Exhaust Questions

[armado]

Hello!

I recently moved to Seattle, WA from Montreal, Canada and brought along my 2009 Yamaha FZ6R. I have nada experience of modifying motorcycles other than riding them. My questions are

1) Is it cumbersome to install Marthy's exhaust system?

2) Is it illegal in WA to install that exhaust system?

3) Last but not the least, are there other riders here from Seattle area who can guide me to a local mechanic?

Thanks in advance!

 

[06330i]

All aftermarket exhaust systems are considered "for offroad use only" so they're "considered" illegal, although most states aren't too strict about having an aftermarket exhaust. And as far as installing the system it's super easy. If you can use a socket set and allen keys you'll be fine. Took me about 45 mins to install mine.

 

[godwearsblack]

what exaust would you guys recomend? im new to the motorcycle world..

 

[06330i]

Well, if you have the big bucks two bros is the way to go, but marthy on this forum is a really good guy and does his own systems too for about half the price of other systems. I have one of his systems and its fantastic. hes a great guy to do business with and will bend over backwards to make sure youre happy with your choice.

 

[Marthy]

Hey Armado, bienvenue au States! I'm from the Belle Province too. Candiac area.

There's numerous exhaust thread and you can clic on the link bellow to access my webpage.

Cheers!

 

[MiltonDorkenhoff]

As others have said, yes, it is illegal. I did a google search for "washington motorcycle exhaust laws" and came up with this:

RCW 46.37.537
Motorcycles — Exhaust system.

No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motorcycle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the engine of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motorcycle not equipped as required by this section, or which has been amplified as prohibited by this section.​

 

[armado]

Thanks for the information guys! Appreciate your insight and research.

I still want to be heard on the road. Maybe it is worth the risk. Since I am a newbie, I will go ahead and pepper Marthy with my questions regarding his product.

In the meantime, let me ask a dumb question. If a cop pulls over, how would he/she know the exhaust is modified (unless there is a product info on the exhaust)?

 

[JT]

Id imagine most wont hassle you over it. worst case is that you keep your stock exhaust laying around incase you get a fix it tick it.

 

[BoneJj]

Id imagine most wont hassle you over it. worst case is that you keep your stock exhaust laying around incase you get a fix it tick it.

This, I have found that most cops don't mind a louder exhaust on a bike as they mostly tend to think of it as a safety issue but also don't go stupid loud either....

 

[Anthony]

If you're popping wheelies and caught doing 100mph or more they will cite you for you're exhaust while they're at it.


Will they pull you over specifically for you're exhaust? Probably not. Most cops wouldn't even know if it's technically illegal. Worst case scenerio you will get a ticket.

And believe me, it's worth the ticket! So go and put some pipes on that thing!




And.... Welcome to the forum..

 

[godwearsblack]

If you're popping wheelies and caught doing 100mph or more they will cite you for you're exhaust while they're at it.


Will they pull you over specifically for you're exhaust? Probably not. Most cops wouldn't even know if it's technically illegal. Worst case scenerio you will get a ticket.

And believe me, it's worth the ticket! So go and put some pipes on that thing!




And.... Welcome to the forum..

haha I like that, haha I bet it would be worth the ticket, I need to get something for mine quick

 

[MichaelInVenice]

The only place it becomes an issue is in states that do annual or bi-annual vehicle inspections. Most states require that such things mufflers, turn signals, reflectors and fenders (to mention four of the most common offenders) be within "spec." Some are OK with modified ones that still comply with legal requirements -- for example replacing turn signals with LED versions that still meet the legal requirements -- and even in the ones where inspections are required, there can be some wiggle room depending on how closely the inspector checks.

I do know that I personally would keep all parts, because a move to Utah is not unlikely and Utah is a "safety inspection" state. I'm told it's not a huge deal and many of the mechanics who are licensed as inspectors aren't especially strict, but getting it registered in the state in the first place requires going through the DMV, who are.

Washington isn't an inspection state, or at least it wasn't when I lived there long ago.

 

[MiltonDorkenhoff]

I still want to be heard on the road.

Why? Loud pipes save lives? It's cooler? You get more chicks?

 

[Bloke]

Why? Loud pipes save lives? It's cooler? You get more chicks?

He'd be better off with a forward facing exhaust. Loud pipes imo are only loud when its too late (I.e. you are already alongside the car), any perceived benefit from them otherwise is the same as a sugar pill or saline injection.

