Header vs Slip-On vs Full System

BikeBefok
I'm sure there is plenty of info out there on this topic, but I'm short on time and would like to hear from you guys if possible. Basically I'm looking to find out what combo provides the best bang for my buck when comparing performance of just a header or just a slip-on or a full system exhaust. Obviously full system will be best, but will also be the most expensive... so will it be worth my time to install just the header, or just the slip-on, ie, which is best?

Bike in question is a '13 ktm350f. Potentially looking at a ss fmf mega bomb setup.

Thanks
|
skypig
Profile picture for user skypig
Posts
681
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
Caloundra AU
skypig 10/23/2017 2:42am
10/23/2017 2:42am
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe.

On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have excessive restrictions for more sound reduction. If more noise is acceptable, a replacement muffler can offer noticeable gain.

Common sense tells you a different shape/size/length header is no more expensive. If a different design was universally superior, the $millions spent on R&D by the bike manufacturers would likely result in those dimensions.

So, headers are usually only useful for moving the power. EG bigger diameter for less low end, more top end, or longer for low end, at the expense of peak power.

Other reasons for a full system include:
- Weight saving, especially with Ti. (Expensive for the saving)
- Ability to remove exhaust with shock in place on KTMs/White KTMs
- Cool factor (how much is cool worth to you $$)

Unless you always have almost new tires on your bike, the money could be better spent. IMHO
BikeBefok 10/23/2017 4:00am
10/23/2017 4:00am
skypig wrote:
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe. On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have...
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe.

On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have excessive restrictions for more sound reduction. If more noise is acceptable, a replacement muffler can offer noticeable gain.

Common sense tells you a different shape/size/length header is no more expensive. If a different design was universally superior, the $millions spent on R&D by the bike manufacturers would likely result in those dimensions.

So, headers are usually only useful for moving the power. EG bigger diameter for less low end, more top end, or longer for low end, at the expense of peak power.

Other reasons for a full system include:
- Weight saving, especially with Ti. (Expensive for the saving)
- Ability to remove exhaust with shock in place on KTMs/White KTMs
- Cool factor (how much is cool worth to you $$)

Unless you always have almost new tires on your bike, the money could be better spent. IMHO
Appreciate the advice. Thanks
kzizok
Profile picture for user kzizok
Posts
8393
Joined
10/19/2010
Location
AS US
Fantasy
2034th
kzizok 10/23/2017 4:35am
10/23/2017 4:35am
skypig wrote:
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe. On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have...
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe.

On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have excessive restrictions for more sound reduction. If more noise is acceptable, a replacement muffler can offer noticeable gain.

Common sense tells you a different shape/size/length header is no more expensive. If a different design was universally superior, the $millions spent on R&D by the bike manufacturers would likely result in those dimensions.

So, headers are usually only useful for moving the power. EG bigger diameter for less low end, more top end, or longer for low end, at the expense of peak power.

Other reasons for a full system include:
- Weight saving, especially with Ti. (Expensive for the saving)
- Ability to remove exhaust with shock in place on KTMs/White KTMs
- Cool factor (how much is cool worth to you $$)

Unless you always have almost new tires on your bike, the money could be better spent. IMHO
Someone gets it.
Donovan759
Profile picture for user Donovan759
Posts
2083
Joined
10/12/2017
Location
Pittsburgh, PA US
Donovan759 10/23/2017 5:52am
10/23/2017 5:52am
I've found myself asking this same question... But I'm pretty cheap so when I want to go faster I just hold the throttle down longer. It usually works out.

The Shop

See All »
Motofinne
Profile picture for user Motofinne
Posts
10686
Joined
1/4/2014
Location
FI
Motofinne 10/23/2017 6:05am
10/23/2017 6:05am
I got my HGS system for my 2017 KTM because i could remove the shock easier. That was the number one factor.

The number two factor was that the EU KTMs have the same silencer as Husqvarnas in US(i think), as you know those are pretty restricted so a slip on might be a gain in most cases.

The header on KTMs are known for being relatively good.
racer495a
Profile picture for user racer495a
Posts
206
Joined
4/25/2008
Location
CO US
racer495a 10/23/2017 6:51am
10/23/2017 6:51am
skypig wrote:
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe. On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have...
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe.

On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have excessive restrictions for more sound reduction. If more noise is acceptable, a replacement muffler can offer noticeable gain.

Common sense tells you a different shape/size/length header is no more expensive. If a different design was universally superior, the $millions spent on R&D by the bike manufacturers would likely result in those dimensions.

So, headers are usually only useful for moving the power. EG bigger diameter for less low end, more top end, or longer for low end, at the expense of peak power.

Other reasons for a full system include:
- Weight saving, especially with Ti. (Expensive for the saving)
- Ability to remove exhaust with shock in place on KTMs/White KTMs
- Cool factor (how much is cool worth to you $$)

Unless you always have almost new tires on your bike, the money could be better spent. IMHO
kzizok wrote:
Someone gets it.
I've got a 17 350 ktm and the no toil backfire screen elimination kit resulted in better throttle response for around $40. This is the first bike I've owned that I didn't get an aftermarket exhaust. Reviews suggest there isn't much gain to be had...if any.
BikeBefok 10/23/2017 7:06am
10/23/2017 7:06am
Thanks for the responses. I asked the question on behalf of a friend. I've let him know what you guys have said, then I told him to spend the money on his suspension.
Tracktor
Profile picture for user Tracktor
Posts
2344
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
The RTF/Amboy, WA US
Tracktor 10/23/2017 12:24pm
10/23/2017 12:24pm
skypig wrote:
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe. On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have...
Best bang for buck by a mile is the stock pipe.

On modern competition bikes big gains are unlikely. Some models (current Huskys for example) have excessive restrictions for more sound reduction. If more noise is acceptable, a replacement muffler can offer noticeable gain.

Common sense tells you a different shape/size/length header is no more expensive. If a different design was universally superior, the $millions spent on R&D by the bike manufacturers would likely result in those dimensions.

So, headers are usually only useful for moving the power. EG bigger diameter for less low end, more top end, or longer for low end, at the expense of peak power.

Other reasons for a full system include:
- Weight saving, especially with Ti. (Expensive for the saving)
- Ability to remove exhaust with shock in place on KTMs/White KTMs
- Cool factor (how much is cool worth to you $$)

Unless you always have almost new tires on your bike, the money could be better spent. IMHO
kzizok wrote:
Someone gets it.
Unless you buy a Kawi 250. They are so loud stock that an aftermarket pipe is pretty much mandatory. Yamaha 250 not any better. I don't get why OEM's don't get that sound is an issue? Especially for us with private tracks...........
EastFlorida
Profile picture for user EastFlorida
Posts
2334
Joined
7/31/2010
Location
Merritt Island, FL US
EastFlorida 10/23/2017 1:48pm
10/23/2017 1:48pm
Heck, I don't need more power, better $ spent on suspension and tires...

Post a reply to: Header vs Slip-On vs Full System