Topic: Yoshimura pipe for cb550?

[gregripko]

I know steve carpy has a cb550 and cb750 pipe that's similar to a yoshimura pipe but are there other manufactures or suppliers that might sell for $250 or less??

[sethdhawkins]

Not for that Yoshi style pipe. The carpy pipe for the 550 sounds mean. My buddy has them on both of his 550's, which is why I purchased it for my 750. I will tell you that the build and weld quality of the carpy pipe leaves something to be desired (headers don't fit well and it appears the welding is flux core). For the price, even with these marks against it, it can't be beat in price.

[gregripko]

Hmmm yeah the carpy pipe sounds great... Just has this drone sound that makes the bike come alive... Hope I don't have header issues if I pick one up...

[sethdhawkins]

On the highway, with a full face helmet, that drone will make you want to shoot yourself. Stock up on earplugs I may eventually hack mine down a bit and put on a reverse cone muffler. The "baffle" that it comes with is really just a resonator with packing around it.

[Cut]

Chris over at MotoGP Werks is fabricating them as well. 

http://motogpwerks.com/custom-projects.html

[sethdhawkins]

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Go straight to the source:
Don at Power Pros
http://thepowerpros.com/

[mazen0822]

I got mine from Lossa engineering. Looks great, fits well and the sound is great.

[Ricky_Racer]

Go straight to the source:
Don at Power Pros
http://thepowerpros.com/

They're not listed on their site... Is Power Pros doing SOHC exhaust systems? RR

[LesterPiglet]

I think this was bought in the US. You might ask the owner.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=112818.msg1382204#msg1382204

[gregripko]

Chris at motowerks sells for $500... Too pricey if you ask me

[dave500]

youll want one that lets you service the oil filter without having to remove the header.

[CapeCafe]

I put the MotoGP Werks pipe on my 76 CB550k build and couldn't be happier!  The welds are beautiful, I love the raw stainless, it fit perfect and the quick release header and pipe are a nice touch.  The pipe has nice throaty roar when stretching the revs.  Chris helped me out with recommendations on where set up my carbs, and I only needed a little tweaking to have it purring at a smooth 1200rpm idle and pulling strong to 9000 rpm.  There were a lot of SOHC members who helped me along with my complete ground up build.  Thanks to you all.  I put 130 miles on her on the day I was going out to do plug chops.  She just never seemed to falter so I just kept going and haven't stopped smiling since.  Thanks everyone!

[Stev-o]

Chris at motowerks sells for $500... Too pricey if you ask me

Disagree - fair price for the best pipe out there.  New 4 into 4 341's are about $1200 (for a 750)

[CapeCafe]

I'm with you Stevo.  I think $500 for the MotoGP Werks pipe is a bargain.  When I compare it to $1,800 for a used Termi set for my 916, it's a damn steal!

[Muckinfuss]

MotoGP!!!!!   Best $500 you'll spend on your scoot.  I talked with Chris last month and he's not making more until July......you may want to get on his list now.  As far as the oil filter, his pipes use springs into the headers that he supplies and the whole deal takes about three minutes with a brake spring tool to remove so you can change the filter.  Three more minutes to replace and you're back on the road.
 I worked with Yoshimura Racing back in the 70's when they were doing Suzuki racing teams and the Moto pipe is as good as anything they put out.....and stainless is way better than raw steel or raw steel + powder coating and with the right cleaner....easier to maintain than chrome.  In my ever so humble opinion.

[gregripko]

I might possibly consider the motogp if it has the quality that people claim...I haven't seen pictures or video to really stand behind it....to the comment of it being "pricey"....I meant that $500 could go a long way to fix up a bike in other ways or even go towards purchasing another bike.....Not saying it's not worth its value....

[matt mattison]

I've had both the MotoGPwerks and Carpy pipe. The Carpy pipe is fine, but no comparison between the two . I never regretted the extra couple of bucks I paid for the MotoGP exhaust. However, I have the newer pipe with the springs, and I gotta say its a pain in the ass to take it apart. You would think, "ok let's just pop those springs off there and get to that oil filter." Nope, not so easy after a few heat cycles. It's faster and less aggravating, for me anyway, to just unbolt the header from the head. Off in ten minutes.

[Muckinfuss]

Brake spring pliers....8.99 at autozone

[RFogelsong]

Another vote for the MotoGP pipe here.  Love it. Easy on, easy off.  Take off two springs and slide off the tail can and you've got a usable center stand to boot (for working on stuff at least). 

Definitely worth the premium for the stainless and ease of removal.  Chris is a great guy too, helped with some suggestions for setup and got it right the first time.   

[Muckinfuss]

Greg, look at it this way....you'll spend $350 at least for a MAC.  So the diff is $150.  Carpy's is $475....$25 diff.   Neither are stainless with incredible welds and the authentic look and sound.  That's what you need to evaluate against what you want to buy.

[gregripko]

Anyone have any footage of the motowerks exhaust pipe?

[CapeCafe]

CB550 Cafe Racer Startup

[gregripko]

That pipe sounds amazing... Is that a specific kind through motowerks?

[CapeCafe]

When I ordered my pipe, I just told him it was for a 550.  It sounds even better at 8,500 rpm. 

[matt mattison]

Brake spring pliers....8.99 at autozone

Thanks, I got at least 2 of those. The springs aren't the problem, it's getting the spigots off the head pipes.

[Muckinfuss]

Matt, try some PTFE paste from NAPA or good old caliper synthetic grease with a shot of anti-seize mixed in.  They should separate very easily.  Sorry you're having problems with the design.  It shouldn't be hard at all.  Maybe Chris can tell you a better way to make them smooth like butter.

[matt mattison]

Matt, try some PTFE paste from NAPA or good old caliper synthetic grease with a shot of anti-seize mixed in.  They should separate very easily.  Sorry you're having problems with the design.  It shouldn't be hard at all.  Maybe Chris can tell you a better way to make them smooth like butter.

I actually talked to Chris about it. He pretty much said "that's the way it is". He told me even he just unbolts from the header . Much easier than beating the pipe with a soft hammer for a half hour. Go figure. I'm a little learey about using any kind of high temp paste around that area and making the problem worse. Do you have the same MotoGP pipe and done this?

[Muckinfuss]

I do have the same pipe....perhaps newer than yours.  I use a very thin film of Copaslip Anti-Seize Compound on mine.  I've had some in the garage for years.  A small jar will last you a lifetime, but you'll never swear at a part again for seizing up on you.  two oz tube is a couple bucks....8 oz jar....17 bucks.  Check your local NAPA etc.  Can also be found on line.    DuPont makes a high temp lube with PTFE and there's also one called Super Lube with PTFE.  Any one of the three will change your life.

[gregripko]

Apparently the pipes are pretty limited.... Chris makes only a small batch....

[CapeCafe]

They are worth the wait.  Let Chris know you want a set and he'll email you when they are ready.  You just hve to pay asap or get out of the way.  He shipped the same day.  I think the exhaust sets the tone for the bike.  If your not gonna stay stock, put on the trickest after market avail...the cost difference between the other option make it a no brainer.  Just be patient and get on the waiting list. If you don't like it, you could prob sell it for more than you paid to smeone who will pay a premium to not wait.