Yeah, I know, a bit crazy to write about exhaust like that.
It is not branded, and it is not special in any way! Or is it?
History
To start with, when i bought my xt i came with this exhaust! and to be honest, there was nothing that i liked about it! It was loud, constantly Popping and Banging and almost imberabble to ride the bike for a long time! I had to do something!
No, I didn’t change anything at the start, I went 1 step back and picked up the used original exhaust! what i didn’t know about the original exhaust – It weights like a Ton! I could live with that, for as long as the ride was bearable. And I did for some time!
Storage problems
Those who own XT660Z, will know that to store some tools or spares, there is a need to create additional storage, as under the seat there is barely enough room for a box of matches!
After thinking and rethinking, I have realised that the only reasonable space I could store a decent size tool box – is right where the exhaust is, so the original exhaust had to go!
Additional factors
At the same time, I was battling most famous KEV mod! I couldn’t wrap my head around it! In theory it should trick ECU to deliver more fuel by adjusting the output of the O2 Sensor that is located in the Air Filter Box, but how do you know when it’s good enough, when there is only 1 knob to play with, with no indicators? Precision guess work i would say. Besides, while i was in Italy it did mess things up for me, not sure why (possibly because of vibrations) it dialed itself to the point where XT was no longer sippin fuel, but down right pouring it down – mileage was horrible, no power either! Took a bit of time to figure it out, but that was the last drop, and I knew I would get rid of it. (you can read about my trip to Italy – Stella Alpina Rally, here)
Solution
Before refitting the Old Muffler, I made some changes to it.
Originally it was a straight pipe, and unbearably loud! While it was stripped for repacking I managed to cut it in half and I blocked the middle part of it, and to redirect all the exhaust gasses – fitted the second outer layer of the perforated mesh. On top of that I fitted Decibel Killer on the side that is closer to the headers (not shown in the “diagram”, as later it rusted away and it had to be removed), and it sounded awesome!
Conclusion
Would I go the same road again? Probably! It was good fun experimenting with it!
I’m not saying that’s the best solution, or that’s how it should be done, but i thought i’ll experiment with it just for a laugh but later when i took it on the Dyno to set up PCV (Power Commander 5), Local tuner said i did a fairly awesome job with that exhaust – Not restrictive, sound nice and not too loud – just about right for this engine, and my setup!
Explore More!
- Story of my lovely Bombproof Yamaha XT660Z tenere!
- Yamaha XT660Z Bearing and Seal Sizes – cheat sheet!
- How to make motorcycles Cable Clutch lighter! (Part 1/3)
- Cheap ways to make your motorcycles clutch lighter! (Part 2/3)
All Yamaha XT660Z faults and hiccups that left me scratching my head.
- How to fix rattling headlight reflector
- How the regulator rectifier overcharged my Tenere’s battery.
- Funny oil leak, or how i lost 1 liter of oil in 500 miles.
- Funny story: how my XT660Z fuel reserve light tricked me, leaving me stranded!
- How the starter relay got fried twice on my xt660z!
- How I fixed a squeaky / rattly dash on my xt660z!
All Yamaha XT660Z Mods!
- Hole in the air filter box (for rear shock removal).
- Heed crash bars.
- Barkbusters.
- Protaper adventure Evo Handlebars.
- Rally style clamps and handlebar risers.
- Ultimate addons case and Touratech gps bracket.
- Folding mirrors.
- Clamp type of bracket for dash.
- Wind Buffeting modification.
- Toolbox.
- Storage box for First Aid Kit.
- Folding screen extension – Modified.
- Paintwork.
- Seat Hump Removed – Flat Seat Mod
- Dynojet Power Commander V and power mods.
- Foam Air filter.
- Ohlins 6nm springs.
- Hyperpro progressive spring.
- Swingarm bearing modification.
- Wiring loom – switch controls.
- Fiberglass under seat storage.
- Shortened rear brake pedal with anchor and welded folding tip.
- Extended Clutch actuator arm.
- Shortened brake and clutch levers.
- Pivot pegs.
- Fuel tank air bleed modification.
- Shortened Side Stand.
- Lowered Rear end.
- Suspension Grease Niples.
- Lucas Regulator Rectifier.
Explore More!
A list of posts about Bike Maintenance and General Modifications that might be Interesting to know!
General Modifications:
- Throttle Tamer Mods (4 ways to tame your horse!)
- Projector headlight conversion from right side road traffic to left and vice versa.
- How to make your own Exhaust or how to modify an existing one.
- Power Commander (PCV) and Thoughts on it.
- Brake Snake / Pedal Anchor – why and how!
- Lighter Clutch Mods:
- How to make motorcycles Cable Clutch lighter! (Part 1/3)
- Cheap ways to make your motorcycles clutch lighter! (Part 2/3)
- How to make a Hydraulic clutch lighter on your motorcycle! (Part 3/3)
- How to make Custom Clutch or Throttle Cables – Easier than you thought!
- How to make clutch lever lighter (Yamaha XT660Z Tenere Specific)
- Rear Suspension and Drive-Train:
- How to extend the life of Cush-Drive rubbers.
- The dangers of motorcycle lowering links, Important things to know!
- How to swap rear shock spring with no special tools!
- The Best Motorcycle chain lube!
- How to set motorcycle chain slack when suspension is not standard?
- How To Remove Stubborn And Hard To Reach Chain Adjuster Bolt
- The List of Most Useless Adventure Motorcycle Mods And Bling!
- Dangers of the lowering kits (things to know before Lowering your Bike!
Bike Maintenance:
- How to pass MOT the first time – every time!
- How to Maintain your motorcycle Locks (works with all locks!)
- Best Suspension Bearing Grease!
- What grease to use on your motorcycle?
- How to shorten Life of your wheel bearings! (Or what not to do to them!)
- Why should you grease your bolts! (And not only Bearings!)
- What is the best Chain Lube for your motorcycle?
- How to buy used Motorcycle – Free Guide.
