A motorcycle is a valuable asset and should always be treated with care. This includes ensuring your motorcycle has a properly functioning exhaust, which can be customized — something many people do. The 2008 Motorcycle Industry Council’s Owner Survey revealed 38% of on-road motorbike owners modify or replace their exhaust systems. (This includes people with sports bikes, dirt bikes, and competition models.) Changing or replacing exhaust systems is reportedly very common among owners of Harley Davidsons. Learn how to make a custom exhaust for your motorcycle!
The main difference between a motorcycle exhaust and a car-exhaust system is that the former is external and noticeable, which means it can be designed to look shiny. There are plenty of colors, shapes and finishes (and chrome bling) to give to an exhaust that will make it appear like a beautiful addition. Some exhausts have carbon fibre tips, are chrome-plated, include heat shields, and contain durable units. Others even have warranties. Before getting into all that, however, here are some crucial steps to take before building a custom exhaust pipe.
Measure Your Available Space
Before doing anything else, it’s crucial to take measurements of your bike and the available space for your exhaust down to the foot pegs so as to avoid causing any malfunction issues. Also, be sure to measure the distance between the foot pegs and the back of the motorcycle.
Draw Up a Template Using Life-Size Blueprints
After taking all necessary measurements, create a template, or plan, with a thick marker. For a twin exhaust on both sides of the motorbike, be sure to measure both sides. A poster board is a great way to create a template for an exhaust. Dual pipes are said to be more efficient and durable, and they make deeper sounds.
Operate Welding Tools in a Safe Area
Safety should always be a priority when building an exhaust pipe, so you should be sure to verify you are not handling welding tools like a chipping hammer, a wire brush, MIG pliers, and a soapstone marker in a zone where people can get injured or property can become damaged. Safety glasses and gloves are highly recommended for those with less experience. According to a 2004 study conducted by Greek researchers, there were roughly 17 incidents of burns from motorcycle exhaust pipes per 100,000 people.
Create Custom Pipe Bends for Design
After determining the length of the pipe, you will need a heat source and pipe benders in order to correctly bend the exhaust. Experts recommend leaving roughly six extra inches at the main pipe’s end so that the two parts can fit properly.
Attaching the New System to a Motorcycle Frame
Once the bending process is complete, just slide the EPA-approved muffler onto the exhaust in order to reduce noise pollution. Welding and attachment hardware should then be utilized to add the exhaust system to the right part of your motorcycle. All motorcycles are required to comply with the Noise Control Act of 1972. It is estimated that just one hour of exposure to sound levels of 94 decibels or higher can significantly impair someone’s hearing. Thus, ensuring you have an EPA-approved muffler is important because noise created by motorcycle exhausts can often be heard for several miles. The air released through the pipe can also create a health hazard in some cases.
Be sure to clean your exhaust pipe (preferably with metal polish and a rubbing pad) until it shines.
Work with Trusted Pros at Rob’s Customs & Restorations
Now you have learned how to make a custom exhaust for your motorcycle. If have any questions, speak to the experienced professionals at Rob’s Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia, to learn more about how to make your own custom motorcycle exhaust system. Rob’s workers are dedicated to helping customers fulfill their unique car, truck, and motorcycle needs. Their services include body work, paint jobs, restoration, rust repair, and frame repair. They can also assist with four different types of engine swaps: LS, fuel injected, Coyote, and Hemi.
Rob’s pros have experience working with all types of motorbikes in Northern Virginia. Whether you are seeking to repair damage or simply want a brand new custom body to show off to the people you know, Rob’s shop will ensure that your bike will look more beautiful and shiny than ever before. Their workers will also make sure your custom bike passes inspections and doesn’t require any further alignments. Call Rob’s pros today at (703) 552-5001 or contact them online to schedule a custom body service estimate or to learn more about their services.