Pipe-Werx SL Oval Exhaust - Review Hot

Initial Thoughts

With a background in both cars and motorcycles, Pipe-Werx have continued to expand their range from their facility in Lancashire by supplying British made exhaust systems without the usual premium attached. This is not to say they are lacking in quality as I found when opening the parcel containing my Pipe-Werx SL Oval Stainless Exhaust (plus a nifty T-Shirt which is always going to make me happy), first impressions are very good indeed, slash cut and wide bored port with I assume to be a laser cut X logo detailing which looks really sweet, let's hope it performs as well as it looks.

Construction

Ok, first up. The Pipe Werx SL is what I consider to be the 'right' length for an exhaust on my particular ZX636, others before it have been a touch too long and as a result too heavy in comparison when they really didn't need to be, this is not a stubby, or a custom order but simply off the peg and ready to roll. In the box you get your 3 stud bolts for this fitting which is unusual to see and I think has since been abandoned by manufacturers but as far as I am aware is the same 3 stud flange as certain Suzuki's and perhaps a Ducati.

Tthe bolts sent are standard allen fitting dome headed rather than cap headed that I would have preferred to see (for the sake of removal should anything happen to the head you can use grips to loosen them off) however this is perhaps the most stupid of things to whinge about. Initially I thought I was going mad trying to fit the can but on closer inspection I noticed the flange itself was a few millimeters thinner than that of the Blue Flame previously and after a quick call to Pipe-Werx it was noted that the bolts sent were a couple of mm too long and due to the connecting piece on the bike being thicker on the Suzuki bike used to produce this model, measurements taken for future customer orders and a new set were put in the post for next day.

As this sounds like a bit of a cock up it is worth mentioning here that the customer service was amazing throughout and understandable when you consider how unusual this flange fitting actually is, I got a call back out of office hours on their day off to ensure everything was ok and a follow up call to boot so you really cannot ask for better.

On the bike the can looks smart, being that touch shorter than most others on the market for this bike makes a real difference and gives a much sportier appearance, also the laser cut X really stands out and draws your attention further - hopefully just to the exhaust and not as far as the slightly bobbling paint on my Kwacker's swingarm. Leaving the baffle in initially and firing up the bike shows up a real thunder of an exhaust note and probably about as loud as other units previously tested - with their baffles left in! This is the Street Legal can from Pipe Werx so I really want to try one of their stubby MotoGP range now...

The overall note with the baffle in is gruff, not as deep as the Blue Flame that preceded it but a touch louder for sure, filtering is the real test of sound and the Pipe Werx can grabbed car drivers attentions admirably so there was only one thing for it - lets remove that baffle.

Holy Christ! I was impressed with it before but sans baffle this can sounds like it has taken a gulp from a bottle of hot sauce while being kicked in the testicles by a horse. It barks, it bites, it rasps away and the overrun is just racebike-tastic, again it is not as apparently deep and booming as the Blue Flame because it is just less subtle with the decibels and people hear you coming in traffic for sure - M1, rush hour, and a large tail back was easily negotiated with cars forming a decent gap (the exhaust plus combination of a white helmet and jacket with high vis detailing grabs their attention quickly) If I was being critical it would not be to everyone's taste with the baffle out and some may find it a touch too loud - mainly old people I think :) But with the baffle left in you get the decent sound anyway so you have that option.

Price wise the Pipe Werx range starts at £120.00  for a race can and this particular model retails at £165.00 - take into consideration that the same bike with a titanium model only comes in at £195.00 compared to other brands who are generally barking around the £300 mark and you realise you get a hell of an exhaust for your cash.