Is it really worth spending 1k on an exhaust system?

[Northerner]

Hi,

I bought a brand new 2015 cbr650f last year (got a decent deal on a floor model) and enjoy the bike quite a bit. One of my biggest issues with the bike is the quiet exhaust that came stock on the bike. My previous bike a cbr600f4i had a ridiculously loud exhaust that I received complements on all the time and loved the sound of. After switching over to the 650F I feel like the bike is way too quiet for my taste. I'm really on the fence about shelling out over 1k on an akrapovic or similar priced exhaust because I primarily want the bike to be louder. I just did my taxes and should be getting a decent amount of money back that would cover the price of a name brand exhaust system. I'm doing alright financially so it's not like i'm in dire need of the $1,000+ but I could definitely put that money to use in other aspects of my life. Any thoughts from people out there that pulled the trigger and spent money on an exhaust? Anyone have buyers remorse?

 

[Brammers]

Keep an eye out on ebay and Facebook... They often go for 400 to 600 second hand.

 

[victorkkq]

N Northerner bought an AKRAPOVIC (S-H6R11-AFT) for my 2018 CBR650F. Initially I hesitated like you to spend money. After much thought and survey, I finally decided to get one. Financial lost used to be my concern too, but you can always sell it again at a good price. There are demands for used Akra Exhaust (at least in my country Malaysia haha..). For me this is probably one of the best up upgrade for my bike (apart from Ohlins suspension and fork kit). Riding life is more complete and fulfilling with an awesome pipe. The Exhaust reduced 4.6 kg too. No regrets !

 

[sander]

I do highly recommend black Widow exhaust. Bought a full system last year, and the sound is amazing compared to stock!

Think I paid 550 Euros for the exhaust, shipping and import taxes. Think the Akra was about 1500 Euro in Norway...

https://www.blackwidowexhausts.co.u...val-stainless-silencer-carbon-tip-24239-p.asp

The black widow sticker on the muffler was easy to get off

 

[GPJake]

It seems like you, personally, want it for the right reasons for the bike.
You have experience, you have a sound (pun intended) reason, I'd say go for it.

I think those with buyers remorse are those expecting an exhaust to make the 650F's something their not - high performance / race bikes.

We just have to go into the purchase with educated expectations.

 

[Nick 650]

revzilla has the Akrapovic (S-H6R11-AFT) for $930, and amazon has it for $900. Rezvilla will price match it for you and you'll get the rezvilla cash to use.

Honestly it was the best money ive spent on my bike. The sound, quality and performance is amazing! I would recommend it to anyone. I took the baffle out of mine. (had to pound it out from the back). This exhuast screams at high RPMs but is mild enough at the low rpm to enjoy a nice cruise.

 

[victorkkq]

I took the baffle out of mine. (had to pound it out from the back). This exhuast screams at high RPMs but is mild enough at the low rpm to enjoy a nice cruise.[/QUOTE]
Hi N Nick 650 Akrapovic (S-H6R11-AFT). I always wanted to take out the baffle but not sure if it is a good idea. I want a more deeper rumble sound but will it affect its performance? some said it makes more vibration and lost of power. Sorry got abit off topic. Thanks

 

[Nick 650]

I took the baffle out of mine. (had to pound it out from the back). This exhuast screams at high RPMs but is mild enough at the low rpm to enjoy a nice cruise.

Hi N Nick 650 Akrapovic (S-H6R11-AFT). I always wanted to take out the baffle but not sure if it is a good idea. I want a more deeper rumble sound but will it affect its performance? some said it makes more vibration and lost of power. Sorry got abit off topic. Thanks[/QUOTE]

I took the baffle out right away. But I did not have any lose of power. I also have a power commander on order to get the full potential out of it.

Taking the baffle out sounds a lot deeper. No lose of power that I can tell.

 

[FogDucker]

You wanna know what has prevented me to change my CB650FA exhaust? The look of it. against all the odds, 2018 CB650f exhaust is spectacularly well designed and beautiful. I would say nothing can beat the look. Stock sound is not that quiet as well. anyhow it will flatten your wallet ( ~ CAD $2000 > including Parts, PC/ECU flush and air filter + labor(?) )

 

[Jerry]

I do highly recommend black Widow exhaust.

I can second this. Got a Black Widow myself and it's great. Stories of performance issues or flat spots on the power band are greatly exaggerated and should not bother you unless you want to squeeze the last drop of performance out of the engine. Under normal (and even some spirited) riding, it's not that noticeable. And even if it does bother you, there's still the option of a remap.

Sure, the Akra looks better, is more elegant in the way it's mounted, has a slightly more refined sound and offers the best quality all round, but the Black Widow is less than half the price of an Akrapovic system! You can't beat that on a value for money comparison.

I get why people get Akra's, and I'm not knocking it or saying it's a waste of money, but the Black Widow certainly is a very, very solid option if the price tag of an Akrapovic feels a little daunting. I'd just say the last €600 of the Akrapovic don't get you the same value as the first €600.

