Our Final Word
As you can see by our test results, all the exhaust systems have strong points, and surprisingly, none of them had any true weak spots when it came to performance. Although we went with AMA Pro Racing's 102-decibel standard for this test, we feel strongly that the noise level still needs to be reduced significantly. Perhaps in our next exhaust test we'll use a limit of 98 decibels. If we want to keep our tracks open, sound testing must be taken seriously. In this case, all but the Akrapovic are close to 3 decibels louder than stock, which means twice as loud or more. After mounting up all of the exhaust systems a total of five times, we became really familiar with the craftsmanship of each system. All the manufacturers have stepped up their quality control and are constructing with high-grade materials. We did, however, run into a few problems with the spring-mounted pipes as they simply required more time to mount than the ones that don't employ springs. But incorporating spring mounting means a longer life for these thin and exotic materials. Overall, all the pipes in this test are worth the money, and again, we were amazed with how close they all are to each other.
Price: $794.85 Contact: Your Local Honda DealerMaterial: Titanium header with an aluminum canisterStyle: Full two-piece systemFit: Fits perfectly and mounts up in just a few minutesWeight: 6.99 lbSound: 98.0 dBOn the track: The stock exhaust system works really well off the bottom with a surge of power in the midrange. Top-end power pulls long and hard before hitting the rev-limiter but could use a bit more overrev. The stock system works well at all types of tracks.Overall score: 9O.O
Stock PipeS
Suzuki rm-z 450
Price: $719 contact: your local suzuki dealer
Material: Titanium header with an aluminum canister
Style: Full two-piece system
Fit: Perfect, installs in minutes.
Weight: 7.06 lb
Sound: 95.9 dB
On the track: The stock exhaust offers great off-idle power and good bottom-end and top-end. The middle rpm range just feels flat and unresponsive, especially when compared with the Honda, which is strong in the midrange. The power curve provides smooth, controllable power, making the bike rider-friendly for all skill levels.
Overall score: 8O.O
Honda CRF45OR
Price: $705.00
Contact: See your local dealer;
www.akrapovic-exhaust.com
Material: Full titanium
Style: Full two-piece system
Fit: Fits perfectly using two springs to hold the header pipe in place. Mounts up in just minutes
Weight: 4.85 lb
Sound: 98.7 dB
On the track: Has a very smooth, slow-revving bottom-end. It has good roll-on power but is not snappy. Worked best in dry blue-groove conditions. Midrange power feels broader as it pulls longer than the stock system. Top-end power is very smooth and pulls longer, requiring less shifting. It was easier to ride in third and fourth gear with more roll-on power.
Overall score: 94.O
Akrapovic evolution
Suzuki RM-Z450
Price: $705.00
Contact: See your local dealer;
www.akrapovic-exhaust.com
Material: Titanium
Style: Full two-piece system
Fit: Fits perfectly using two springs to keep the headpipe in place; mounts in minutes.
Weight: 4.98 lb
Sound: 96.8 dB
On the track: Off the bottom, this system feels as good as the stock components, but it comes alive in the midrange. There, the power pulls strongly-much harder than the stock system. Top-end power is also very strong and pulls longer compared with stock.
Overall score: 96.O
Honda CRF45OR
Price: $515.95
Contact: 951/808-1114; www.dubachracing.com
Material: Stainless steel header with aluminum canister and end-cap
Style: Full two-piece system
Fit: Fits perfectly using all the stock hardware; mounts up in just minutes without springs.
Weight: 6.24 lb
Sound: 101.4 dB
On the track: Bottom-end power pulls super strong and carries over to a very meaty midrange. You can really feel a big difference in third and fourth gear as you can carry both gears longer with less clutch. The power curve allows you to use the torque; you can lug the bike much longer. Top-end power is solid, but the most-noticeable change is in the bottom and middle rpm ranges. This exhaust was one of the favorites in rough conditions.
Overall score: 98.O