There are multiple reasons that people want to replace the stock mufflers that came installed on their motorcycles and replace them with aftermarket exhausts. Whether your muffler has become worn or you simply want to upgrade to a better-performing exhaust, replacing it is something that is commonly done by motorcycle owners everywhere. Here is how you can install the Voodoo Slip-On Exhaust.
1. Read the instructions until you understand them
Before you get started, make sure that you read the instructions and that you understand them. You shouldn’t dive in until you are certain that you understand what you are doing. Then, gather together the tools that you will need to install your new exhaust.
2. Loosen the joint where it connects
The way in which your muffler is connected will depend on the motorcycle that you own. You may be looking for a gasketed flange joint or a band clamp. When you find the joint, loosen it so that you can get ready to remove your old muffler.
3. Loosen the bracket for the muffler
After you have loosened the connection joint, you will next need to loosen the brackets for your muffler. You will need to make certain that you provide support to the muffler while you are loosening its bracket. If you don’t, the muffler may strike other parts on your motorcycle and cause some damage.
4. Take the old muffler off of your motorcycle
While mufflers for motorcycles are called slip-ons, removing your old muffler may still require you to use some force to dislodge it from your bike. After you have taken the old muffler off, store it somewhere safe.
5. Take your new muffler and slide it over your header pipe
You will be doing the same steps that you just completed when you install your new muffler, but you will be doing them in reverse. If you find that you are having trouble, stop and think about what you are doing.
6. Securing your new muffler
You will secure your new Voodoo exhaust by attaching it with band-style clamps or with brackets. If you have band-style clamps, they will work by tightening around your muffler to hold it in place. Brackets attach to both your motorcycle and your muffler. Make certain that you familiarize yourself with the instructions before trying to secure your muffler. If you have brackets, try tightening them with your fingers first so that you are less likely to damage the parts. After everything is in its proper place, reattach the gasket clamps, flanges or springs that you need to attach the muffler to your head pipe. Make sure that you do not use too much torque.
7. Wipe your new exhaust down
Before you hop on your motorcycle, make sure that you wipe your new muffler down to remove the oils that you left behind during the installation. If you don’t, it may be stained when it runs with the oils on the surface.
8. Look for leaks
Turn on your motorcycle and let it run while you look at it for leaks. You should check the top of the headers and the base of your slip-on exhaust.
Legal issues
Make sure that you understand what the law in your area requires for modifications to your motorcycle’s exhaust. Some modifications are only allowed off of the highways in some states.
Installing your new Voodoo Slip-On Exhaust is a relatively straightforward process. If you make certain to read the manuals and that you understand the laws in your area, you can soon have a great-looking and sounding muffler on your bike.
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Everything You Need to Know About Shorty Motorcycle Exhausts
The rumble of a motorcycle engine is a sound that stirs the soul of many riders. But sometimes, the stock exhaust just doesn’t cut it. Enter shorty exhausts, a popular aftermarket modification that promises a bolder sound and a sleeker look. But are they right for you? This guide delves into everything you need to know about shorty motorcycle exhausts, helping you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Shorty exhausts, also known as slip-on exhausts, offer a sleeker look and potentially louder sound compared to stock exhausts.
- Consider increased noise levels, potential performance changes, and legal compliance before installation.
- Research specific exhaust models for your motorcycle to understand performance impact.
- Explore alternative exhaust options like full systems or baffles for additional considerations.
Comparison Table: Shorty Exhausts vs. Stock Exhausts
Feature Shorty Exhaust Stock Exhaust Appearance Sleeker, more aggressive Bulky, standard design Weight Lighter Heavier Sound Louder (may not be legal) Quieter Performance May improve or decrease (research specific model) Consistent, designed for specific motorcycle Cost Varies Usually included in the motorcycle price No products found.
View this post on InstagramWhat are Shorty Exhausts?
Shorty exhausts, also known as slip-on exhausts, are aftermarket mufflers that replace the stock exhaust on your motorcycle. They are significantly shorter and lighter than the factory exhaust, offering a more compact and aggressive appearance. However, it’s crucial to remember that they are often louder and may not comply with noise regulations in all areas.
Why Choose a Shorty Exhaust?
Riders choose shorty exhausts for several reasons:
- Enhanced aesthetics: Shorty exhausts can significantly improve the look of your motorcycle, giving it a more customized and aggressive appearance.
- Lighter weight: The reduced size and weight of a shorty exhaust can contribute to a slight improvement in handling and performance.
- Potentially louder sound: For some riders, the deeper and louder sound of a shorty exhaust adds to the riding experience.
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Things to Consider Before Installing a Shorty Exhaust:
While shorty exhausts offer potential benefits, there are also drawbacks to consider:
- Increased noise: As mentioned earlier, shorty exhausts are often significantly louder than stock exhausts and may not be legal in all areas. Always check local regulations before installing one.
