Topic: Does a 4-2 mac have more ground clearance then the stock 4-1

[singedebile]

This is in regards to a 550f supersport with the stock 4-1 exhaust, I am looking at possibly trading for a 4-2 (i believe mac made most of these).

Whats your opinion on these exhausts? I sort of like the symmetrical look, and from what I can see in pictures the 4-2 also seems to have better ground clearance (tucks in a bit more). Also the way the stock 4-1 bunch's up around the foot pegs is going to make it a bit more awkward to get some rearsets working for my long legs.

Thanks for the help,

[Really?]

My guess is the answer is yes to both. 

4-2 = more clearance under the bike.
4-1 = more clearance side to side during cornering.

[Really?]

Well, I was thinking both were Mac, whoops.  Dunno about the stock pipe.

[TwoTired]

I wouldn't trade my stock 4 into 1 systems for anything.
1 - There's the carb rejetting.  Stock carbs a tuned perfectly to the stock exhaust, and no others.
2 - If you are scraping the stock one in the corners, you may be putting too much weight on the bike which makes it squat in the turns with increase G-load.   Increase the pre-load adjust.  If that isn't enough, then consider stronger springs front and rear.

Don't use shorty shocks or a lowering "kit".
And use a tire that has the same or greater height than what the stock ones were.  Metric tires in the same "equivalent" tire width will be shorter than than stock.

[singedebile]

Most every period review of the supersport I have read mentions how horrible the cornering clearance on the muffler side, obviously that is with the proper tires etc.. whereas the 4-4 on the k had great clearance

[TwoTired]

Most every period review of the supersport I have read mentions how horrible the cornering clearance is on the muffler side, obviously that is with the proper tires etc.. whereas the 4-4 on the k had great clearance

Well then clearly I'm wrong and haven't a clue what I'm talking about!

I will mention that I've scraped both sides of the 74 550K model in turns, as well as the F when I was routinely street racing them.  Yes, since there is only a pipe on one side, the pipe will scrape first on right hand turns.    
But, I don't do street racing anymore.  When you ride on the edge, it is inevitable to go over it occasionally.  Which, seriously messes with the looks of the machine, and sometimes the rider as well.  Old scars are fun, new ones, not so much.  And, new parts for 30 year old machines aren't readily available anymore.

I expect you've already made up your mind, and were just looking for confirmation.  Sorry to dissappoint, so just ignore me, do whatever you want, and live with it.

Good luck with your hybrid!

Cheers, 

[singedebile]

I am far from making up my mind, i was and am still genuinely curious as to weather or not the 4-2 has better clearance then my stock setup..  if it does not I will happily keep my setup, if it does I will be open to the possibility of trading my exhaust to someone else...
an option i am currently exploring on craigslist, but was waiting to hear back here to see if I should go through with it... as in i have not at all made up my mind and I resent your saying so. If you look at my posts there is no implication of this blind rhetorical side to my questions/statements.

I know that you have quite a bit of knowledge and experience, but you have to be careful about jumping to conclusions.

[TwoTired]

Most every period review of the supersport I have read mentions how horrible the cornering clearance on the muffler side, obviously that is with the proper tires etc.. whereas the 4-4 on the k had great clearance

If you already knew the answer to your question, why bother to ask it, unless seeking validation?

Whats your opinion on these exhausts?

I gave you mine, and you clearly didn't like it.  Why is that, unless you are bargaining toward your desired perception?  I'll avoid your "questions" in the future, I promise.

If you make a trade up front, you are stuck with it, as the original exhaust system in good condition is getting pretty rare.  If you must change it for whatever reason, save/store it to keep the possibility of restore, should you find the swap ultimately undesirable for other reasons besides "ground clearance" (which, in particular, I don't find a problem on a 35 year old motorcycle I'd like to last a good long while, and the carbs WILL need to be readjusted/altered or this exhaust change). If you are willing to discard the machine after it's damaged or you get bored with it, then you'll do whatever you like regardless of validation or discourse.

However, when you go to sell it, it will be less desirable if modified with cheap add-ons and mods, imo.  But, if you are a really good salesman, then that won't matter, particularly if you are a master customizer.

Thinking about it some more.  I'd say you should really move forward with your bike mods.  I expect it will just make my stockers more valuable, sooner.
So go for it!  You know you want to! 

Best of luck!

[singedebile]

...i didnt and dont know the answer to my question... all I have gone by are pictures when comparing the Mac 4-2 to the Stock 4-1, both of which are a bit chunky (which has nothing to do with the stock 4-4 of the K bikes that you quote me as a way of stay i answered my own question??!... I was only pointing that out, to show that it was possible to get.........jklt;fjsad i give up, this is pointless

[LesterPiglet]