Loud pipes do sound cool though I'll give you that but safety wise as effective as a paper condom.

 

[MistahT]

Why? Loud pipes save lives? It's cooler? You get more chicks?

Actually, on the stock exhaust people would almost run into me at least once or twice a day. Now with the viper (and silencer) I'm loud enough where people don't tend to do that as much. If you ride without the silencer EVERYONE will notice you, but that includes police... and it gave me a headache.

With all the Harleys around, no cop will stop you for your pipe.

 

[SurfJunkie]

He'd be better off with a forward facing exhaust. Loud pipes imo are only loud when its too late (I.e. you are already alongside the car), any perceived benefit from them otherwise is the same as a sugar pill or saline injection.

Loud pipes do sound cool though I'll give you that but safety wise as effective as a paper condom.

Im sorry but this is just untrue.

The sound reflects off the K-rails and other vehicles, so more often then not they hear a loud noise/drone, and look around to see what it is/why its so loud.

ANY added equipment that makes me more noticeable to drivers ( even if its a tiny amount ) is worth its weight in gold.

With that said, i have the stock exhaust and modded the outlet and its plenty loud and cost 30 dollars at a welding shop if you bring the header. So 30 bucks and everyone on the freeway can hear me. Its a no brain-er.

 

[Bloke]

Im sorry but this is just untrue.

The sound reflects off the K-rails and other vehicles, so more often then not they hear a loud noise/drone, and look around to see what it is/why its so loud.

ANY added equipment that makes me more noticeable to drivers ( even if its a tiny amount ) is worth its weight in gold.

With that said, i have the stock exhaust and modded the outlet and its plenty loud and cost 30 dollars at a welding shop if you bring the header. So 30 bucks and everyone on the freeway can hear me. Its a no brain-er.

I'm sorry but this is just untrue.

While the sound does indeed reflect off of surrounding structures, the direction of such sound waves would be behind the rider, while scatter may send a few errant sounds in the right direction these are not of a sufficient amplitude to be noted over the volume of the average stereo inside a vehicle.

loud pipes fail to inform drivers in front of you of your presence until its pretty much too late. Like I said, it's a sugar pill. If it makes you feel better to justify it then fair enough but in truth in my experience as a driver and rider it makes next to no difference.

 

[TssTssTss]

I'm sorry but this is just untrue.

While the sound does indeed reflect off of surrounding structures, the direction of such sound waves would be behind the rider, while scatter may send a few errant sounds in the right direction these are not of a sufficient amplitude to be noted over the volume of the average stereo inside a vehicle.

loud pipes fail to inform drivers in front of you of your presence until its pretty much too late. Like I said, it's a sugar pill. If it makes you feel better to justify it then fair enough but in truth in my experience as a driver and rider it makes next to no difference.

FWIW, there have been many times - too many to count, in fact - that I've been driving in my cage and could *clearly* hear what I knew was a motorcycle approaching from behind me. Sound is directional, and I would never argue that it wasn't, but based on my personal experience, loud pipes make me realize a bike is nearby before I can see them anywhere other than in my mirrors.

YMMV, of course.

 

[SurfJunkie]

I'm sorry but this is just untrue.

While the sound does indeed reflect off of surrounding structures, the direction of such sound waves would be behind the rider, while scatter may send a few errant sounds in the right direction these are not of a sufficient amplitude to be noted over the volume of the average stereo inside a vehicle.

loud pipes fail to inform drivers in front of you of your presence until its pretty much too late. Like I said, it's a sugar pill. If it makes you feel better to justify it then fair enough but in truth in my experience as a driver and rider it makes next to no difference.

Then ill stay in my "peace of mind" bubble.
Even if it makes 1 additional driver look for me, ill take it.
With that logic, why buy a two bros at all ? The extra 5HP and needed $$ on a power command literally makes the HP per $ spent a moot point. May as well go spend the money on a super sport then and stop modding this bike entirely.
Also, my experience as a rider ( 5 days a week unless its raining, and in Southern California, its not often. ) and a driver is exactly the opposite.

 

[Bloke]

Hum... Because loud pipes sound awesome? nothing beats that feeling when you hear the resonance in a tunnel with a loud pipe. Vroom. It's part of motorcycling, it's bloody brilliant. Even stock at 8k rpm a sweet tune is played.

I agree to having loud pipes (within reason, straight pipes with no db killer take the mick) just for different justifications