What exhaust system for my Dommie? [Archive]

squirrelciv

25-02-06, 08:05 PM

Hi guys, my '95 model has decided to blow a hole in the LHS exhaust and, although my temp repair is holding for now, I feel a stainless system is called for. :cry:

So which ones best? I like the look of the supermaxx one of you has fitted (sorry I can't remember your name :oops: ) then again the laser single sided looks pretty cool too. Single muffler must be better for wieght thinks I, but is the twin better for gas flow?

I need the system to be road legal, I can't be arsed to argue with the law for a couple of HP, but something a little bit thraotier than standard wouldn't hurt.

What have you lot used? All advise greatfully received. Cheers.

anton88

25-02-06, 08:15 PM

Squirrelciv,

I had the supamaxx exhaust. They are a bit louder than standard, but ive got used to them now. Unfortunately they are not street legal, but ive had no bother from plod - dont see many of them around my way these days anyway (just gatsos).

Im not sure about the cost/quality of the Laser. Also not sure if there is any effect in having one or two cans - I guess its just aesthetic - probably could only tell the difference on a dyno.

I think i had a look at the predator exhausts, but they were very expensive i think?

Perhaps another possibility would be to get some old cans from an SLR 650 or FMX ?

Good Luck. Ant

squirrelciv

25-02-06, 08:19 PM

Hi Anton, sorry I forgot your name :oops: Do like the look of the supermaxx I must admit, just don't know much about the guy. How long have you had the system? Did he offer a long warranty? Cheers for the reply.

samwise

25-02-06, 08:24 PM

I bought mine with the Laser ProDuro silencer already fitted - I don't think it's the road legal one though, as I can't see an 'E'-mark on it.

anton88

25-02-06, 10:23 PM

I e-mailed dave first to confirm price and if he had in stock.

My head office is in Warwickshire, so i asked if when I was next up there I could meet him and collect - he was ok with this.

He is a one man bandworking in his double garage, but his quality of work is great. As I said all stainless steel - needed a few adjustments to fit but not a problem.

Ive had the cans about a year now with no probs. The worst that can happen is that they will need re-packing at some point.

Ive still got my old cans to get me through mots. Theyve lots of holes in them which I had to patch up (the old cans).

I wasnt worried by a warranty, as i saw the cans before i bought them. But he did say if any probs he would fix - plus I know where he lives :shock:

Rubberchicken

25-02-06, 10:34 PM

I do have the street legal ProDuro.

Had to wait 2 months for it while puttering around on an old cb500four with no brakes, while the sports pipe can be bought at every street corner. But I like being able to get home at 11 pm without the neighbours throwing stuff at me...

It sounds a lot better than the standard pipes! :D It has a nice thump, but the sound doesn't carry as far as the sport pipe, which is definitely into the throwing stuff range. ;-) For a taste of the sports pipe, try this: http://rubberchicken.nl/baffo.avi

The streetlegal pipe doesn't do anything for extra power though, so don't get your hopes up. (If you want power, get a KTM) The standard pipes may even be a little bit better, but then they are made of pig iron and rust away and break in half within 20k miles while the Laser is still going strong after 28k miles of use and abuse.

http://rubberchicken.nl/domi2.jpg

Rubberchicken

26-02-06, 04:26 PM

I've found a great idea for people who have or want to get a single side exhaust:

http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Photos/ExhaustPhotos/AdvPipe-Corner-Shot-850.jpg

Apparently you can already buy "fake" exhausts (for the beemer at least) that look just like the real thing but are in fact storage space, but I've also seen a pic online of another F650 fitted with the delightfully simple cheapo option, a bit of PVC pipe with a screw-on cap. :-)

squirrelciv

27-02-06, 12:52 PM

The deed has been done :cry: Ordered a laser produro street legal from M&P. Did spk to supermaxx but there was only a tenner in it and his wasn't approved. I'm sure the quality is excellent, but when my rather prickly MOT guy refuses to pass my bike, I'm stuffed. Off to try and sell my kidney to pay for it. Thanks for your help.

