Are you ready to give your motorcycle a performance boost? If so, it’s time to pick the right exhaust system. You’re probably wondering if a slip-on or a full exhaust is the best option for your bike—or even what the difference between them is.
In this article, we’re going to dive into all of that and more! We’ll compare the two types of systems, look at their pros and cons, and discuss which one is likely to give you the most bang for your buck. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is a Slip On Exhaust?
A slip on exhaust is a type of motorcycle exhaust that replaces the bike’s stock muffler. It typically bolts on to the end of the headers. A slip on will usually not require any modification to the bike, and can often be installed with just a few tools.
Slip ons are one of the most popular aftermarket parts for motorcycles, as they offer an increase in power and sound without requiring too much work or expense.
What is a Full Exhaust System?
A full exhaust system is a complete replacement for a motorcycle’s stock exhaust system. Full systems typically include new headers, mid-pipes, and mufflers.
They offer the biggest increase in power and sound, but can also be the most expensive and difficult to install.
The Pros and Cons of Each System
The battle of the exhaust systems rages on, with no clear winner in sight. Each system has its pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh your options before making a decision.
Here are the three main points to consider:
- Price: Slip-on exhausts are typically more affordable than full systems. If you’re on a budget, a slip-on may be the way to go.
- Installation: Installing a slip-on is usually easier than installing a full system. If you’re not mechanically inclined, or if you don’t have access to the proper tools, a slip-on may be the better option.
- Performance: There is some debate as to which system offers better performance. Some say that slip-ons provide better airflow and therefore offer better performance, while others say that full systems provide better back pressure and therefore offer better performance.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in terms of performance.
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no easy answer when it comes to choosing between a slip on and full exhaust system. It really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for better performance, a full system will give you the most power gains.
On the other hand, if you’re mostly concerned with saving money or making your bike sound nicer, a slip on might be the way to go. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of exhaust system is right for your bike.
FAQs
Is slip-on exhaust worth it?
If you have a performance motorcycle, you might be looking to upgrade your current exhaust. But with so many options available to you, it can be difficult to choose what’s best.
So why would you even consider using a slip-on exhaust? What are its advantages over other types of motorcycle aftermarket exhaust systems and what are some alternatives that can also get similar results?
Here’s everything you need to know about slip-on exhaust in general and whether or not it’s worth considering.
How much does slip-on exhaust cost?
Slip-on exhausts are cheaper than full exhausts, but that can vary depending on the brand.
Generally speaking, slip-on will cost between $100 and $400 while full systems can range from $200 to several thousand dollars. It all depends on where you buy them and what kind of quality you need.
Luckily, there are a lot of options when it comes to slip-on; if you buy from a reputable company like Vance & Hines or Rifle, you shouldn’t have to spend much more than $300 for a good system that doesn’t require new headers.
What sets up apart are options like straight pipes (or high pipes) or quiet core inserts. Some high-end systems can run as much as $2,000!
Is it necessary to tune after installing slip-on exhausts?
Slip-on exhausts do not provide as much power as full exhaust systems, but they are designed to give your motorcycle a sharper engine note and improve its throttle response.
These improvements may or may not be enough of an improvement to making it worth investing in a complete system.
When deciding whether you want to upgrade, you should consider your type of riding.
If you use your motorcycle mainly for highway cruising, an aftermarket slip-on will probably provide noticeable gains that justify its price tag.
However, if you ride more aggressively or do more off-roading, a full exhaust system will give you much more noticeable performance enhancements at a fraction of the cost.
Is a full system louder than a slip-on?
The biggest difference between full and slip-on systems, in terms of noise levels, is that a full system will be louder when accelerating.
An aftermarket exhaust will produce a louder sound at high RPMs because it has larger diameter pipes that can flow more air. Slip-on is also quieter than full systems when cruising or cruising slowly (i.e., 1st gear, 25 mph).
That’s because slip-on won’t amplify or amplify very little low-frequency noise from engine and road vibrations as a full system does.
So if you value quietness, a slip-on system may be best for you. But if you love loud engines, nothing beats a big-bore exhaust!
Is full exhaust better than slip-on?
There are three types of exhaust systems that you can buy.
They are slip-on, full, and half. Slip-on is significantly cheaper than both full and half systems. However, they leave a lot to be desired in terms of performance.
A full system offers good power gains while still being fairly cheap in price.
The only downside is it is slightly louder than a slip-on system and makes it difficult to pass the emissions tests (depending on where you live).
Half systems provide decent power gains but do not perform as well as a full system, although they’re typically quieter.
Are slip-on exhausts bad for motorcycles?
While slip-on exhausts have become increasingly popular, they can be a bad choice in certain situations.
Slip-on is lightweight and easy to install, which makes them great in theory. However, slip-on is designed with performance and sound quality in mind, not safety.
While there are few studies directly comparing full exhausts with slip-on, it’s safe to say that slip-on can hurt your motorcycle’s performance as well as compromise its ability to stay quiet.