Topic: CB400f exhaust from Japan--thoughts?

[jessezm]

Has anybody heard of M-TEC Chukyo exhausts? 

http://japan.webike.net/products/9357623.html

This company out of Japan has one for the CB400f that is actually affordable at $390 US shipped free to the states.  They Sell 4 versions of the pipe, though I cant tell the differences besides chrome vs. black (something about "hand flange"?     Anyhow, just curious....  They also sell the Yosh exhaust at a more exasperating price of $1,100!

[jessezm]

anyone?

[vames]

From looks only, it hangs a little low. Would like to see it tighter up against the bottom of the bike. I'm also a fan of the stock 400f pipes and wonder if different designs give that much better of performance.

[camelman]

That would be a great exhaust.  The primary bends are very gradual, which helps maintain velocity through the pipes without the head loss you get from sharper bends.  That is actually very similar to the exhaust that Kaz ran on his race bikes.  I'm not sure about how the pipes combine (I've heard that 4-2-1 collectors provide smoother flow than a 4-1 collector, but I really can't talk to that).  The low center shouldn't be an issue if you only ride on the road.  Just don't go over curbs with it.  The design looks like it will afford much better clearance than a stock header pipe too.

Camelman

[jessezm]

Well, it may not get me anywhere due to language barriers, but I did write them and ask for more information on the pipe, and how it compares to the yosh exhaust they sell.  I just can't believe the near-$700 difference between them...

[jneuf]

Be sure to let us know if you get a response. That looks like a pertty good deal.

[jessezm]

Oh I definitely will.  Check out these 4 versions and see if you can decipher the differences.  I realize that two are black and two are chrome, but then the description for the more expensive ones say "hand flange 408 songs" in the description...  what the hell does that mean???

http://japan.webike.net/categories/m1200/100000_110000_114000_114034.html

[jessezm]

Well, back with reports.  They sort of answered my questions...   I asked what the difference was between the models and how they compare to Yosh and MC-again pipes, and here's the answer: 

"The name of this item should be M-TEC Chukyo Short tube CB400F / 398 /  408 Black iron hand flange songs, and 〈hand flange　songs〉 means hand bent.
The difference between these 2 items is Model:MRS-MUH40-06B is bent by a machine.  Model:MRS-REH40-09B is bent by hand.  The assembled parts are welded, so  the parts looks different.

As to the difference between M-TEC and Yoshimura or MC-Again, we are unable to tell you because each manufacturer does not have the information which compared to others."

I actually had bit the bullet and ordered the cheapest one, which was the black iron machine-bent version.  They emailed on Monday morning to say that they had to reject my order because it would be over a month before they could fill it...  They hand bent version is available to ship right away but at another $200 ($600 total) i'm not so sure I'm game!

The Motad and Marving systems are available for around $400, does anyone have any personal experience with those?