We had straight through pipper 4-1 on our z900s back in the seventies and eighties they sounded amazing. Them were the days no speed cameras no speed humps. Half the amount of traffic it was like mad max😂
A mate had a piper 4-1 exhaust on his 500/4. You could track his progress around the town centre for about 5 minutes before he showed up. It sounded fantastic. There was also a local legend with a 6 into 6 on a CBX, no such thing as ear plugs back then either.
Absolutely Fantastic!! Finally !! I did the same to mine, then i urge you to get it dyno tuned /re mapped. I did mine at 'The bike whisperer' here in Devon. The difference is night and day. All the fueling is lean at the moment because the ECU is programmed that way onto a closed loop system. When you get it tuned the bike will release ALL its power, and read data from its ECU, through each gear. The bike will run cooler and happier too. Also, no high cold idle, which is just to warm the CAT up asap, at the cost of excessive cold start wear. Do some research and see fr yourself. Recommend the Z900RS forum!!
great feedback…..which “Z900RS forum” are you referring to? . if you can be specific I’d really appreciate it mate thanks…..there seem to be loads of Z900 RS Facebook groups / forums, groups……I dunno which one to look at…cheers bud, Andy, UK
It sounds just fine in its stock state. Making more noise doesn't add character. It has that already in its silky smooth engine and four cylinder howl under acceleration. I'm keeping mine just as it is.
I agree, and many reviewers have written that Kawasaki did an excellent job with the exhaust on the Z900RS; so much character within the soundlimits. I really like my 2018 Z900RS including the sound. Sometimes I feel like RU-vidrs like Andy here are searching for things to change, just to create new content…🤨
It is louder but noise doesn't mean character. In the past I found the novelty of a louder exhaust on a 4 cylinder bike soon wore off. It's more the feel and feedback of an engine that gives the bike character. Lower revs and higher torque is always a good start as is the note of a twin cylinder engine.
Yeah , I used to like loud exhaust pipes. Now I want a nice balance between exhaust and intake sound. I think this particular bike does that thing very well, all stock.
When I swapped an Akrapovic can from the traded in 1200RS to my new R1250RS it sounded great. Then I had my dealer's tech do a couple of spirited drive bys so I could hear it with no helmet on. WOW.!! Sounded like a race bike on the track. You should do this. You will be "very" impressed as your bike goes by. 👍👍5🏍🙋♂️
That's a great addition Andy. I have a 2008 GSX1400 and changed the original can for a Delcevic unit. Extremely happy, better sound and performance all round. Love your work.
I’m really pleased you’ve done this Andy. Working on the relationship with the Kwack rather than dumping her for a new model… 😂 I’ve just ordered the Delkevic.
You answered my question about re-mapping or not. Glad you don’t have to. I just bought a’24 Z900rs and I agree, it could be the perfect bike. In 1979 and again in 1983, I had Honda in-line 4 cylinder bikes. I missed that smoothness and the Retro Styling, and this bike takes me back. Round Analogue gauges paired with the modern technology of ABS, and fuel injection. 10/10 - 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 2 👍🏻👍🏻
I’m not particularly a fan of loud pipes, but this “upgrade” whilst subtle enhances the grunt without turning up the volume offensively. Loved all the comparisons at the end too.😊
HI Andy . I just did the 16 tooth front sprocket upgrade on my SE & what a difference . More usable first & 2nd , in 6th 500rpm drop not as wheelie crazy & reduced the snappy throttle substantially substantially. For the cost of a sprocket well worth considering. Cheers Greg.
Was just watching the video and thinking that the BMW gold bars would look really nice on the Kawi…. The exhaust makes it a proper sport bike sound. NICE
Nice work Andy. Had my ECU remapped and a tune (Jordan Bikes, Leeds) yesterday to smooth out the throttle (something you are not afflicted with - lucky devil) then rode 150 miles home (I took a long and winding route through the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Wolds) to give it a thorough test. And, as we discussed before, it has really smoothed things out and with the added horses and torques (achieved through the tune) my Z900RS has even more character and added fun-factor and rides as it always should have (darn them Euro 5 fellas). Really glad you have found another reason to love your RS even more.
@@TheMissendenFlyer It was £450 all in (Incl VAT). They had the bike for four hours. Took the ECU out, did the new mapping (using Woolich software), did the tune on the Dyno and then put it all back together. Prices elsewhere were on a par (give or take £50) with that when I was researching it. I don't trust myself with a spanner (please don't hate me internet) so I let the experts do it. Jordan Bikes, in Leeds are just that, and were great to deal with.
