Motorcycle Exhaust Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Exhaust for Your Bike

Upgrading your motorcycle's exhaust is one of the most popular modifications you can make. Whether you're chasing a deeper sound, a sportier appearance, reduced weight or improved performance, there's an enormous range of aftermarket motorcycle exhausts available.

But with so many brands, styles and configurations to choose from, finding the right exhaust isn't always straightforward.

At Hurtle Gear, we regularly help customers choose exhaust systems for their motorcycles. Before making your decision, here are a few important things worth considering.

1. What Do You Want From Your New Exhaust?

The first question is probably the most important: Why are you upgrading?

Some riders simply want a deeper, more distinctive exhaust note. Others are looking to reduce weight, improve the appearance of their motorcycle or unlock additional performance.

Your priorities will help determine which exhaust brands and systems are worth considering.

For example, if you're mainly interested in changing the sound and appearance of your motorcycle, a slip-on exhaust might be all you need. If you're building a track bike and chasing maximum performance, a complete exhaust system may be more appropriate.

2. Slip-On Exhaust or Full Exhaust System?

There are two main types of aftermarket motorcycle exhaust upgrades.

Slip-On Exhausts

A slip-on generally replaces the factory muffler while retaining much of the original exhaust system.

They're often more affordable, relatively straightforward to install and a popular choice for riders wanting improved sound and styling without making extensive modifications.

Full Exhaust Systems

A full system generally replaces the exhaust headers and muffler, and may also include new connecting pipes or collectors.

These systems can offer greater potential for weight reduction and performance improvements, although they're usually more expensive and may require additional tuning.

It's also worth remembering that not every motorcycle has a conventional removable muffler. Some modern bikes use integrated exhaust designs, meaning a complete system may be the only practical upgrade.

3. How Loud Do You Want Your Motorcycle?

Not all aftermarket exhausts are designed to be extremely loud!

Some produce a deeper, richer tone without dramatically increasing volume, while others are designed primarily for racing applications.

Many exhausts feature a removable or fixed dB killer (baffle), which helps control noise levels.

It's worth considering how you actually use your motorcycle. A loud racing exhaust might sound fantastic for a short ride, but could become tiring during long-distance touring.

Also remember that removing a baffle or catalytic converter can affect road legality, even if the exhaust was originally supplied with an approval certificate.

4. Will You Need ECU Tuning?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

Many slip-on exhausts are designed to work with the motorcycle's factory ECU settings, particularly when the original catalytic converter and other components remain unchanged.

However, some full exhaust systems or more substantial modifications may require, or benefit from, ECU remapping to ensure the engine operates correctly.

The requirements depend on the particular motorcycle and exhaust combination, so it's always worth checking before purchasing.

5. Is the Exhaust Road Legal in Australia?

This is particularly important if your motorcycle is used on public roads.

Some exhaust systems are designed for road use, while others are intended exclusively for racing or closed-course applications.

You'll often see terms such as Euro 5, Euro 5+, ECE approved or homologated in European exhaust descriptions. These refer to particular emissions or approval standards, but they don't automatically guarantee compliance with Australian road regulations.

Noise levels, emissions equipment and applicable state or territory requirements all need to be considered.

If road legality is important to you, make sure you investigate the specific exhaust rather than assuming every aftermarket system is suitable for road use.

6. Which Motorcycle Exhaust Brand Should You Choose?

At Hurtle Gear, we offer an extensive selection of premium motorcycle exhaust brands, each with its own approach to design, sound and performance.

Zard Exhausts – Italian-made exhausts combining distinctive styling, premium materials and a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. Particularly appealing to riders looking for something different from conventional exhaust designs.

Akrapovič – One of the best-known names in performance motorcycle exhausts, with a strong motorsport heritage and extensive use of lightweight materials such as titanium and carbon fibre.

Arrow Exhaust – An established Italian manufacturer offering everything from road-focused slip-ons to high-performance racing systems.

Yoshimura – A legendary name in motorcycle performance, particularly popular with Japanese sports bikes and performance enthusiasts.

GPR Exhausts – Italian exhausts offering a broad selection of designs, finishes and applications across many motorcycle models.

HP Corse – Premium Italian exhausts recognised for distinctive designs and quality construction.

IXIL – A popular choice for riders seeking sporty styling and a distinctive exhaust note.

Termignoni – An iconic Italian performance exhaust manufacturer with a long association with motorcycle racing.

Miller Exhausts – A newer addition to the Hurtle Gear range, and one we're particularly excited about. Manufactured in Germany, Miller produces beautifully finished exhaust systems with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, stainless steel construction and distinctive styling.

Miller is particularly worth considering for riders of cruisers, Harley-Davidsons, modern classics and other motorcycles where a premium exhaust with a more traditional or custom appearance may be preferred.

With polished stainless steel and matt black finishes available on selected models, Miller offers some genuinely attractive alternatives to the usual exhaust options.

7. What Should You Tell Us Before Enquiring?

If you're considering an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust and would like some advice, having a few details ready will help us narrow down the options.

• Your motorcycle: Make, model, year and any relevant variant.

• Your main priority: Sound, appearance, performance, weight reduction or a combination.

• Your preferred exhaust type: Slip-on, full system or simply whatever options are available.

• Your budget: Even an approximate price range is helpful.

• Road or track use: Whether the motorcycle will be ridden on public roads or used exclusively for racing.

• Existing modifications: Particularly any aftermarket headers, link pipes or other exhaust components already fitted.

These details make it much easier for us to identify suitable options and avoid recommending something that doesn't meet your expectations.

Let Hurtle Gear Help You Find the Right Exhaust

With so many aftermarket motorcycle exhausts available, there's no single system that's perfect for every rider.

The best choice depends on your motorcycle, how you ride and what you're hoping to achieve.

Whether you're looking for a subtle improvement in sound, a distinctive Italian exhaust or a beautifully finished German-made Miller system, Hurtle Gear can help you explore the available options.

Browse our range of motorcycle exhausts online, or get in touch with your motorcycle details and let us help you find the right upgrade.