Edit:
Seeing as OP is mainly looking for more volume, then I'd certainly ask myself what extra is an Akrapovic gonna get me?

 

[Cbat]

For a 650F/R?
No.

 

[Road Hog]

The 2014f stock exhaust was way to heavy, sounded like a low power scooter and restricted the the hp.

That's why i pulled the plug and got my Termignoni full carbon exhaust and haven't looked back in 4 years.

 

[GPJake]

You wanna know what has prevented me to change my CB650FA exhaust? The look of it. against all the odds, 2018 CB650f exhaust is spectacularly well designed and beautiful. I would say nothing can beat the look. Stock sound is not that quiet as well. anyhow it will flatten your wallet ( ~ CAD $2000 > including Parts, PC/ECU flush and air filter + labor(?) )

Exactly the same here.

The hidden exhaust really is a key part of the aesthetics of the bike. I could never put on a pipe that isn't hidden similarly.

The Akra's look good enough for me, though, since they're still under the bike.
I just can't justify the price, personally.

 

[Enrico]

' Is it really worth spending 1k on an exhaust system? ' - in my opinion no , not if you can help it anyway !

 

[EnglishBikerDan]

Personally, I have to have an exhaust on a bike. Just to enjoy that sound track, makes it worthwhile just for my own pleasure really. Also helps during filtering as cars do tend to hear a deep, grumbly exhaust instead of that quiet, fluffy sounding one. Black Widows do sound good and they are so cheap and good quality. The only gripe is that how it attaches to the bike is a bit ugly (at least on the CB650R). I now have the Akra and it's a much neater installation, but costly. However, it sounds better to me, deeper and not as raspy. Also, you can get the baffle off without taking the end can off.

You need:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/easyfix-a2-stainless-steel-threaded-rod-connecting-nuts-m8-10-pack/5155g

and

https://www.screwfix.com/p/easyfix-bzp-steel-threaded-rods-m8-x-300mm-5-pack/65562

And some penetrating oil. Connect the rods together to make one long one, then put 1 or 2 of the connecting nuts on the bottom. Feed the rods into the baffle nut end first, go all the way until you reach the bottom (be careful though). Then you just need to pull back on the rods making sure to catch the back of the baffle. Keep doing that in a tapping motion and it should come out no problems. I used to use the dowel rod with the exhaust off method but this is so much easier!

Dan

 

[andrew.k]

Absolutely worth it. I had cognitive dissonance after placing the order ($1700 CDN) but as soon as it arrived I was relieved and knew I made the right choice.

Then I installed it, turned it on, and FORGOT what I spent, because it was ALL worth it.

 

[FogDucker]

Absolutely worth it. I had cognitive dissonance after placing the order ($1700 CDN) but as soon as it arrived I was relieved and knew I made the right choice.

Then I installed it, turned it on, and FORGOT what I spent, because it was ALL worth it.

what about PCV? did you also install it? ppl say it's day and night.
and how come you ended up paying that much?

https://motostarz.ca/products/akrap...t-14-19-honda-cbr650f-14-19-cb650f-19-cbr650r

 

[Enrico]

Whatever you want to do if you can afford it .

 

[andrew.k]

what about PCV? did you also install it? ppl say it's day and night.
and how come you ended up paying that much?

https://motostarz.ca/products/akrap...t-14-19-honda-cbr650f-14-19-cb650f-19-cbr650r

Ah when I purchased it wasn't on sale at FortNine.ca. It was $1456.99 plus taxes.Thank you for sending me that link. I've contacted Fortnine customer service to see if they can refund me the difference. I will let you guys know what they say. Theres a $216 delta between these prices.

Thanks again for sharing that.

I have not touched the PCV system or any tuning as of yet. I may tinker with that next year when the Honda warranty expires.

 

[Daniel]

Absolutely worth it. I had cognitive dissonance after placing the order ($1700 CDN) but as soon as it arrived I was relieved and knew I made the right choice.

Then I installed it, turned it on, and FORGOT what I spent, because it was ALL worth it.

This, no buyers remorse at all. As you said N @Northerner it's a relatively quiet exhaust, after a few months riding it I was still enjoying the bike but fancied giving it some more attitude. This is back in November 2015, I picked up the Akra S-H6R11-AFT for little under £600 delivered. An absolute bargain in todays money, the pound was much stronger back then before the EU referendum here.

I remember fitting it which was a joy in itself, such pristine quality and excellently made, then trying to turn it over and forgetting I put the kill switch on Riding it the day after was fantastic, it gives every ride the theatrics I hoped it would. It completely changed the riding experience for me and I love it, it's still exciting today.

I would recommend buying one, if you find a well priced Akra/Termignoni/Arrow/TBR then go for it, there are cheaper systems available again like the Delkevic/Black Widow/SC Racing too. But only you can decided what the ceiling is in budget terms.