2 into 2 exhaust options

If MAC made 1 1/2" headpipes, I would be tempted to get their TT style 2-2, with the pipes tucked in under the engine. Mainly for the looks, and I think I could live without the center stand.
 
Lots of information to unpack here. I think I will go with the mike headers, now on to figure out which muffler...
Since we're on the topic of exhausts, is there anything great about having a 2 into 1? Is there a performance gain?
 
Performance gain? Not where it counts. You won't see a 2-1 system on an XS650 race bike. On every 2-1 system I've seen, the second bend of a headpipe will find the asphalt in even moderately frisky cornering.
 
I've got an old 2 into 1 on mine that wouldn't ground out as it runs down the center of the bike and comes out fairly high just in front of the back wheel, not sure why they seem to make them so you can't go around corners now

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I've got an old 2 into 1 on mine that wouldn't ground out as it runs down the center of the bike and comes out fairly high just in front of the back wheel, not sure why they seem to make them so you can't go around corners now
I guess it has to do with retaining the center stand.....Cool bodywork BTW, Tracy?
 
WOW Jay, a Tracy faring...very rare and looks great on your 650. :cheers:
 
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Stock 79 Special mufflers tuck in nicely. The fit is clean looking. Although I have not yet heard these, I think it is fortunate to have an original exhaust system in good condition. I am curious as to why so many XS owners have replaced them ? Is it because of a desire for better ? Is it because the originals were worn out ?
 
Because they're usually shot. They're either rusty to the point of having holes in them, or all dented and scraped up, or all of the above, lol. Besides, replacing a stock system can usually net performance gains if done right. The early stock systems aren't so bad but the later ones are more restrictive (once the E.P.A. stuck their nose into things).
 
I am curious as to why so many XS owners have replaced them ? Is it because of a desire for better ? Is it because the originals were worn out ?

My bike had a crappy aftermarket exhaust when I bought it. I hated the sound and look of those mufflers so it was an easy decision.
 
Because they're usually shot. They're either rusty to the point of having holes in them, or all dented and scraped up, or all of the above, lol. Besides, replacing a stock system can usually net performance gains if done right. The early stock systems aren't so bad but the later ones are more restrictive (once the E.P.A. stuck their nose into things).
For me that is one of the biggest problems with old bikes, finding them with even usable exhausts. I've been lucky to find a couple bikes in close to runable condition for around $100.00 and being a tight wadded cheap skate just hate to spend three times the cost of the bike on an exhaust system!
 
For me that is one of the biggest problems with old bikes, finding them with even usable exhausts.
Yes, to find original 77-79 Standard mufflers in primo condition on a bike for sale locally is always a goal. For several years I have intended to find that, Buy the bike, Remove and stash the exhaust system and sell the bike. Sadly that nice original exhaust system just does not show up locally in any of the ways I search out bikes for sale.
 
Unfortunately, shelling out for a complete new exhaust is just something many (if not most) of these bikes need. But we should consider ourselves lucky. The few hundred dollars we have to spend is far below what many must spend on other bikes.
 
Has anyone tried these. If so how loud are they?
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1.5" headpipes are said to be about the ideal size for this motor. 1 3/4" is a bit large and may need torque or "AR" inserts up at the head to restore low end power .....

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While stock headpipes may look like 1.5" from the outside, since they're a double wall, "pipe in pipe" design, they're not that big inside. They're only about 1.25" inside and that's said to choke off the flow some. So, 1.5" single wall aftermarket headpipes are probably your best choice for performance. The set that MikesXS sells is pretty nice. I can't say the same for their new Commando mufflers. These are totally different than the original Commandos they used to sell. Those were supposedly dyno designed by Heiden Tuning. They looked and sounded great, and performed well. They also could be had with 1.5" inlets so they fit nicely on 1.5" headpipes. The new ones they sell are now made by EMGO and a far cry from the originals. The "guts" are all different so you don't get the dyno design benefit anymore. Basically, I think they're just one of EMGO's other mufflers with the outer "Commando" shell on them. So, they only look like the Commando muffler Mike's used to sell. Also, they only come with 1 3/4" inlets so you have to use those reducer sleeves to fit them on 1.5" headpipes. Those things are a pain and almost always leak.

Those old Commandos used to be my favorite 650 muffler but now the search is on for a new "favorite". Last summer, I replaced the entire exhaust on my current "fixer-upper", an '83 Special. I used MikesXS headpipes but since I won't buy those new junky Commandos, I decided to give these actual Norton Commando peashooter replicas a try .....

https://www.commandospecialties.com/norton-exhaust/big-bore-peashooters.html

They are a beautiful muffler but a bit loud. As you can see, there's not much baffling in them, lol .....

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But, until something better comes along, I'll learn to live with them. Performance is good and they look terrific.

Try Hoos Racing Specialties. Several styles and price points. The only problem is they come as bare metal.

Hoos Racing Specialties

I have the MikesXS 1 1/2" pipes, purchased fro Heiden Tuning. To be honest, I am not that happy with them. Both bends are too sharp (bend radius too small) in my opinion. Just don't look right.
Hoos and Mac only offer 1 3/4" pipes, as far as I can tell. Not ideal for a street XS.
What we all should do, as a group, is to approach Hoos, and suggest they make a 1 1/2" street headpipe option, with nice large bends, and a slight upkick at the end, suitable for straight mufflers. I am pretty sure that would be a popular item.
 
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Speaking of bends, Comparing the Standard look to the Special look.
That nice tight Standard bend looks very appropriate for a bank of four head pipes in a row all being tucked in to save space.
On these twins which have more character and free space I prefer the more flowing bend look of the Special head pipe.
It would be interesting to know if either shape is superior to exhaust flow over the other but I would bet on the Special for performance as well.
-R
 
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