You have purchased the brand new or gently used UTV of your choice and just like any new to you toy, you wish to make it a little better than it was from the factory. Some items are pretty straight forward when it comes to aftermarket add-ons but in the world of engine performance you may wish to do a little more research before gutting the can on your exhaust or adding a product that is more pricey than worthy. After all, your engines life is at stake here (as well as your hearing) and it’s not something to take lightly unless you have loads of non-discretionary dollars you can just throw around to impress your friends.
It has become very obvious in our industry that horsepower numbers get attention at the expense of your hard earned cash and without any real evidence or stats to back up the claims. Some just blindly run to the store, throw down cash or credit and perpetuate the theory that not only “He said-She said” but, that extra noise must make me faster. It just has too right? Well, Not exactly. There are limited gains to be made but it takes a combination of items to make the exhaust system get the best performance out of your engine. If you are driving a carbureted engine then you will need to add airflow via the air box as well as jetting to said engine to add fuel for the additional “freeway” of exhaust to travel on without crashing. If you have a machine that is using EFI or fuel injection then you need to also give the engine more air as well as reprogram the computer to add fuel for the optimal performance. This is not complicated but simply buying an exhaust is just the start. Remember, more air in and out requires more fuel. Too lean and she sticks a piston maybe two or even destroys the cylinder’s, too rich and she fouls the plug. Take notes because your money will appreciate you passing this test.
Secondly we would recommend that you research just how serviceable the slip-on or can is for the system you purchase. Repacking an older exhaust can greatly improve its performance and you want to know just what to do and where you can get products to service your exhaust as the new begins to wear off. If you are one of the unlucky ones and blow the guts or oil of your engine out the exhaust pipe then you may need to replace the packing due to large amounts of oil or water. If you sink the beast in the deep mud this could also change the performance of the exhaust when water or mud are pulled into the pipe. Just be sure the manufacturer has a good source of universal or even specific replacement components for the exhaust you choose.
One more item you should consider, not saying many do however, is the decibel level or how much noise the exhaust makes. More noise is not only annoying but, most times very unproductive. You can get great performance from a machine with a moderate decibel level and sometimes more so than a loud ass pipe. Many engines run better with a little backpressure or restriction rather than a wide-open gaping hole after the head expels the gasses. Construction of the exhaust is also something else to consider in your purchase as corrosive elements like water, mud, rocks, constant heat up then cool down and other elements will destroy a cheap component quickly. Stainless steel is a common material that is used on the more expensive systems yet sometimes just claimed to be used on the cheaper pipes, so be sure of what your getting by asking questions or looking for recommendations. With this short guide we hope to give you some options of great products, which will possibly be both performance gaining but gentle on the others riding around you.
Fit and finish should also always be taken into consideration as many have experienced the “bargain bin” exhaust no fit frustration when the alignment is just a little off but you cannot fool the system into jumping together. Asking around and possibly searching the old inter-webs can help you find companies with fitment issues that you should avoid.
Full System: When you buy a full or complete exhaust for your machine you can get not only the muffler/Slip-on but the exhaust header from the engines head back to the portion that meets up with the muffler. This is called a full or complete exhaust system. Some companies say their modified exhaust performs best with the header and muffler or slip-on.
Slip-On: The muffler portion or last section/sections of an exhaust system is often called a “Slip-on.” This is just the noise muffling end portion of the exhaust and companies claim you can get performance gains by just installing their Slip-on can. In most cases just a slip-on will likely reduce power unless the engine is tuned along side its installation.
So with that lets dig into some of the available exhausts and the companies that offer them to get you more familiar with what you have to choose from when looking for that coveted System or slip-on. This may not be every company but the list includes some heavy hitters in the arena. Keep in mind that some companies may only offer a slip-on exhaust, race system or overall utility exhaust components for your UTV while others give you the entire exhaust from the headpipe to the muffler.
