Rocket Exhaust System on 13 CRF450 - My Observations

I bought and installed a complete dual Rocket exhaust system on my 13 CRF450. My number one goal was to wake up the power band a bit and secondly, but not that big a consideration was to improve the cosmetics. I also don't like how quiet the stock system is and think it "looks" cheap. I went with the dual Rocket system as I prefer it cosmetically to a single system. Rocket has both a dual system and a complete single system. They also have both dual and single slip-on mufflers available.

I went with the Rocket system as the reviews I've read have been positive and they are priced much more competitively than their "Big 3" competitors. I also really liked the way it looked on PJ Larsen's Rocket prepped MEC bike.

I think it's worth mentioning I currently own one of each of the Big 3 companies systems on other bikes. My 2008 CRF450 has a Pro Circuit system. I've got a carbon fiber FMF slip-on on my 2010 KTM 450 SX-F and a Yoshimura dual system on my sons CRF250.

The materials and quality of construction of the Rocket system seem to be better than my Pro Circuit and FMF systems and just as good as the Yoshimura. Every single one of the welds are excellent. The fitment of the Rocket system was PERFECT. I was very happy with how precise the fitment was.

Sound and performance were just what I was wanting. It's a bit louder than stock but not annoying. Performance gains were noted across the power band but I really noticed it down low and through the mid-range. Prior to installing the system I was going to Install a one tooth larger rear sprocket but don't need to now.

Customer support was fantastic as well. The folks at Rocket were very patient with me through numerous phone calls. Once I decided exactly what I wanted they built it and had it delivered in several days. Hell, they even custom built the mufflers to the length I specified at no extra charge. I thought the ones on PJ's bike extended a little too far out the back.

All things considered, I strongly recommend anyone shopping for an exhaust system to consider the Rocket system. I couldn't be happier.

Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Rocket in any way and had never spoken to them prior to initiating contact to solicit information on their systems.

Rick