Exhaust decisions...

[david_s]

I've had my 2015 S1000XR a few months now and I'm thinking of changing the headers however I have a couple of options and just wanted to hear everyone's thoughts on any pros or cons.

Currently I have the standard headers with cat and the Akrapovic HP exhaust as per BMW extra. I don't want to spend an absolute fortune so my way of thinking is one of the following:

A) Buy the Black Widow headers for around £400 and fit them with the Akrapovic end can.

B) Buy a Black Widow full system for around £550 and sell the Akra (probably £400ish)

Obviously option B would save me money and help me in getting it remapped.

What are people's thoughts on the combinations above?

Anyone got the full Black Widow system? What does it sound like? Probably going for a 300mm end can.

Anyone combine the Black Widow headers with an Akra end can?

[smithy]

Originally Posted by david_s

I've had my 2015 S1000XR a few months now and I'm thinking of changing the headers however I have a couple of options and just wanted to hear everyone's thoughts on any pros or cons.

Currently I have the standard headers with cat and the Akrapovic HP exhaust as per BMW extra. I don't want to spend an absolute fortune so my way of thinking is one of the following:

A) Buy the Black Widow headers for around £400 and fit them with the Akrapovic end can.

B) Buy a Black Widow full system for around £550 and sell the Akra (probably £400ish)

Obviously option B would save me money and help me in getting it remapped.

What are people's thoughts on the combinations above?

Anyone got the full Black Widow system? What does it sound like? Probably going for a 300mm end can.

Anyone combine the Black Widow headers with an Akra end can?

Either way.... it will be "loud"..!

Smithy.

[Hugg727]

I dont see why this wouldnt work.  I did this on my Gen 2 XR and the results are fine!

[Antares]

Black widow are decent quality for endcans, but it's up to you whether you want the brand name but an arguably ugly endcan or a shapely endcan but no brand name... And how much that's worth to you. Sound will be basically the same, maybe with a smaller black widow endcan it'll be a bit louder but if you're doing the headers anyway, endcan basically doesn't matter unless you plan on getting a DB killer too to quieten it down.

[pcv57]

What are you trying to accomplish? It would save some weight but I don't think you would notice. Once you do this a re-map is a necessity and you may pick up a few HP.  Also, as Smitty said, it will be ungodly loud!. I did this on my Multistrada and regretted it so I just put an SC Project silencer on it and left the headers alone. Just my 2 cents

[david_s]

Thanks for all the replies.

I would like it louder definitely. Not necessarily on tickover but I guess it will be pretty loud at any revs. Do Black Widow cans come with a baffle inside and is it removable does anyone know? I'd go for the 300mm can which is on the longer side of their range so should take a bit of an edge of the noise. I wear high quality ear plugs and only ride in the day so not an issue on this side of things.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by david_s

Thanks for all the replies.

I would like it louder definitely. Not necessarily on tickover but I guess it will be pretty loud at any revs. Do Black Widow cans come with a baffle inside and is it removable does anyone know? I'd go for the 300mm can which is on the longer side of their range so should take a bit of an edge of the noise. I wear high quality ear plugs and only ride in the day so not an issue on this side of things.

Yes and yes for the first 2.

Get carbon one if you can find it in the shape you like, they're not much more but carbon helps dampen the sound a bit more, take the sharp edge off of it.

[david_s]

One more question, will the exhaust still only pop in the 2 dynamic modes or will it now pop in all modes?

[Antares]

Originally Posted by david_s

One more question, will the exhaust still only pop in the 2 dynamic modes or will it now pop in all modes?

Yes still only on those 2, but you might get some 2 foot long flames when you let off at high rpm and crack the throttle open 

[david_s]

Originally Posted by Antares

Yes still only on those 2, but you might get some 2 foot long flames when you let off at high rpm and crack the throttle open 

Haha I'll take that. I'm glad I'll still have the option of being somewhat less of a hooligan though.