- Potential performance changes: While some shorty exhausts can improve power delivery, others may negatively affect performance due to backpressure changes. Researching specific models and their impact on your motorcycle is crucial.
- Potential for increased heat: Due to their shorter design, shorty exhausts may direct more heat towards the rider’s legs. Consider this factor, especially for long rides or hot climates.
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Installation:
Installing a shorty exhaust can often be done at home with basic tools and mechanical knowledge. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s recommended to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic. The provided reference (How To Install A Voodoo Slip-On Exhaust) offers a helpful guide on installing a specific shorty exhaust model.
The Final Verdict
Shorty exhausts offer a unique combination of style, sound, and potential performance gains for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as increased noise and potential legal implications, before making a decision. Remember to prioritize safety and ensure your chosen exhaust complies with local regulations.
Additional Considerations:
- Legality: As the provided article mentions, exhaust modifications might not be legal in all areas. Always check local regulations to ensure compliance.
- Performance impact: While the article mentions potential performance changes, it’s important to note that these can vary depending on the specific motorcycle and exhaust model. Consulting a mechanic or researching specific exhausts for your motorcycle is recommended for a more accurate assessment.
- Alternatives: Shorty exhausts aren’t the only option for modifying your motorcycle’s exhaust. Consider researching other options like full exhaust systems or muffler baffles to find the best fit for your needs and preferences.
By carefully considering all the information presented here, you can make an informed decision about whether a shorty exhaust is the right choice for your motorcycle.
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6 FAQs About Shorty Exhausts
1. Will a shorty exhaust make my motorcycle faster?
Not necessarily. While some shorty exhausts can improve power delivery, others might negatively impact performance due to backpressure changes. Researching specific models and their impact on your motorcycle is crucial.
2. Are shorty exhausts street legal?
It depends on local regulations. Shorty exhausts are often louder than stock exhausts and might not comply with noise ordinances in some areas. Always check local regulations before installing one.
3. Can I install a shorty exhaust myself?
Installation can often be done at home with basic tools and mechanical knowledge. However, if you’re unsure, seek professional help from a qualified mechanic.
4. What are the alternatives to shorty exhausts?
Consider full exhaust systems for comprehensive performance upgrades or muffler baffles for a slightly modified sound without significant visual changes.
5. How much do shorty exhausts cost?
Prices vary depending on the brand, model, and material. Expect to pay more for well-known brands and high-quality materials.
6. Where can I find shorty exhausts for my motorcycle?
Many motorcycle parts retailers and online stores offer a wide variety of shorty exhausts. Ensure the chosen exhaust is compatible with your specific motorcycle model.
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What to Expect at a Beginner Rider Course
If you want to gain valuable experience, then you go to school. The same applies to motorcycle riding. When you sign up for the Beginner or Basic Rider courses that are available from multiple organizations throughout the U.S., you are taking a giant step forward. Here is what to expect:
Pre-Course Assignment
The assignment that you receive is dependent on the organization that you sign up with. Make sure you do this work, because you will be better prepared for what is to come in the class. You are welcome to take notes, write down questions to ask the instructor, and familiarize yourself with the terminology.
Necessary Items
When you have class, you should bring your student handbook, a notepad, pen, and some food items for snacks and lunch. These classes will last for most of the day, so be prepared for a full day of learning and moving.
You should wear jeans with ankle boots, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, and a DOT-legal helmet. Some schools will have helmets to borrow if you don’t have one. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to attend the class if you don’t have the appropriate gear.
Also, regardless of the weather, the class will go on. Be prepared for cold mornings. Lightweight layers are best, because you can peel them off as you get hot. You should also wear a waterproof jacket, boots, and gloves, just in case it rains.What Happens In The Class
The class structure depends on statewide regulations and the course provider. However, most programs cover the same points. The courses are completed within two days, although you can sign up for more advanced courses later on.
First Day
On the first day of the Basic Rider Course, you don’t want to be late. Anyone who arrives late has a direct impact on how much information you receive—and you don’t want to miss anything. Before you turn on the engine, you need to sign some liability papers and other paperwork. You might be asked to introduce yourself and talk about what experience you have on a motorcycle. It’s fine if you have zero experience, because the class is designed for beginners. Relax and enjoy the chance to make new riding buddies.
The first half of the day talks about basic riding mechanics. This should be considered review if you did the pre-course assignment. If you jotted down any questions in your notes, this is the time you ask.
The first riding exercise doesn’t send you off down the road with no assistance. You review the handlebar controls once again. You mount, dismount, and turn the vehicle on and off. You then get a feel of the manually-operated clutch. Gradually, you get familiarized with the motion of the bike
The exercises thereafter include riding in a straight line, shifting gears, turning and cornering. The class is paced to allow for you to absorb this information is quickly or slowly as you need.
