The world of motorcycle customisation is vast and exciting, offering endless ways to personalise your machine. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is to the exhaust system. For owners of the legendary Yamaha RD series, choosing the right escapamento RD is a critical decision. It’s not just about a new look; it’s about unlocking performance, refining the sound, and truly making the bike your own. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and maintaining the perfect exhaust system for your Yamaha RD.
Key Takeaways
- An upgraded exhaust system can significantly improve your motorcycle’s performance, sound, and aesthetics.
- The term “escapamento rd” refers specifically to exhaust systems designed for the Yamaha RD series of two-stroke motorcycles.
- Proper selection involves considering materials, design, and your specific riding goals (e.g., racing vs. street riding).
- Installation can be a DIY project for those with mechanical skills, but professional help ensures optimal performance and safety.
- Regular maintenance is key to preserving the longevity and function of your new exhaust system.
What Exactly is an Escapamento RD?
The term escapamento is Portuguese for exhaust, and RD refers to the iconic series of two-stroke motorcycles produced by Yamaha, most notably the RD 350. Therefore, an escapamento rd is an exhaust system specifically engineered for these high-performance, classic bikes. Unlike a standard, factory-installed exhaust, aftermarket options are designed to optimise the unique characteristics of a two-stroke engine. They improve the scavenging effect, which is the process of clearing burnt gases from the cylinder to make way for a fresh fuel-air mixture. A well-designed performance exhaust helps the engine breathe more efficiently, leading to noticeable gains in horsepower and torque, all while producing that unmistakable two-stroke sound.
The Legacy of the Yamaha RD Series
To appreciate the importance of a specialised exhaust, you must understand the bike it’s made for. The Yamaha RD series, particularly the RD350, earned nicknames like “The Giant Killer” for a reason. These lightweight, powerful two-stroke machines could outperform bikes with much larger engines. Their performance was raw, thrilling, and demanded respect from the rider. Because the engine’s power band is so distinct, every component plays a crucial role in its performance. The exhaust system is arguably one of the most critical parts, acting as the final piece of the tuning puzzle that can either unleash the bike’s full potential or hold it back.
Why Upgrade Your Motorcycle’s Exhaust?
Swapping out the stock exhaust on your Yamaha RD is one of the most popular and effective modifications. The original systems were designed to meet noise and emissions regulations of their time, which often meant compromising on peak performance. An aftermarket escapamento rd is engineered with performance as the primary goal. By improving exhaust gas flow, these systems reduce backpressure and enhance the engine’s ability to expel fumes quickly. This efficiency boost translates directly into more power, especially in the higher RPM range where two-stroke engines truly come alive. Beyond power, a new exhaust can significantly reduce the overall weight of your motorcycle, improving its handling and agility.
More Than Just Performance
While the power gains are a major draw, the benefits don’t stop there. Aesthetics and sound are two other compelling reasons to upgrade.
A Sound That Turns Heads
The sound of a two-stroke engine is iconic. An aftermarket exhaust amplifies this, transforming the bike’s acoustic profile from a muted hum into a sharp, crisp crackle that is music to any enthusiast’s ears. This distinct sound is not just for show; it’s a direct reflection of the engine’s efficient and powerful combustion cycle.
Customized Style
Aftermarket exhausts come in various finishes and styles. From polished stainless steel to matte black or even raw, welded metal, you can choose a look that perfectly complements your bike’s overall aesthetic. Whether you are building a vintage cafe racer, a classic restoration, or a track-day weapon, the right exhaust system is a defining feature.
Types of Escapamento RD Systems
When searching for an exhaust, you’ll encounter different materials and designs. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, influencing performance, durability, and price. Understanding these differences is key to making an informed choice.
Material Matters: Steel vs. Titanium
The material used to construct the exhaust system has a major impact on its weight, lifespan, and cost.
- Stainless Steel: This is the most common material for aftermarket exhausts. It offers an excellent balance of durability, corrosion resistance, and affordability. Stainless steel systems are strong and can withstand the high temperatures and vibrations of a motorcycle engine, making them a reliable choice for daily riders and weekend warriors alike.
- Titanium: For those seeking the ultimate in performance, titanium is the top choice. It is significantly lighter than steel, which contributes to better handling and a higher power-to-weight ratio. Titanium also dissipates heat more effectively. However, these benefits come at a higher price, making titanium systems more common in professional racing and high-end custom builds.
Expansion Chamber Design Explained
The heart of any two-stroke exhaust is the expansion chamber. This is the bulky, cone-shaped section of the pipe. Its specific shape is not for looks; it is a finely tuned instrument. As the engine expels exhaust, a pressure wave travels down the pipe. The expansion chamber is designed to reflect this wave towards the cylinder at the precise moment the exhaust port is closing. This returning wave helps push any unburnt fuel-air mixture back into the cylinder before the port closes, a process called supercharging. This dramatically boosts engine efficiency and power output. The geometry of the cones, their length and angles, is calculated to work best within a specific RPM range.