I also have the Delkevic full exhaust system on my Z900 (not RS). Great value but also great quality. I had an Akrapovic full system on an other bike, but it was triple the cost and the additional expense to install fuel controller. Excellent choice
Where the zed lacks in Karacter was more than enough made up for by its power delivery and sportiness in an understated appearance. A gentleman gangster if you will.
I love it, sounds proper. I bought a second hand F4I with stock exhaust, installed a Yosh pipe ( cat delete) what a great sound after and bonus it got better gas mileage.
Reminds me of the days when we sporterised our Morris 8s and Ford Pops by putting an "extractor" on the exhaust. Basically a funnel made of brass fitted to the end of the exhaust pipe. Made a Morris 8 sound like a V8. 🙂
That is a great sound. My XSR700 sounded like sewing machine, I went with a Hindle full system. Now I feel like I am riding a bike! No pops on downshifts on yours which is nice
I swopped to Lextech headers and Scorpion Red end can, had it all ceramic coated matt black, BSD remapped the bike and it was transformed......................... unfortunately for me the bike was written off a week later after a doe & deer ran out in front of me. My second RS had the same headers but this time used the OE end can which sounded lovely, all in ceramic matt black These are brilliant bikes, enjoy
To misquote Victor Kiam (for those old enough to remember the 1970s electric shaver advert) I was so impressed by your Z900RS exhaust upgrade I went out today and bought a 2018 green cafe version with the upgrade already fitted. See TMF, that makes you a pukka "RU-vid influencer" 😊
I must be really old… I like the stock exhaust way better. Character for me is quiet, smooth, and predictable power. I won’t be chasing 1% performance gains for 100’s of dollars not to mention the additional pollution. I put an Akrapovic can on my Africa Twin and hated it compared to the stock sound. That’s just me though, when I was younger I thought about all this much differently.
Sounds awesome to me! I've used, and fitted to friends bikes, Delkavic silencers, really good quality and reasonable prices. You'll find, the exhaust note will 'deepen', over a period of time, as carbon etc. (naturally) builds up in the pipes. Good choice mate, Z900 sounds like it should (IMO)
Yeah, after your vid and others, I'm definitely 100% decided I'm having one, I looked at the Yoshimura 4 into 1 in matt black, but I'd prefer the Stainless look. So these headers with a shorty end can should look and sound the Dogs wotsits!! With the possible addition of some Titax gold Anodised shorty clutch/brake levers, and a shorter number plate mount and I'll be happy as a kid in Toys R Us. 😁
I changed for the same headers and install the Rapid Bike Evo, I didn’t want to mess with the ECU “Yet” yes its loud but the sound is much better, now I have plans to install the Rapid quick shifter.
Glad you seem to be sticking with the Kawasaki. Sure rates among the top three bikes in your collection by my standards. (I’ll omit my anti Enfield rant this time). I used Delkevik when modifying my Kawasaki KLR 650. Love it. Great workmanship, huge weight savings and nice sound. And at a considerably lower price that most competing brands.😎 In my experience Delkevik and Mivv (on my BMW F900) are the best choices in aftermarket exhaust. Both seem to offer superior craftsmanphip at half the price of other top brands.
I did the same trick on my ktm 890 smt Andy. I like the look of the standard end can, and simply fitted the arrow de cat. Now it sounds great but to the cops, it still looks standard. It's a bit of a shame that you didn't just fit the pipes your self. It is a pretty easy job. Just bolts.
I’ve got my Scrambler XE with the Guy Martin slash cuts and my ‘76 KH500 with Higgspeeds here in the US. I think the Z900RS would make a nice two up bike for me in Thailand. I can carry the Delkevics with me. But, the Thais are very good at making custom Ti pipes at great prices also.
Very nice indeed! I have used Delkevic end cans on three previous bikes and found their products and customer service excellent, with a five year guarantee as well. They sounded epic on my 955 Speed triple too! The weight saving was quite noticeable on just an end can, so I can only imagine what loosing a big old heavy Cat like the one on your Kwak was like.
Sounds fantastic mate. It’s hard to get the balance right. I have just removed a Vance and Hines big radius exhaust from a Vulcan 900 custom because I do a 6am commute and I like my neighbours, but it has dramatically reduced the fun and “karakter” of the bike.