Scott

01-03-06, 09:45 AM

Hey all,

Only just found this site and forum and it's just what I've been looking for :D , I bought a 2000 X reg black dommie in November '05.

Love the look of the Laser ProDuro....the sound must be an improvement over the standard pipes.

My question is will this model fit my year of bike ? the latest year I can find for the ProDuro (p/n 91.1006.B) is 92-96 :(

Cheers all.
Scott

samwise

01-03-06, 10:12 AM

The Technical Data (http://www.laserexhausts.com/dotcontrol/filemanagement/external_files/VoertuigPDF/Motorbike/HON_081_0650_NX_911006_NX650Dominator.pdf) sheet on the Laser Exhausts website says 92-on, so it might be worth dropping them an email or phone call in Holland :dontknow:

Scott

01-03-06, 10:17 AM

Good idea :oops:

Thanks

Rubberchicken

01-03-06, 10:59 AM

Changes to the NX over the years seem to be largely cosmetic, instead of engine & frame related... So my guess is it'll fit.

That said, I just remembered that getting it to fit was a bit odd, the connection between header pipes and produro midsection was more or less exactly the same on both ends, in other words they wouldn't slide into each other.

I don't know if that was just my exhaust being screwed up or if this is a regular "feature" of this pipe, but it's easily fixed with a metal saw and a couple of stainless hose clamps.

Once it's on the bike I have yet to have a problem with it.

Scott

01-03-06, 11:59 AM

Cool thanks.

I've fired off an email to Laser for confirmation, so we'll see.

I think I'll go for the non-road legal version :shock: :wink:

Rubberchicken

01-03-06, 12:17 PM

I think I'll go for the non-road legal version :shock: :wink:
Be aware that that means you'll have to re-jet your carb, which is quite a pain on the NX.

Sounds nice though. :-)

squirrelciv

01-03-06, 12:50 PM

Ordered mine through M&P, they said, (and if you look at lasers web site) their is a break point at '95 onwards. I think it's to do with the connecter pipe rather than the muffler itself. (didn't '95 onwards mufflers attach to the frame by a single fixing? :? )

When I mailed Laser asking if the road legal produro required the carbs to be rejetted they replied by saying

"sorry we cannot reccomend anything regarding re-jetting as we only test on standard machines"

What sort of answer is that? Bleedin' foriegners don't they understand the queens English when spoke proper likes what I does? :D
I rephrased my question saying "when fitting a road legal produro to an NX650 '95 is it reccomended to re-jet the carb?"
So far they haven't replied (2days) I think it was my last point when I said "If you still don't understand the question I shall attempt to ask it using pictures" Might of upset them :oops:

samwise

01-03-06, 12:55 PM

:lol:

Scott

01-03-06, 01:36 PM

Hehe :lol:

Keep us posted when it turns up and get some piccies ready to post when it's all done :wink:

How much was it from M&P ?

Scott.

Rubberchicken

01-03-06, 02:06 PM

Ordered mine through M&P, they said, (and if you look at lasers web site) their is a break point at '95 onwards. I think it's to do with the connecter pipe rather than the muffler itself. (didn't '95 onwards mufflers attach to the frame by a single fixing? :? )

Hmm, I don't know about that.
Even so, it shouldn't be an enormous problem. Nothing that a little sliding with the clamp can't fix, because the produro isn't mounted on all the old fixings anyway. :-)

The original pipes on my '89 bolt to the frame on 3 places for the mufflers and then 2 bolts on the right side where they connect to the downpipes...

The produro's just hanging off of the rearmost bolt on the right, that's all. ;-)

So far they haven't replied (2days) I think it was my last point when I said "If you still don't understand the question I shall attempt to ask it using pictures" Might of upset them :oops:

Yeah, I can kinda understand that. ;-)

In my experience the street legal produro is as near as makes no difference to the stock pipes with respect to jetting. That doesn't mean you won't gain anything by getting it properly jetted though, most bikes are running pretty lean out of the factory...