2017 UTV Exhaust Buyer’s Guide
ALBA
In their own words:
“With over 30 years’ experience in the industry Alba Racing sets the performance bar high and understands the need for affordable quality products for your ride! On a daily basis we ship parts to customers in Australia, Canada, Europe, Africa, South America, Mexico and any other place in the world where people need quality parts and expert advice. Buying from TeamAlbaRacing.com not only guarantees that you will get the best part available but also the personal customer service and technical advice that has brought customers back to us time and time again.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Huge gains in power and MPH.
- Tig welded stainless steel tuned header.
- 6061-billet aluminum and stainless steel muffler assembly.
- Muffler powder coated black.
- 100% made in America
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Arctic Cat – Can-Am – Kawasaki – Polaris – Yamaha
BARKERS
In their own words:
“Barker’s Performance is a US based company that hand builds every exhaust system under our core principles of Quality, Durability, and Performance. Unlike our competitors, we don’t simply make exhausts for the sake of having something to offer for every machine. An additional feature that sets our brand apart is our pulse-wave technology that results from our unique reverse megaphone design. This technology guarantees that even our slip-on exhausts will deliver power, not just sound. Barkers Exhaust uses 304 and 308 grade stainless steel tubing, TIG welded for best overall construction. The Slip-on or can is built of 6061 aircraft aluminum with billet clamps and tips then finally packed with Spec 19 packing materials.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- ¾ dual system slip-on uses stock header
- 304 Stainless Steel header in full system
- 6061 Grade Aircraft Aluminum canister
- Mounted with Black billet clamps
- 44 pound weight reduction over stock system
- Major increase in throttle response
- Major temperature reduction in cabin heat
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Can-Am – Polaris – Yamaha
BIG GUN EXHAUST
In their own words:
“Big Gun Exhaust was founded in 1997 with the purpose of producing performance exhaust systems for the MX and ATV markets. Following nearly a decade of success within those markets, the dawn of the Side x Side industry brought an entirely new market to cater to. All exhaust systems are handmade in the USA using only the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes. Big Gun has one of the largest aftermarket exhaust product lines available for the Side x Side market. Partnering with successful race teams and drivers has solidified Big Gun’s dedication to competing and producing products that withstand the harshest conditions.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Rugged high-strength 304 stainless steel muffler
- Hexagon shaped large diameter housing for more volume
- Internal sound wave altering technology
- Stamped 304 stainless steel coned inlet for more volume
- TIG welded reinforced muffler bracket
- Precision TIG welded and CNC bent 304 stainless steel mid pipe / head pipe
- Black powder coated stainless steel end tip
- Significant horsepower and torque gains
- Removable screen-type spark arrestor included
- Handmade in the USA
- 1 Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Arctic Cat – Can-Am – Hisun – Honda – John Deere – Kawasaki – Massimo – Polaris – Redline – Yamaha
GIBSON PERFORMANCE
In their own words:
“Like you, we needed POWER and TORQUE…and a lot more of it! But when we looked for the right exhaust systems for our needs, it was more like spinning a roulette wheel and hoping. After much study, we hired the best engineers and technicians and began producing prototype models. The biggest difference between us and everyone else is we use no Fiberglass Packing in are mufflers. This is good because it’s a maintenance free system as there is no more re-packing to worry about. This also lends itself to more reliable power and sound over longer periods of time.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- No Fiberglass Packing
- USFS Approved Spark Arrestor
- 100% Stainless System: System 409 Stainless with 304 Stainless Tips
- Lifetime Warranty
- Made in America
- No Re-Flash or Motor Tune needed
- 2 Finishes Available**: Stainless Steel and Black Ceramic
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Can-Am – Kawasaki – Polaris – Yamaha
HMF RACING
In their own words:
“HMF has been developing after market exhaust systems for nearly two decades. Whether your machine is built for dirt or pavement, their exhaust systems substantially increase the horsepower and torque while adding an incredible sound. Their deep, aggressive exhaust tone has been their staple since 1997 and, over the years, has become the official sound of the off-road.
