Swapping the stock exhaust for a lighter, freer-flowing system is one of the first mods many adventure riders consider. But will it actually make your motorcycle quicker, or is it just about the soundtrack? Below we break down the science, the real-world gains and whether the investment is worth it for you and your bike.
How an Exhaust System Affects Bike Performance
A motorcycle engine is an air pump: the faster it breathes, the more power it can make. The exhaust’s job is to evacuate burnt gases with just enough back-pressure to keep low-down torque. A well-designed aftermarket exhaust system often:
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Reduces weight – titanium or stainless systems can be 2-6 kg lighter than a bulky stock can, improving power-to-weight ratio.
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Improves flow – larger-diameter headers and smooth bends let gases escape faster, allowing the engine to spin up more freely.
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Tunes pulse timing – collector design and length can boost scavenging, increasing mid-range torque that you feel on steep fire-roads.
Slip-ons vs Full Systems
Type |
Typical Gain* |
Weight Saving |
Cost |
ECU work? |
Slip-on exhausts |
1–2 bhp |
1–2 kg |
££ |
Usually no |
Full systems |
3–6 bhp |
2–6 kg |
£££ |
Recommended |
*Figures based on 650–800 cc adventure twins dyno-tested with correct fuelling.
A slip-on replaces only the muffler; handy if you mainly want a better note and a small boost. A full system swaps headers, mid-pipe and can, offering the biggest performance gains but at higher cost and with a likely need for an ECU remap to maintain fuel economy and reliability.
Does a New Exhaust Make a Motorcycle Faster?
Yes—although “faster” needs context. A freer-flowing system can add a handful of horsepower and shave valuable kilos. Together they can trim a bike’s 0-100 km/h time by around 0.2-0.5 seconds and add 5-10 km/h to top speed on larger-capacity bikes. On smaller singles such as a KTM 390, expect closer to 1–2 bhp and a livelier throttle rather than headline speed.
Real-World Speed vs Feel
While outright V-max gains are modest, most riders notice a stronger mid-range surge—the sweet spot for overtaking, climbing gravel switchbacks or hauling luggage. That punchier delivery often feels like a bigger speed jump than the dyno sheet shows.
Does Exhaust Affect Fuel Economy?
Contrary to myth, a correctly tuned aftermarket pipe rarely hurts fuel usage. By letting the engine breathe efficiently, it can even eke out 1–3 % better mpg on steady highway runs. Poor fuelling, however, can send consumption the other way—another reason to use a quality ECU flash.
Is an Aftermarket Motorcycle Exhaust Worth It?
For many adventure riders the answer is yes, provided you choose a reputable brand, budget for proper mapping and want more than just noise:
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Performance of your motorcycle — noticeable torque bump and lighter handling.
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Sound and character — a throatier note without being anti-social.
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Future mods — a freer exhaust pairs perfectly with high-flow filters or big-bore kits.
Get a deeper dive in our article on the benefits of aftermarket exhausts on motorcycles, or explore the latest SC-Project exhausts available at Procycles for trail-ready adventure bikes.
Quick-fire FAQs
Does a new exhaust make a motorcycle faster?
Yes, but gains are modest—think quicker acceleration and a few km/h more top end, not a night-and-day transformation.
Does aftermarket exhaust increase speed?
It can, thanks to extra power and less weight, though the improvement shows up more in mid-range pull than in ultimate speed.
Is an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust worth it?
If you value better throttle response, sharper sound and a slight bike performance lift, absolutely—especially when paired with proper tuning.
Does exhaust affect bike performance?
Definitely. Flow, back-pressure and weight all influence horsepower, torque and overall ride feel.
Ready to Improve Your Bike’s Performance?
Whether you ride a lightweight 390 cc single or a full-blown 800 cc explorer, our Hornsby and St Peters showrooms stock a curated range of aftermarket exhaust systems from SC-Project, Akrapovič and more. Drop in, chat to riders who have made the switch, and let our technicians fit and tune the ideal pipe for your next adventure.
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