Performance Exhaust Comparison
Feature | Stock Exhaust | Stainless Steel Aftermarket | Titanium Aftermarket |
|---|---|---|---|
Performance | Moderate | High | Very High |
Weight | Heavy | Moderate | Very Light |
Sound | Muted | Aggressive & Crisp | Sharp & Racing-Tuned |
Durability | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Cost | N/A (Factory) | $$ | $$$$ |
Best For | Original Restoration | Street & Track Use | Racing & Max Performance |
This table shows that while a stock exhaust is adequate, upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust offers clear benefits in performance, weight, and sound, with stainless steel providing the best overall value for most riders.
Installation Guide: DIY vs. Professional
Once you’ve chosen your new exhaust, the next step is installation. This can be a rewarding DIY project if you have the right tools and a bit of mechanical know-how.
DIY Installation Steps
- Preparation: Safely secure your motorcycle on a stand. Make sure the engine is completely cool before you begin.
- Removal: Carefully remove the old exhaust system. This usually involves unbolting it from the cylinder head and the frame mounts. You may need to apply some penetrating oil to rusted bolts.
- Gasket Check: Always install a new exhaust gasket at the cylinder head. Reusing an old one can lead to exhaust leaks, which hurt performance and can damage the engine.
- Fitting the New System: Loosely fit the new exhaust pipe to the cylinder head and attach any mounting brackets to the frame. Do not tighten any bolts yet.
- Alignment: Adjust the system to ensure it has proper clearance from the frame, swingarm, and other components.
- Tightening: Once you are happy with the alignment, tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings, starting from the cylinder head and working your way back.
When to Call a Professional
If you are not comfortable working on your motorcycle or lack the proper tools, it’s always best to have a professional mechanic install your escapamento. A qualified technician can ensure everything is fitted correctly, preventing leaks and ensuring the system is securely mounted. More importantly, they can help with the necessary carburettor or fuel injection re-tuning. Changing the exhaust alters the engine’s airflow, which means the air-fuel mixture must be adjusted to match. Skipping this step, known as “jetting” on carbureted bikes like the RD, will lead to poor performance and can even cause severe engine damage. For more on engine tuning principles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers insights into how engine modifications affect emissions and performance.
Maintaining Your New Exhaust System
To keep your new exhaust looking and performing its best, regular maintenance is essential. After the first few rides, re-check all mounting bolts to ensure they are still tight, as vibrations can sometimes loosen them. Clean the exhaust regularly with a suitable cleaner to prevent dirt and road grime from causing permanent stains, especially on polished or chrome finishes. For raw metal uncoated steel systems, you may need to apply a high-temperature protectant to prevent rust. Listening for any new or unusual noises can also help you catch potential issues like a leak or a loose baffle early.
Conclusion
Choosing and installing a new escapamento rd is one of the most rewarding upgrades for any Yamaha RD owner. It’s a modification that enhances your motorcycle on every level—delivering more power, a thrilling sound, and a custom look. By understanding the different types of systems, materials, and the importance of proper installation and tuning, you can make a choice that transforms your riding experience. Whether you’re chasing lap times on the track or simply enjoying a spirited ride on a winding road, the right exhaust will make you fall in love with your Giant Killer all over again. Explore options from reputable dealers like those found at newsasshop to find quality parts for your project.
FAQ
Q1: Will installing a performance exhaust damage my engine?
No, as long as it is installed correctly and the engine’s air-fuel mixture is re-tuned to match. A new exhaust changes how the engine breathes, so adjusting the carburettor (jetting) is critical. Failure to do so can cause the engine to run too lean, leading to overheating and potential damage.
Q2: Do I need to re-jet my carburettor after installing a new escapamento rd?
Yes, almost always. A performance exhaust flows more air, which requires more fuel to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio. Re-jetting the carburettor is a necessary step to unlock the performance gains and protect your engine.
Q3: Is a louder exhaust legal?
Exhaust noise regulations vary widely by state and local laws. Many aftermarket exhausts are sold for “off-road use only.” It is your responsibility to check the laws in your area. For official information, consult resources like your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
Q4: How much horsepower can I gain with a new exhaust?
The exact horsepower gain depends on the specific exhaust, the condition of your engine, and other modifications. However, it’s common to see gains of 5-15% with a well-designed performance exhaust and proper tuning on a two-stroke engine like the Yamaha RDSS.
Q5: What’s the difference between a full system and a slip-on exhaust?
A slip-on only replaces the muffler, while a full system replaces the entire exhaust from the cylinder head. For two-stroke bikes like the Yamaha RD, full system is the standard, as the head pipe and expansion chamber are a single, integrated unit crucial for performance.
