Recently, I embarked on an endeavour to source, procure, and install a fresh exhaust system for my 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Café. I sought to create a product that both satisfied customer demands and showcased our company’s innovative capabilities. Initially, I required a platform that could potentially alter the appearance of the bicycle. With that in mind, I decided to give my car’s engine a slight boost, increasing the power output of its 948cc inline-four. Here’s how I went about it:
When scouring the market for an aftermarket bike exhaust that meets your performance and budget needs, there are a few key factors to consider. First off, think about what kind of riding you’ll be doing most often – will it be on smooth city streets or rough trails? Different exhausts are designed with specific types of riding in mind, so it’s essential to choose one that’s suited to your style.
Another crucial consideration is the bike itself – what type of motorcycle do you have, and what kind of power output are you looking for? Some exhausts are designed specifically for high-performance bikes, while others are better suited for more laid-back cruising.
You’ll also want to think about the sound – some people love the loud, aggressive roar of a performance exhaust, while others prefer something a bit more subdued. And let’s not forget about price – aftermarket bike exhausts can range from a few hundred to several thousand bucks, so it’s crucial to set a budget and stick to it.
So, what are the best aftermarket bike exhausts out there? Well, that depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few top contenders:
The Akrapovi? Slip-On Exhaust is a popular choice for riders looking to add some extra oomph to their bike without breaking the bank.
For those who want to go all-in on performance, the Termignoni 2-1-2 Exhaust System is a top-notch option that’s sure to impress.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, the LeoVance GP Exhaust System might be just what you need.
Of course, there are plenty of other great options out there – it all comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
Since I’ve already discussed exhaust improvements with two goals in mind. The primary objective was to regain the physical appearance I had previously.
I found myself taken aback by the Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe’s gray and black finish, the unexpected splashes of silver proving a slightly dissonant note amidst the overall aesthetic. Despite mounting most of the components in either black or replacing them with black alternatives, a more pressing concern was the need to overhaul the entire exhaust system. I sought an aftermarket muffler akin to those riders installed on their Kawasaki Z1s in the 1970s to give it a distinctive sound. Kawasaki deserves praise for its exceptional work on the Z900RS exhaust system. It’s not quite as nostalgic as I would have liked.
I optimized the performance of the bicycle to enhance its overall efficiency. Although I’m not a speed enthusiast, I understood that the Z900RS had surplus potential and I required a style similar to its own.
While there are various approaches to achieve this outcome, a well-executed exhaust upgrade consistently delivers the greatest value for money. To optimize the performance of my bike, I sought out an exhaust system specifically designed to boost the Kawasaki Z900RS’s power and efficiency. After conducting an exhaustive search online and consulting with various forums and Facebook groups, I discovered the website of Brock’s Efficiency.
Brock’s Efficiency offers a diverse range of high-performance components and accessories for various bicycles, including some of the latest vintage-inspired models. The Kawasaki Z900RS touts a bespoke riding system, conceived at the time of its inaugural launch. They name it the StreetMeg.
Like the exhaust on its namesake bike, the Brock’s Efficiency Z900RS StreetMeg features a 4-into-1 design. Four header pipes converge below the engine, relinquishing their contents to a catalytic converter. Sitting atop the headers is a classic drag-race-inspired 20-inch ‘Sidewinder’ megaphone-style muffler, a traditional design staple in high-performance vehicles. The Kawasaki Z900RS StreetMega’s arrival is indeed ordained by fate, with an added allure of its sleek black Cerakote finish available for discerning enthusiasts to claim.
With its streamlined design, the StreetMeg exhaust bolt easily attaches to the Z900RS, seamlessly integrating with the manufacturer’s mounts. Without compromising adjacent components or sacrificing cornering agility, this design ensures a seamless integration. The system also boasts a substantial weight reduction. The Allup Z900RS StreetMeg exhaust system’s hardware collectively weighs just 10.9 pounds. The massive 58% discount offered is significantly greater than the standard bike inventory setup.
As for efficiency, each Brock’s Exhaust system is specifically designed to maximize performance, including the StreeMeg, which will be explored further below.
As a result of rigorous research and thorough analysis, I opted for Brocks Efficiency due to their unparalleled track record of delivering exceptional results.