The sport pipe definitely needs a bigger jet, though...

Rubberchicken

01-03-06, 02:13 PM

The original pipes on my '89 bolt to the frame on 3 places for the mufflers and then 2 bolts on the right side where they connect to the downpipes...

The produro's just hanging off of the rearmost bolt on the right, that's all. ;-)
Now that I think about it, it might be that the original mufflers are part of the subframe, giving it more strength...

Thenagain, mine's been on there for 28000 miles, and it's never been a problem yet.

If you're often carrying big loads on the rear rack it might be an idea to put a bit of pipe between the old mountings, creating something like a trellis frame for extra strength... Or just for the looks of it, ofcourse. ;-)

Scott

01-03-06, 03:21 PM

Well, I have a response from Laser/Motrax !?

Dear Sir

Your email has been forwarded to Motrax. (We are the UK distributor for Laser exhausts.) I have spoken to the technicians at Laser with reference to your enquiry and unfortunatley they do not believe this can will be suitable for your bike. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Andrea

That can't be right surely ? :roll: ..what can be so majorly different with the exhaust ?

squirrelciv

01-03-06, 03:27 PM

How much was it from M&P ?

£249 inc vat and delivered.

Thanks for the tip about jetting. Had mine over a dyno when I got her and was told she ran a tad rich flat out, but spot on at peak power. Apparently this is good. You don't over heat if you red line the thing, just bounce the valves out the head :D

I think I'll keep an eye on her and as long as the down pipes don't start glowing and the dreaded stall at the lights doesn't appear, I shall leave sleeping dogs lie.

Have to wait a bit for photos though, cos the pipe's not arriving for 2 weeks.
BTW how do you post piccies on the forum?

Rubberchicken

01-03-06, 03:52 PM

That can't be right surely ? :roll: ..what can be so majorly different with the exhaust ?

Sounds like the safe answer to a "we're not sure" question...

Here's the 2002 model:
http://www.bike-parts.fr/h/motog/13MANX41/IMGE/F__1800.gif

Here's the 1989 model:
http://www.bike-parts.fr/h/motog/13MN9J41/IMGE/F__2000.gif

So yeah, they are different, apparently. The old one uses 3 bolts per muffler, the new one has only one...

Though the laser can only needs one bolt, there could be a problem with the mounting point being a bit more towards the front of the bike so that the laser can will stick out a bit more, might make the support a bit iffy...

Here's some old shots of my bike when I put the laser on... (sniff, she was so new then ;-) )
http://onderhoud.luiemotorfiets.net/NL/fotoboekgifs/10586_7768_1066676609.jpghttp://onderhoud.luiemotorfiets.net/NL/fotoboekgifs/10583_7698_1066676371.jpg

I still think it can be fitted. Maybe not the way laser intended, but the frames are similar enough that the shape of the pipes won't be a problem. The only potential problem is where to hang the can off of the rear frame, and I think that if it's a problem at all, it's one that can be solved with a bit of creativity and some scrap metal. ;-)

Scott

01-03-06, 04:00 PM

Wow, thanks for that response.

Extremely helpful and comprehensive.
I have replied to 'Andrea' from Motrax about the exhaust and possible alternatives :roll:

Otherwise I'm gonna fudge it and use my 'mechanical skills' :)

Rubberchicken

01-03-06, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the tip about jetting. Had mine over a dyno when I got her and was told she ran a tad rich flat out, but spot on at peak power. Apparently this is good. You don't over heat if you red line the thing, just bounce the valves out the head :D

Hmm, in my experience it's still quite easy to get the thing stinking hot with a bit of freeway riding...

The jury's still out on the exact definition of "stinking hot" because some people claim the oil can easily handle 140+ degrees C, but since mine starts to drink oil when it gets over 110-120ish, I tend to consider that too hot.

