Keep your motorbike healthy with Infinity Motorcycles’ guide to motorbike exhausts. Expert tips on motorbike exhaust tips. Ride on in style today.
Factory exhaust systems for motorcycles are often bulky and quiet and are commonly the first thing any motorcycle enthusiast looks to change when considering an upgrade. Upgraded exhaust systems not only provide great aesthetic value but also aim to improve the performance and overall sound of any motorcycle.
Besides looks and sound, a motorbike's exhaust can tell you exactly what is happening inside your engine. Let's take a look at some issues that can be identified by a bike's exhaust.
Backfiring
Motorcycles with shorter or free-flowing exhausts generally backfire under deceleration, but excessive backfire can be a sign that there is something amiss and is usually a result of incorrect fuelling. Older motorcycles with carburettors often need tuning or jets that need to be cleaned from time to time. Over-fuelling or poor grade fuel can also lead to excessive backfiring.
Exhaust smoke
Smoke from a bike's exhaust pipe is normally a sign that either some maintenance is required or there might be something that needs serious attention. Let's take a look at different types of smoke and what it means to you as the rider.
White smoke
When cold engines startup, it is normal for them to emit a small amount of light white smoke, this is as a result of heat changes in the exhaust system, creating water vapour that ends up being expelled at the exhaust tip. This should last only for a very short time until the exhaust system heats up. If white smoke continues to be visible after the motorcycle has warmed up, then it could be a sign that the motorcycle coolant has made its way into the bike's combustion chamber.
Issues causing this could be a defective cylinder head gasket or cracks in the cylinder head. You can easily check the coolant reservoir for any discolouration of the coolant or potential oil that has made its way into the cooling system.
Black smoke
Excessive black smoke is indicative of a rich fuel mixture. What does this mean? Any motorcycle engine requires a mixture of fuel and air in order for combustion to take place. If the ratio of fuel is too high, the engine will expel any unburnt fuel into the exhaust chamber where heat will cause it to burn and produce black smoke. Motorcycles using carburettors may require occasional tuning or syncing of carbs and this should always be carried out by trained personnel.
Blue/grey smoke
Blue or grey smoke can be a sign of something more serious. An engine will produce this smoke when oil enters the combustion chamber. There can be a number of causes for this to happen. For example, oil could be entering the engine through the intake due to a clogged or jammed PCV valve; piston rings or valve seals could be worn, causing engine oil to enter the combustion chamber. Some ways to identify the cause of this is to remove the air cleaner and check for the presence of oil in the air filter. One can also remove the spark plugs and check on which cylinder the plugs are not burning cleanly, which can generally be done through a number of motorcycle tools.
The use of poor or incorrect oil for your engine can also lead to an engine starting to smoke. A simple oil service may sometimes be the solution to this problem. Regular maintenance and paying attention to the way your engine runs will alert you to any potential issues before they become severe problems. In colder conditions, it is always advised to allow your motorcycle to reach operating temperature as this will allow all the fluids to circulate and be distributed throughout the engine.
If your bike starts smoking at any given point, it is always advised to pull over when it is safe to do so and turn the motorcycle off. Not only could you save your engine from potential failure and expensive repair costs, but an engine burning oil can become a safety issue for other road users if anything serious happens.
Many motorcyclists also add aftermarket exhausts for more presence on the road. When changing lanes, accidents can happen in just seconds. Louder exhausts allow you to warn other road users of your presence and alert them to exactly where you are.
It is worth noting that when making the decision to change to an aftermarket exhaust, always consider whether the change will require some additional tuning or fabrication. Certain modifications may also void your factory warranty, so make sure to consult with your dealership before making any changes. Lastly, ensure that any changes comply with local law.
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It is worth noting that when making the decision to change to an aftermarket exhaust, always consider whether the change will require some additional tuning or fabrication. Certain modifications may also void your factory warranty, so make sure to consult with your dealership before making any changes. Lastly, ensure that any changes comply with local law.