Carbon Can Company

[Savak]

Hi all

I have a Carbon Can Company, err.... can, on my CB500 and was wondering about fitting it to the Alp. Has any one done this? The Carbon Can Company dont do a link pipe so I think I need a 'curved' link pipe. Does any one have dimensions etc?

Thanks
Graeme

[Savak]

Hi

Since there is an over whelming response to this thread I thought I'd reword the question....

If I want to fit the can to my XL650V is it best to...

1. Link it directly to the catalytic convertor, where I presume the current can exits from?

or

2. Link it directly to the down pipe doing away with the catalytic convertor?

and

Is the catalytic convertor essential for performace/economy?

and

Would the bike fail an MOT if there was no catalytic convertor on it?


Your help is greatly appreciated.

Graeme

[btbloke]

Hi

Since there is an over whelming response to this thread I thought I'd reword the question....

If I want to fit the can to my XL650V is it best to...

1. Link it directly to the catalytic convertor, where I presume the current can exits from?


2. Link it directly to the down pipe doing away with the catalytic convertor?


3.Is the catalytic convertor essential for performace/economy?



4. Would the bike fail an MOT if there was no catalytic convertor on it?


Your help is greatly appreciated.

Graeme

Sorry you never got any replys mate, let's see if I can answer a few of these for you...........

1 you will have to link it to the subchamber (not actually a catalytic converter, just a box where unburnt fuel is burnt up by the extreme heat built up in the box in the mesh tubes. This is honda's idea of clean running as it over jets the engine in a attempt to make the exhaust cleaner) Unless of course you remove the subchamber or fit different aftermarket downpipes. Do a search through the alp forum you will find various threads as to removing the subchamber which needs some welding. Fitting alternative pipes,you'll find who manufactures them or ready made alternatives like mine (I fitted 650 africa twin pipes).Arrow make them and so do a firm in germany but sit down before you look at the prices.

2 You might find it very difficult linking straight to the subchamber exit pipe, it will burn any pillions legs or aim the exhaust straight at the side fairings and rear mudguard and melt them.

3 The subchamber is the subject of various discussions as to performance etc. Some say it hinders and some say not. The bike is over jetted and therefore with the removal of the subchamber some people have had their bikes dyno'd with only minimal differences between the two. I find mine has more low end grunt and top end grunt and the flat spot found in the mid range has dissappeared. It does however reduce the ground clearance and mine was continually getting bashed when I offroaded so it had to go, it depends on your use of the bike as to wether it gets in the way or not but it does not give better mpg removed or worse mpg fitted.
As for performance see answer 1. You may notice a better acceleration and depending on the rear can you may see some differences but we're not talking whealie type power just a little bit smoother or faster pickup away from the lights though a lot of it is probably pysycological with the louder can and vibey growling of the bike.

4 well as you have got by now it is not a catalytic converter and so therefore not really emissions applicable and as there is no emissions test at the MOT for bikes not really an issue.

So, you will need a link pipe of sorts, try a bike breakers or measure the dimensions you need(the diameteer of the inside of the can entry and the diameter of the exit pipe from the subchamber) and see the local exhaust manufacturer or distributor and see if you can mcgyver something on. You'll need to make new brackets etc anyway so shouldn't be too much extra work.

[Warthog]

If you fit a bike with an aftermarket can, it's usually for noise and/or performance. If you fit the can after the cat, you'll probably gain little of either, but it's a more straight forward change over.

If you remobve the cat as well, you'll get a more free-flowing exhaust giving, with correct carburation settings, a bit more power, and more noise. However, it is going to be a more involved job from the engineering point of view.

I'm no expert, but that is my 2p...

You could always post on here for a more detailed review of the potential headaches...