Best thing I ever bought was one of those oil temp gadgets that go in the place of the oil filler cap... (No wait, best thing was the acerbis tank. Or the technoflex suspension. Errr. Oh well, it's a pretty good gadget at least. :wink: )

Rubberchicken

01-03-06, 04:06 PM

Otherwise I'm gonna fudge it and use my 'mechanical skills' :)

I'm on a roll, here's some more: :-)

Old frame:
http://www.bike-parts.fr/h/motog/13MN9J41/IMGE/F__2900.gif

New frame:
http://www.bike-parts.fr/h/motog/13MANX41/IMGE/F__2900.gif

If these are correct, then the bolt hole that I used to mount the muffler is still there on the new frame... So that would mean it'll bolt straight on, no problem...

anton88

01-03-06, 04:33 PM

Have to say Rubberchicken - well done with all this extra info youve dug up :)

Its going to be really usefull for everyone i'm sure.

:D :D :D :D :D

Scott

01-03-06, 05:11 PM

If these are correct, then the bolt hole that I used to mount the muffler is still there on the new frame... So that would mean it'll bolt straight on, no problem...

Thats what I was checking; comparing my model bike with the photograph of yours.

I must say a big thanks to you on this post - the detailed info is great.

Scott

squirrelciv

01-03-06, 08:06 PM

Second that. Cheers guys.

As for me, I've ordered the laser so somehow it's going on :shock: Is there a bikers version of 'no more nails'?
With any luck things wont be straight forward and I get to play with my new gas welding kit :D We kids are easily amused aren't we :D :D :D

anton88

01-03-06, 09:20 PM

Gas welder - i've just bought an Arc welder to learn how to do it - done a little practice last night and tonight - not too good at it yet - will keep on practicing and get better i hope, as i have some special projects in mind :idea:

Must admit, the first time i had a go it scared the crap out of me ! :shock:

Best of luck.
Ant

squirrelciv

08-03-06, 10:18 AM

Rubberchicken

08-03-06, 10:44 AM

Exhaust update lads :D Turned up Monday afternoon, and I fitted it last night. No major grief but the laser system slips onto the header pipes without the use of the packing gasket so the original clamps are useless. I used a exhaust sealer and jubilee clips after putting two slits in the laser pipes. I know jubilee clips aren't the best thing to use, but it was 9 at night and it was all I had :oops: (don't know why laser don't slit the joints to the header pipes? they do at the muffler joint. How do they expect you to clamp a seal???)
In my case the diameter of the laser and the headers was the same, so I had to cut slits to get it on in the first place... Used some whatever-clips to clamp it down, and those have since then rusted through and fallen off. This doesn't seem to matter though because of the tight fit.

Or rather, they rust through and spring loose and remain hanging from the downpipes, which causes an unbelievable ringing rattle. ;-)

Anyway, everything else fell into place, and she looks pretty good on the RHS. Have to say though, the LHS looks like a beauty queen's smile with a tooth missing :( Suppose I'll get used to it, and I do have a cunning plan to fit a piece of pipe as a toolbox :D

Photos to follow soon. Cheers.
Looking forward to 'em. :-)

LHS is a nice place to fit a bit of pvc pipe toolbox indeed, though I've dremeled off the flap on the side cover which gives me a good spot to put the osco oiler, and it also looks pretty nice. (Or at least it did, before I crashed it)

http://rubberchicken.nl/domi.jpg

Confucious

08-03-06, 12:30 PM

These any good ?

£350 for the pair....(including UK VAT I assume)

http://www.predatormotorsport.co.uk/hermes/shop/item?itemId=PH50

Scott

08-03-06, 12:41 PM

Hey, thats good news Squirrelciv !