Brock’s Efficiency, a corporation founded in 2002 by renowned American drag racer Brock Davidson, may be unfamiliar to those without prior knowledge of its existence. In 2000, a pivotal year in Brock’s life, he transformed his passion for building and racing bikes at the drag strip into an all-consuming pursuit.
He and a group of friends built a motorcycle to compete against top-tier teams like Kawasaki’s in the 2000 AMA Prostar Superbike Championship. Despite a significant disparity in resources and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Brock secured the top spot and claimed the coveted first-place trophy. In that exact year, utilizing a customized ’97 Suzuki Bandit 1200, he achieved a groundbreaking feat: becoming the first rider to complete a sub-seven-second quarter-mile run on a production motorcycle. Two notable accomplishments combined with Brock’s in-depth knowledge of bicycle efficiency enhancements empowered him to confidently unveil his own proprietary design.
The Brock’s Efficiency catalogue concentrates on optimizing engine, driveline, and chassis performance metrics to enhance overall vehicle efficiency. Beyond showcasing their proprietary products, the company also curates a diverse selection of complementary components (including filters, engine management modules, suspension parts, carbon wheels, and more) from esteemed partner manufacturers whose offerings harmonize seamlessly with their own. The entire elements can be purchased separately; however, Brock also offers bespoke performance packages tailored to individual riders’ needs.
The Brock’s Efficiency method for constructing elements is refreshingly straightforward. With proprietary language, they achieve this through exhaustive testing of every component’s performance at their facility, employing a cutting-edge tool such as their in-house dynamometer among other methods. To review every aspect up to the very end, examine the data on the race monitor carefully.
When choosing an exhaust that would deliver the performance I was looking for, a Brock’s Efficiency exhaust seemed like the logical choice.
Brock’s High-Performance Z900RS Exhaust System: Elevate Your Riding Experience with Unparalleled Power and Sound
After consulting with Brock’s team, I commissioned a StreetMeg Full System for the Z900RS, an efficiency-enhancing P08 Dash Filter, and a Dynojet Energy Commander. By incorporating the additional filter and PCM adjustments, I was able to optimize the exhaust system’s performance, ensuring that its full potential is harnessed.
Becoming an aftermarket enthusiast requires careful consideration of potential performance trade-offs: installing a modified exhaust system without adjusting the fueling dynamics may inadvertently compromise efficiency. To optimize performance and efficiency, it’s crucial for high-end motorcycles to accommodate a Performance Control Module (PCM) or reflash the Engine Control Unit (ECU). For vintage motorcycles, adjusting the carburetors’ air/fuel mixture could potentially deliver the desired performance boost. Although Brock offers an ECU flash service capable of producing a more powerful tune, I decided against it. To avoid the risk of damage or loss, I decided it was best to keep the bicycle in stock and not send it internationally; similarly, I do not have confidence in the reliability of the postal service to securely transport my expensive electronic control unit from Australia to the United States and back again.
The Streetmeg exhaust kit arrives with all necessary components to get started, excluding gauge clusters.
Within the field, you’ll discover the exhaust itself, along with a set of exhaust springs, a spring puller, a tube of Permatex Extremely Copper exhaust sealant, an air sensor block-off bung, and a PAIR block-off cap, accompanied by in-depth setup directions. Brock’s Energy Commander ships with a personalized map pre-programmed by the company itself. The team develops their own proprietary technology and meticulously optimizes it to seamlessly integrate with specific components. Would you prefer an Avenue of options or an Observatory to view your choices? I went with the Avenue.
The exhaust setup for your vehicle has been inventoried and verified by our team.
While some people might opt to hire someone to install such a system, I chose to take on the task personally. If you have a substantial budget, that’s undoubtedly the most effective approach. While honesty is appreciated, I’ll refine the statement: The methodology is indeed intricate and may vary between bicycles; nonetheless, the provided instructions are meticulously detailed and straightforward in their explanation.
Initially removing several key components from the bicycle. The Kawasaki Z900RS’s retro-styled design elements encompassed the seat, faceted panels, fuel tank, airbox cowling, and standard exhaust system. By removing the tank and opening the airbox, you create a space to install the Dash Filter. Installing an aftermarket air filter simply required replacing the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) filter with a high-efficiency alternative.
