to match the bike you are working on.