Benefits of Aftermarket Exhaust (Motorcycle and ATV)

Benefits of Aftermarket Exhaust (Motorcycle and ATV)

December 31, 2020 | Informational | By: Honda Parts Direct

Swapping out your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) exhaust on your ATV or motorcycle can reap a few benefits. OEM parts are designed with certain priorities in mind, but they might not be your priorities! Here’s some info on the benefits of switching to an aftermarket exhaust. Feel free to hit us up with any questions at Honda Parts Direct, where we vet our aftermarket parts carefully. We’ve got inventory for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and scooters. Please place your parts and accessories orders for nation-wide and international shipping, or save a few bucks on freight and pick your goods up at our location in Palestine, near Dallas and Houston, Texas. And as always, if you can't find what you need please contact one of our staff!

One Standard, Many Circumstances

When machines are designed, they are built to conform to certain standards and priorities such as price point, longevity, emission standards, and other regulations. In some cases, the standards employed are not in place locally, but economies of scale mean that companies are better off choosing one standard and sticking to it.

This is often the case for emission standards. For example, California is a large, progressive, and influential state, so many machines are built to conform to California emissions standards. It’s worth noting that such standards have had a very positive influence on air pollution nationwide. 

Close up of a chrome motorcycle exhaust

Manufacturer’s Exhaust Priorities

When designing an exhaust system, a manufacturer considers factors such as power, performance, pollution, noise, and aesthetics. 

Let’s take the example of noise. Manufacturers prioritize quieter, not louder machinery. However, many consumers of ATVs and motorcycles actually like making a loud, rough rumble. Those owners may wish to upgrade with an aftermarket exhaust so they can turn heads when they roar down the road. It is critical, though, to make sure you understand local noise ordinances and not exceed them.

In the case of pollution, some rigs have exhaust systems that conform to standards that are much higher than your local regulations. If this describes your situation, you have the option of swapping it out for an exhaust system that regains some of the efficiencies that pollution-control efforts may have eliminated. 

Some OEM exhaust systems have an exhaust pipe that’s too small or a muffler with a lot of air resistance. Both of these can result in backpressure that makes it harder for the exhaust to exit the cylinder, which robs the engine of some power. Choose the right aftermarket high-power exhaust system, and it will utilize headers, bigger tailpipes, and free-flowing mufflers to eliminate this pressure. This can translate into an increase of up to five horsepower. 

Before making any changes, we advise you to confirm local regulations and how they apply to your rig. If you need help figuring out the right part, please browse our website or give us a call! We’re Honda Parts Direct, in Palestine, Texas, near Houston and Dallas.