Motorcycle Muffler Selection Guide

The main role of a muffler is to "silence" the exhaust. If the high-pitched, high-pressure exhaust gas were released directly into the atmosphere, it would create an unpleasant roar.

Therefore, the sound is adjusted by passing it through a sound-absorbing structure called a "silencer" inside the muffler. The glass wool inside the silencer, which is made of glass fiber, absorbs sound waves. Therefore, well-ventilated mufflers usually require replacement of this glass wool. In addition, another role of the muffler is to improve intake efficiency by utilizing the force of the exhaust gas as it exits. An increase in the amount of exhaust and intake, and improved efficiency, ultimately leads to increased motorcycle power. However, simply looking at power is not enough, as the effect varies depending on the quality of the sound and the material, so next I will discuss the types of mufflers and their characteristics.

◎ Type
There are two main types of mufflers: "full exhaust type" and "slip-on type." Simply put, it's a choice between replacing the entire muffler or just the silencer part. First, let's talk about the features of each. ◯ Full exhaust type

Unlike slip-on mufflers, full exhaust systems (commonly known as "full ex") replace the entire muffler, and are therefore more expensive than slip-on mufflers. Replacing the entire muffler allows for significant changes in weight reduction, appearance, and perceived performance, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their bike. However, replacing the entire muffler can disrupt the fuel-air mixture, so adjustments to the fuel system may be necessary. ◯ Slip-on type

The biggest feature of the slip-on type is that it is easy to attach and detach (the name "slip-on" itself comes from the ease of attachment and detachment), and it can be replaced easily at a reasonable price. It is suitable for those who want to reduce weight, change the sound and appearance, but think that changing the entire muffler seems difficult. ◎ Material Next, here are the types and features of muffler materials. The five main materials used for mufflers are stainless steel, carbon, titanium, steel, and aluminum. (Aluminum is less common.) These are all very familiar materials that you've probably heard of. Here are the features of each. ◯ Stainless steel ・Resistant to rust ・Develops character when heat-stained (stained areas can be removed with a stain remover) ・Relatively inexpensive ・Heavier than titanium or carbon ・Metallic sound is easily expressed

 

◯ Carbon
・Lightest among these
・Degrades quickly from UV rays
・Has unique carbon fiber pattern
・Prone to holes (breaks easily) in case of a fall due to lack of flexibility
・High strength (heat resistance, abrasion resistance)
・Expensive due to complex processing
◯ Titanium
・Most suitable material for mufflers, being lightweight and resistant to heat and rust
・High cost due to difficulty in processing due to high hardness
・The beauty of its burnt color is artistic!
・High-pitched, dry sound

◯ Steel
・Deep bass sound
・Easy to process, so there is a wide range of designs (also easy to repair)
・Cheapest among these
・Prone to rust
・Heavier compared to other materials
・Lower strength than stainless steel

◯ Aluminum
・Mellow, low, heavy sound
・Soft, so easy to polish even if rusted
・Lightweight
・Resistant to burning and cracking

Essentially, the points for comparison are weight, price, sound, burnt color, strength, and degradation speed. For example, many people admire titanium for its performance and appearance, but its high price makes it less accessible. Steel, on the other hand, is attractive for its price, design, and especially its sound, but its strength and weight are drawbacks. Compare the pros and cons of each and choose the material that suits you best.

A good muffler is one that has your preferred sound and appearance, offers excellent cost performance, and high performance. The ideal muffler varies greatly from person to person. Therefore, this time, I will introduce five particularly recommended and popular muffler manufacturers and their features, so please use this as a reference when choosing a muffler. ◯ Yoshimura Although everyone who likes motorcycles knows Yoshimura, their self-produced mufflers are collectively called "Cyclone," and they offer a lineup of carefully crafted mufflers based on the concept of high performance, high quality, and compliance with various regulations. They also offer services such as Fire Spec, where skilled craftsmen hand-bend titanium pipes and apply a unique焼き入れ (baking process) to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind color. It is a leading Japanese muffler manufacturer. ◯ Moriwaki

Moriwaki is a prestigious muffler brand that stands alongside Yoshimura (and historically, Yoshimura and Moriwaki have close ties). It's often said that if your bike is a Suzuki, you go with Yoshimura, and if it's a Honda, you go with Moriwaki. It might be a good idea to choose based on your bike's manufacturer. ◯ BEET BEET's NASSERT is a famous and popular product among mufflers. BEET products are characterized by their loud sound, and their clear, high-pitched tone is very popular. While the prices of their products are on the higher side, they offer good performance and satisfaction in terms of both sound and power, making them worth the price, or even more! ◯ SP Tadao (Special Parts Tadao)

 

Founder Tadao Suzuki (nicknamed Tadao-san) is a super famous rider who was active as an All Japan Motocross Champion. Although it is a brand with an impressive eye mark, the mufflers created by Tadao-san, who loves riding more than anyone else, make riding more pleasant and enjoyable. Just looking at the product introductions on the website is exciting, so if you're interested, please check it out. With a wide lineup, it is loved by many people, so you are sure to find a muffler that you like.

◯ Akrapovic

As one of Europe's largest muffler manufacturers, it is highly popular in Japan. It is, of course, recommended for those using Harley-Davidsons, and it also offers mufflers for other domestic motorcycles. Additionally, it is used as standard equipment on BMW motorcycles. The sound is loud but refined. However, since it is an overseas manufacturer, some products may not pass vehicle inspections, so caution and confirmation are required.

So far, I've discussed the features, how to choose, and manufacturers of motorcycle mufflers.

・Whether to change the entire muffler or just the silencer part
・Which material suits you best by comparing its burnt color, sound, weight, and strength
・Which manufacturer aligns with your preferences, budget, and bike

These are the main points to consider when choosing a muffler. The muffler is a fundamental part of motorcycle customization. The change in riding sensation and appearance after replacing the muffler will teach you a lot about the profound joy of motorcycles. Please find the best muffler for you.