Keep in mind, HMF doesn’t just crave horse power. They’ve built an entire new line of defense equipment for ATV and UTVs. Front bumpers, rear bumpers, cage supports and door handles, HMF’s equipment lineup carries the same great manufacturing quality, with a design that remains aggressive with streamline aesthetics.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Available as a Dual Full (Turbo Back) & Slip-On (Muffler Delete)
- Dual Full includes (2) 18MM O2 Bungs. (Factory and Wide-Band)
- Optimizer or ECU Flash Required
- Exhaust Fits: (17) Can-Am® Maverick X3, X DS, X RS
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Arctic Cat – Can-Am – Honda – Kawasaki – Polaris – Yamaha
SPARKS RACING
In their own words:
“Our founder, Curtis Sparks, built our reputation from over 30 years of racing, hard work, and dedication in a small Lamont Ca. shop. We pride ourselves on building products of the upmost performance and quality because we feel if a product doesn’t offer you what’s promised, it’s not worth having.
In 2012 we added our UTV performance product line starting with parts for the RZR900 XP. Since the release of our RZR900 XP products, we have seen a drastic increase in demand for our UTV product line, so we plan to expand our UTV products across a wide range of models and manufacturers.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- 100% made in the USA, in-house
- High grade 304 stainless tube construction for exceptional looks, durability, and performance
- 6061-T6 muffler components which keeps weight down while retaining durability
- 6lbs weight reduction
- Includes spark arrestors and accepts quiet inserts
- 2 piece head pipe design and Exceptional fit-and-finish make for a hassle-free installation
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Polaris – Yamaha
SPEED WERX
In their own words:
“In business Since 1994, we manufacture our parts right here in Forest Lake, MN. Our latest design is the Q6 Series Stainless Steel Muffler- they have a fully welded, all stainless steel construction with a baffled design and built-in spark arrestor so they are maintenance free and very trail-friendly. All mufflers are a slip-on design so they are a direct replacement for the stock mufflers for a hassle-free installation. For even more power and performance, check out our new Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers. Featuring CNC machined flanges, stepped diameter, equal length primary tubes, and a 2-into-1 collector to maximize overall power and performance.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- 304 Stainless Steel Header
- Stepped diameter equal length Primary tubes
- 2 into 1 merge collector for maximum performance
- Uses stock heat shield with minor trimming
- Large Donut gasket and springs included
- Maintenance free – No Packing to replace
- Trail friendly DB Levels
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Arctic Cat – Polaris
TWO BROTHERS RACING
In their own words:
“Our unparalleled sound and incredible quality is definitely what separates Two Brothers from the rest. Each exhaust system is handcrafted in-house, starting with our R&D team and ending with our production team. Every product is mandrel bent, hand TIG welded by hand, and checked in our custom jigs to ensure proper fitment and craftsmanship.
Our exhaust uses all stainless steel. Every system includes all mounting hardware and step-by-step instructions on how to install. Each Muffler also includes a removable spark arrestor and can be easily fitted with a Sound Suppressor by simply removing the end cap.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Stainless Steel Construction
- Removable spark arrestor
- Tig welded by hand
- Sound suppressor available
- Magnesium end cap
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Can-Am – CF Moto – Honda – Polaris – Yamaha
YOSHIMURA
In their own words:
“In 1954 Hideo “Pops” Yoshimura started the company Yoshimura in Japan. Yoshimura is renowned for its Research and Development. Yoshimura is the leading manufacturer of exhaust systems because our commitment to R&D is matched by our dedication to uncompromising quality standards and our expertise in manufacturing pipes that meet those standards.
Creating an environment where everyone is focused on a single mission allows our talented technicians to develop improved designs while continually raising the bar on product quality. The Yoshimura motto is simple and has not changed since the company’s inception: Make the best parts possible, and never compromise.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Pentagonal-shaped sleeve
- 304L stainless steel CNC rolled and robot-welded canisters
- Two-stage stepped perforated baffle
- Carbon fiber end-cap with embossed logo
- CNC Mandrel-bent polished 304L stainless steel header and tail-pipe
- CNC mounting brackets and articulating silicone-rubber mounting bushings
- USFS Approved spark arrester installed
- Repack Kits, optional Inserts are available for all models
Exhaust available for these manufactures:
Arctic Cat – Can-Am – Honda – Kawasaki – Kymco – Polaris – Yamaha