Second Day
The second day builds off the operations you picked up on the first day. Now, you can get more technical and polish those skills. The session begins with practice of slow speed maneuvering, emergency braking, swerving, and more cornering.
Once these drills are complete, you are assessed on your competency. The riding test will be the most stressful part of the day, because you need to successfully complete the exercises. If you don’t pass, you can retest for free; but if you fail twice, consider that riding a motorcycle might not be for you.
Other Things To Expect
There’s a reason you sign a liability form. You could tip over or crash during the hands-on section of the course. Don’t worry, though. This, too, is practice. Once you have fallen a few times, you get the hang of controlling the bike. You will receive advice for staying upright from a professional instead of having to figure it out yourself.
All in all, a Basic Rider Course is an excellent choice for all new riders who want to gain valuable experience before hitting the road. Though the course only lasts for two whole days, you learn much more than you probably expect. Go in with an open mind and leave riding your motorcycle. After that, the road is yours to master.
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How Often Do I Need To Change Motorcycle Engine Oil?
Changing engine oil is essential to maintaining the life of your beloved motorcycle. If you don’t consistently check the oil level and change the oil when it gets old or dirty, the lifespan of the motor is severely shortened.
Let’s get started.How Often You Need To Change Motorcycle Oil
Most riders will ask the question, “How often do I need to change the motorcycle engine oil?” at least once. The answer depends on the make/model of your bike (we’ll be discussed a Yamaha YZF-R6), the type of oil you used, and how often you ride.
If you used a mineral-based engine oil (the simplest, cheapest kind), then you should change the engine every 2,000 miles if you’re riding frequently. If you don’t ride regularly, you can change your oil at least twice a year.
When using a semi-synthetic engine oil, change the oil once every 5,000-6,000 miles.
Lastly, if you use a fully-synthetic engine oil, change the oil after 7,000-10,000 miles.
Semi- and fully-synthetic motor oils are more expensive than mineral-based engine oil, but the plus side is that they last much longer. The only time when you might have to change before the recommended mileage, regardless of the motor oil type, is if you are riding your bike every single day or you commute a great distance frequently.Yamaha YZF-R6 Oil Change Instructions
You can find the following information in the owner’s manual of your Yamaha YZF-R6. If you don’t have this specific Yamaha model, it’s recommended you find the specific instructions for your make and model, as the steps could be different.
- Checking the engine oil level:
- Put the motorcycle on a level surface and hold it in an upright position, as straight as possible. Slight tilts could result in a false read.
- Start the engine. Let the oil warm up for several minutes.
- Turn the motorcycle off again.
- Wait for the oil to settle. This may take a few minutes.
- Remove the engine oil dipstick. Wipe it clean with a cloth then insert the stick back into the fuel reservoir. Take a moment to look at the maximum and minimum oil level lines before testing if you’re not familiar with it. Don’t screw the stick in. Remove it again to get your reading.
- If the engine oil level is at or below the minimum level, remove the engine filler cap and add a sufficient amount of oil to get the level to the recommended spot.
- Insert then tighten the engine oil dipstick. Afterwards, install and tighten the oil filler cap.
During this stage of your oil check, you might find that you need to change the oil completely.
How To Tell If You Need An Oil Change
The normal color of oil is transparent, brownish, maybe even slightly black. When oil is “clean,” it works best for protecting and keeping the engine clean.
Now, “dirty” oil is when the water consistency is lost. It feels slightly gritty when rubbed between your fingers. The color will be darker, if not completely black, and it will have lost it’s transparency.
You might also notice that the engine is making bizarre noises when the oil is dirty. All these signs point to needing an oil change.
How to change engine oil on a Yamaha YZF-R6:
- Put the motorcycle on a level surface.
- Removing the cowling.
- Start the engine for several minutes. Once warmed, turn the bike off.
- Place an oil pan under the engine to collect used oil.
- Remove the engine oil filler cap, the engine oil drain bolt, and lastly the gasket to drain the oil from the crankcase.
- Once the oil is drained completely, replace the gasket and bolt, fill the tank to the recommended level, and then replace the engine oil filler cap.
When To Change The Oil Filter
Change the filter every time you change the oil or once every 2,000 to 3,000 miles if you’re using synthetic motor oil. You don’t want to ride around with a dirty, old oil filter because it traps any dirt, dust, debris, metal, and sludge that would otherwise harm your engine.
Not a frequent rider? Again, change your oil at least twice a year and pair that with a filter change.Conclusion
To wrap everything up, frequent riders will need to change their oil more often than those who ride once in a while. The quality of the motor oil changes the mileage for oil changes, and synthetic oils will have the longest life. Make sure to check the oil level and consistency often so you can protect the engine and preserve the life of your ride.
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