Eagerly awaiting the piccies :)

Those predators are a lot of money :cry:
I think I am gonna get the supermaxx guy to create me some of the flat end twin pipes for about £230 +p&p :shock:

Not sure which ones I like better, the flat ones like this or.......

http://www.xrv.org.uk/getimage.php?id=1857
The sporty rolled spout version like this
http://www.xrv.org.uk/getimage.php?id=1858

http://www.xrv.org.uk/getimage.php?id=1859

squirrelciv

08-03-06, 01:01 PM

Yeh the Preditor system is a little costly :shock:

I liked the look of the supermaxx too, but in the end I went for the street legal option. His pipes aren't stamped, and he's thinking of dropping exhaust manufacture anyway (so he told me)

I'll post the piccies after I've given the old girl a bit of a scrub. It's absolutely cacking down in Cardiff, and the road grime is sooooo thick on her, it's a job to know what bike she is :shock: :oops:

Rubberchicken

08-03-06, 02:34 PM

I'll post the piccies after I've given the old girl a bit of a scrub. It's absolutely cacking down in Cardiff, and the road grime is sooooo thick on her, it's a job to know what bike she is :shock: :oops:

Before / after piccies :!:

I like the look of a well-used bike. :-)

(Besides, it can hardly be much worse than mine...)

squirrelciv

09-03-06, 10:33 AM

Here they are lads :D I think she looks rather spiffing. Only worry was this morning ,after only 2 days, the muff had small brown dots of rust :shock: :shock: I will be having words :twisted:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/squirrelciv/06-03-09_07-571.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/squirrelciv/06-03-09_07-561.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/squirrelciv/06-03-09_07-57.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/squirrelciv/06-03-09_07-56.jpg

Scott

09-03-06, 11:19 AM

Very nice :thumbup:

Does it sound ace ?

As an aside....is that topbox attached directly to the OE rack ? or is it GIVI or some such manufacturer ?

Scott.

Rubberchicken

09-03-06, 12:19 PM

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/squirrelciv/06-03-09_07-561.jpg

It seems to be quite close to the center, does it clear the tyre? From the looks of it mine seems to stick out a bit further...

Oh, and you'll definitely want to check if it clears the brake caliper at maximum suspension travel :!:

squirrelciv

09-03-06, 12:51 PM

Very nice :thumbup:

Does it sound ace ?

As an aside....is that topbox attached directly to the OE rack ? or is it GIVI or some such manufacturer ?

Scott.

Actually, it doesn't sound a lot louder at all, just a bit deeper, and theirs a back ground twitter which is kinda nice :D

The topbox is from a peugeot scooter and came with a givi quick release base plate (ebay £20 inc delivery. Bargin :D )

Rubberchicken.

Course it misses the tyre :roll: Must admit, I never gave it a thought till you mentioned it, but I've been and checked and the tyre is 2" clear of the pipe. But if I ever jump off a cliff and fully compress the spring, then the calliper is in line :shock: But that is some serious rear end travel, I can't get anywhere near it two up and bouncing for all we're worth.

squirrelciv

09-03-06, 12:54 PM

By the way, I forgot to say, I've picked up a piece of 4" soil pipe and am making a toolbox to go in the other cavity. I'll post some piccies when its done (week or 2) then I'll be ready to take your orders :wink:

Rubberchicken

09-03-06, 01:21 PM

Course it misses the tyre :roll: Must admit, I never gave it a thought till you mentioned it, but I've been and checked and the tyre is 2" clear of the pipe.
Okay, just checking. :-)

I'm asking because my first attempt at mounting that pipe did have it lightly rubbing against the tyre...

But if I ever jump off a cliff and fully compress the spring, then the calliper is in line :shock: But that is some serious rear end travel, I can't get anywhere near it two up and bouncing for all we're worth.
In my experience the stock rear spring in a dommie isn't worth an awful lot when they get older... Anyway, just a word of warning. I don't have that problem because of the drum brake, but a caliper like that can make a very ugly dent and/or crack, which would be a shame &c...