[By Manufacturer] Tips for Choosing Essential Motorcycle Mufflers

The first thing to note when replacing a muffler is the "volume of sound."

There are regulations on the volume of sound emitted from mufflers, with specific standard values determined as "approaching exhaust noise standard values." For two-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles, rules are set at 94dB when approaching and 82dB when accelerating. For reference, 90dB is comparable to a dog's bark or a karaoke establishment.

Motorcycles from domestic manufacturers generally meet these standards, but it's important to note that customizing with aftermarket mufflers could make you subject to these regulations.

If you're wondering, "I need advice on choosing a muffler" or "I can't replace the muffler myself," we recommend starting by seeking advice from a motorcycle shop employee.

Even if customizing your muffler yourself is difficult, some people might still want to "choose the muffler by themselves."

Here, we will introduce three important points for such people when choosing a muffler.

Type
Mufflers come in various shapes and types. The first step in choosing a muffler is to understand the different types and their respective characteristics.

Motorcycle mufflers can be broadly categorized into the following two types:

・Slip-on
・Full Exhaust

Let's look at each in detail.
Slip-on

Slip-on mufflers are detachable. They are parts that attach not to the entire muffler, but specifically to the silencer part at the tip of the muffler, which is responsible for noise reduction.

They are inexpensive muffler components and easy to install, making them recommended for those who are modifying a muffler for the first time.

Full Exhaust

Full exhaust systems are mufflers that maximize a bike's inherent horsepower.

Since this type of muffler replaces the entire pipe from the engine, its disadvantage is that it is more expensive than a slip-on. However, replacing it with a full exhaust system allows for more efficient exhaust gas expulsion, boosting the motorcycle's performance.

Material
Mufflers are made from various materials such as carbon, steel, and titanium. Each material differs in cost, durability, and appearance, so it's essential to understand their respective characteristics.

Carbon material is suitable for lightweighting motorcycles. However, it is expensive and not very durable, so its cost performance is not good.

For those who want to minimize costs when replacing a muffler, steel mufflers are recommended. Steel is the easiest material to process, making it inexpensive, and it has been used as a muffler material for a long time. However, it is prone to rust, so care is needed in that regard.

Titanium is an extremely strong type of alloy. If you want a muffler that you can use for a long time, you might consider choosing a titanium muffler.

Furthermore, other muffler materials include aluminum and stainless steel, so you can also use criteria such as holding them in your hand or listening to the difference in engine sound to make your decision.

Here are some recommended manufacturers for your reference.

While it's easy to gravitate towards major motorcycle manufacturers, there are many other manufacturers both domestically and internationally.

Akrapovic

Akrapovic is a manufacturer from the Republic of Slovenia, located on the eastern side of Italy. They primarily produce motorcycle parts, so they have a strong commitment to mufflers.

However, as an overseas manufacturer, there are types of mufflers that cannot be used on Japanese public roads. Before purchasing, be sure to check if the muffler can be used in Japan.

Yoshimura Japan

Yoshimura Japan is a manufacturer headquartered in Kanagawa, developing and selling motorcycle parts and more.

They offer a wide range of parts for customization, and mufflers are no exception.

Although they have a limited number of stores, they operate technical shops mainly in major Japanese cities, so if you live nearby, why not take a look?

Mufflers play a crucial role in increasing a motorcycle's horsepower and suppressing the sound of exhaust gases.

Refer to the information provided in this article to aim for a satisfactory muffler customization.