Holy smokes that sounds so much better. I want one of these bikes so bad. I'd still prefer a newer head unit over the circle old school design. The bike cost too much to not have a full digital tft display
I was messing with a Z9 tutha day Andy, and your right about those cheap looking clock shrouds. Let's it down. I thought a touch of Chrome Spray Paint would look better. Can I suggest you have a little Chocolate break from it from time to time. As they say at Cradley Kawasaki Centre, have a break, have a Quick Quack. 😊 You know what, hide those original pipes for 30 years and you will have a very rare item!
Interesting, I feel the same about my BMW s1000r sport, not much character and similar zorst issue with Cat weighing a ton, silencing what should be a good sounding bike, along with restricting the midrange
ECU Mapping is definitely a mod, not only fuel mixture but the restrictions each gear has. If I ask for full throttle, 58% (whatever) is not good enough.
Definitely a nicer exhaust note listening to the audio pick-up. Hopefully, it’s not too loud where it becomes obnoxious to others and getting yourself a bad name from your neighbors. Many Harley riders over hear install different header/pipes and some are really bad. I don’t know if you track fuel consumption, but it would be interesting to see what the new numbers are now the engine is breathing easier, however losing back pressure can sometimes have a negative effect on the fuel numbers.
I agree with you that the stock pipe has a decent enough sound……. But…… oh those new pipes definitely give a tingle in the old trouser dept that was missing with the stock pipes!! 😮 Good choice 👍
Sounds much better. It doesn't "need" mapping but it will make a nice difference if you do. Its more for throttle take up and behaviour but you will get a few more ponies as a side effect. They ride much nicer afterwards. I would suggest a more free flowing airfilter or airbox if one is available too. Kawasaki are brilliant at making engines which growl through the intake and I can't tell if its just the mic not picking it up but it sounds very muted on the intake side. Have a listen to a few onboards of some zx-9r's or similar to hear what it could sound like.
The danger here is that if you did the same surgery on the Speed Twin, you would be exactly where you started in this journey to make more character for the Z compared to your other bikes. Some folks love in line 4s, some get a kick out from growling triples. For me, sunday backlane blats need a 270degree Ptwin Bonnie theme tune. I am just glad we have so much choice these days.
Kawasaki must be doing well on sales for these as there seems to be lots out there, at a local bike meet tonight and there were maybe as many as 10 of these there.
@@TheMissendenFlyer I suppose it depends if the o2 sensors are pre or post cat and if delkavic have reduced the pipe dia to maintain back pressure, but this would hamper any performance gains. It gets really complicated dyno tends to sort things out.
Such a beautiful motorbike. I care not fore loud exhausts but the one you selected isn't offensive in the least. I suppose weight savings can be a big deal but unless it makes the bike more economical mpg-wise, I cannot see me ever changing from stock when next I get a new motorbike. Thank you so much as I did enjoy this video very much! From the "Colonies", HUZZAH sir! SS
The exhaust manufacturers often say that, but the truth is unless you have a wideband O2 sensor (like a BMW s1000) then it will only be using O2 sensor input at very low rpms. And even then, the parameters will all be about meeting emissions output. A remap will fix the bike so it runs like it should have.
@@TheMissendenFlyer If you don't have a snatchy throttle - which you said before that you don't suffer with - then a remap may not be hugely noticeable for an average rider (which I am) , although the bike will run better and cooler, with some Euro 5 restrictions removed. May also reduce any sharp engine braking (adding to the smooth feel). A tune may also release a few more horses and torques and should then be set up to provide the best fuelling in every gear for your bike. Mine feels just great now. Didn't need the extra horses and shove, but everything about it is now beautifully smooth and exciting when the open road (and a nice bend) beckons.
@@TheMissendenFlyer In Leeds. Someone in the comments suggested someone/somewhere in Buckinghamshire..... you can also remove the ECU and send it for a remote remap, but you don't then get a custom tune (which I recommend) although you pay a few more quid for that.. Lots of videos on how to get the ECU out and you will probably save about £150 if you send it away (P3 Tuning in Liverpool are used by alot of Z900RS owners). You can then use the saving for the Dynotune. Now you have the new headers, the tune would get the best out of the bike, taking those into account....
Sounds much better to my ears! Some bikes’ basic exhaust note can grate or be at just the wrong frequency and an aftermarket can or a new set of headers may make things better (or worse!). What happens when the MOT is due? Is it still road legal? I gather there is no emissions test for bikes so it would just be noise levels at 4k rpm.