To ensure proper installation, mount the PCM somewhere beneath your seat and secure all relevant cables in place. The greatest challenge in this procedure lies in successfully seating the fuel injector plugs. Once disconnected from each component, carefully reseat the PCM connectors in their original position and subsequently secure the distinctive plugs onto the PCM harness. While precision is key, the use of a torch is crucial in this labor-intensive task.
While previously stationed beneath the tank, I also installed the PAIR block-off. The PAIR system on the Kawasaki Z900RS injects modern flair into the exhaust by incorporating ambient air as an integral component of its emissions protocol. When equipped with a customised exhaust system, the Power-Assisted Idle Return (PAIR) mechanism may lead to loud backfiring noises during deceleration phases. While making this modification was a personal decision rather than a requirement.
To properly install an exhaust setup, remove the oxygen (O2) sensor. As the Street Meg is implemented, this system might need to be reinstalled; yet, it may inadvertently hinder the anticipated efficiency gains. While Brock’s may not offer this component, riders can easily source O2 block-off plugs online specifically designed for their bike model for around $20. By seamlessly integrating with the wiring harness, these devices effectively silence error messages on bicycles. Upon completing the inventory exhaustion process, meticulously align the supplied exhaust components – flanges, headers, and muffler – in sequence. The sealant is applied to each joint as you progress, while springs are inserted to hold everything together securely.
Prior to ignition, a crucial preliminary step involves verifying clearance checks. To ensure the longevity and performance of your bike’s components, it is crucial that the exhaust system remains isolated from other crucial elements, including coolant hoses and cables, as direct contact may cause degradation or softening of these materials.
Comparing exhaust performance before and after optimization requires a thorough analysis of key metrics such as particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This evaluation enables the assessment of the effectiveness of implemented measures to minimize emissions, thereby contributing to a cleaner environment.
Is the primary start-up always a nervous second? After conducting a pre-flight inspection without throttling up, I carefully monitor the engine’s performance, paying close attention to any anomalies, unusual noises, or excessive smoke that may indicate potential issues during the initial stages of takeoff. After completing the task, I allowed the device to power down and undergo a period of thermal dissipation before proceeding further. Following the initial cooldown period, I perform a thorough warm-up run, allowing the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature and stabilize for proper performance evaluation. I then twist the throttle a few times to reassess everything visually and audibly. As soon as my system is functioning smoothly, I embark on a brief exploration to detect any anomalies in throttle performance or operating temperatures that might impede optimal functionality. I double-check every component one final time to confirm everything is precise and seamless, ensuring that nothing has shifted out of place. If everything is running smoothly at this point, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved fun.
With a sense of accomplishment, I delighted in the discovery that my installation of the Brock’s Efficiency system on the Z900RS Cafe proceeded without a snag. I’ve since racked up approximately 500 glorious miles on my StreetMeg.
One of the most striking differences I observed with these revisions was the sonic impact. The sound instantly transports me back to a rare Z1 fitted with a Kerker exhaust, undoubtedly a defining characteristic. As the pedal screams underfoot, the StreetMeg’s thunderous rumble is utterly captivating. While significantly louder than the inventory system itself (reaching 91 decibels at 5,000 revolutions per minute), this sound is not jarringly loud nor unpleasantly harsh. I will consider purchasing the optional noise reduction insert from Brock’s to utilize during extended freeway commutes.
Given the bike’s upgraded performance capabilities, my Z900RS undoubtedly outperforms its predecessors with an added layer of enthusiasm. As evident from the wheels’ effortless lift-off and the occasional gentle traction activation during demanding launches, it’s clear that the system is effectively fulfilling its purpose. I’ve yet to dyno-tune my bike to determine exactly how much power it’s currently producing, but according to Brock’s Efficiency, this setup generates approximately 115 horsepower at the rear wheel. That’s a 15 percent enhancement in energy.
The unexpected outcome of this ordeal is that I’ve yet to notice a single decrease in the gasoline industry’s financial performance. Prior to its setup, the Z900RS Café achieved a fuel efficiency of approximately 42 miles per gallon. The systems’ performance during varied brief and extended trials remains unchanged. One noticeable change is the significant increase in smiles per gallon, a tangible metric of my newfound positivity.
