Inside the Industry: Tips for Buying a New Exhaust

Overview: What am I looking for in an exhaust?

The first thing to ask yourself is why are you interested in a new exhaust? Is your current exhaust not working, broken, etc? Are you looking for better performance? Are looking for a more customized look? A better sound? These are important questions because the price and quality of exhausts out there revolve around these questions. And after all, if you're putting several hundred dollars into a new exhaust, you should get what you want!

Stock vs Aftermarket

When replacing a broken or old exhaust for an ATV or motorcycle, the first question might be - Should I buy stock? There really might not be a good reason to buy stock. Stock exhausts are not made by the best of engineers. When an exhaust is designed, they have to meet USFS and other legal standards, and for engineers who have a laundry list of other parts to design, they don't generally focus much on great performance in the exhausts. The exhausts are generally made from steel which is a very heavy material. Exhausts are also typically chromed, but are very susceptible to rust and require a lot of maintenance to keep it looking good. So not only do you have lower horsepower because of the higher weight, you have an exhaust that might not look the best and requires constant cleaning. And to top it all off - its most likely going to be much pricier than most aftermarkets.

So I'm looking into an Aftermarket Exhaust. What now?

There are several industries that just specialize in exhausts, such as HMF, Two Brothers, Motoworks, and Yoshimura. These companies have engineers that take a look at the make and model of a bike, create a good fitment, and then model the inside of the exhaust as well as the material to get the best horsepower and sound. Most exhausts fit a small few makes and models. Some may only fit one model/make of an ATV with a limited year range, some may be able to fit several makes and models. The first step is to look at the companies available. Although there are many manufacturers to choose from, for the sake of this articles size, here is a brief review.

HMF: Low prices, large range of customizable colors, decent performance.Two Brothers: Higher prices, moderate range of customized look, great performance (specializes in dual exhausts).Motoworks: Lowest prices, limited range of customized look, better than stock performance.Yoshimura: Higher prices, moderate range of customized look, great performance.

This is not so much of a guide to tell you what is the best manufacturer, but to let you be aware of how they range. Almost any aftermarket exhaust will give you better horsepower than stock, but some are geared towards a customized look, some are geared towards the best performance, and some are geared towards being the most affordable.

A Brief Look at Terms

There is a special set of words used in the exhaust industry. Knowing these will help you buy the right exhaust and save money.

Slip-on: A slip-on exhaust is generally just a muffler. Not all makes and models of a bike can just have a slip-on replacement, some require the entire exhaust to be replaced. Slip-ons can be at least $200 cheaper than a full exhaust because they don't include the header / mid-pipes.Full / Complete System: This is an exhaust that includes an entire replacement - muffler, header pipes, mid pipes. Its generally more expensive.Header / Mid Pipes: These are the pipes that are generally "hidden" within the bike. They connect the engine to the muffler and generally are not decorated or painted.USFS: United States Forestry approval. They require flame and sound restrictions on ATVs.Spark Arrestor: This is a small screen that is meant to reduce the flames exiting the muffler. A spark arrestor is required to be included with exhausts, so make sure one is included! The best option is to have one is removable.Quiet Core: An insert into the muffler that helps quiet the exhaust. A decibel measurement should be included in the information about the core, generally the level is around 90 decibels but is different for various parks. Quiet Cores are usually an additional item purchased with an exhaust, but some exhaust series include it in the pipe already.Dyno chart: A chart that measures the power of an exhaust. See below for the paragraph of how to read a dyno chart.

How to read a dyno chart

Not all exhausts have a dyno chart publicized, but if they do, its a great source of information to see how much torque and horsepower you can get out of an exhaust. It measures the torque (force needs to cover a distance, ft lbs.) and horsepower over RPMs. Some dyno charts show both torque and HP, some only show one of the two. On the bottom will be the RPMs. For example, a dyno chart may show that a bike has 21 HP at 1200 RPMs. When a dyno chart compares two bikes (with a stock exhaust and the aftermarket exhaust), generally you want the exhaust thats line places higher up. Some comparisons can also show a difference in power at different lengths of a bike ride.

Breaking it down: Buying at a low Cost

So you're ready to buy and you want something affordable? Remember to look for these things: An exhaust that is made of some type of aluminum and not carbon fiber (carbon fiber is much more expensive), a slip-on (unless you need a full exhaust replacement), that does include a spark arrestor and hardware (despite how cheap an exhaust is, these two things are a must). Color on an exhaust, if available, is generally not too much more money - maybe about 20 to 40 bucks.

Breaking it down: Buying for Performance

So you're ready to buy and you want something with a lot of horsepower? Not all manufacturers will have a lot of information, but if available, pay attention to the HP & Torque gain, the difference in weight, the exhaust series, and the dyno chart. Exhausts can often be pretty much the same inside and out, but some series are very new and innovative, such as the HMF Competition Series that features different inserts to alter the power and sound. If you race periodically, looking for an exhaust that has additional adjustable features like this can make a big difference.

Breaking it down: Buying for Looks

Some manufacturers stick to the basics: Sticker, aluminum, chrome or brushed finish, done. Some go farther. Generally, the exhausts are either made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum and at least $100 more expensive, and can be more fragile, but has a great look to it. Aluminum is generally powder-coated in different colors.

Other Tips:

If you are buying online, don't buy straight from the manufacturer! You are likely to buy the exhaust at full retail and pay for shipping. There are plenty of powersport online stores and eBay sellers that sell new exhausts they buy from the manufacturer. Also, many sellers offer free shipping on orders over $100-$200, and generally an exhaust will be over that amount.

Research! Don't buy from the manufacturer, but do visit their website! A simple Google search will bring up many manufacturers. Do your research, and an individual seller will generally not have any more information that the manufacturer doesn't.

Look at reviews - Information can be found on online forums and reviews of exhausts that won't be publicized by the seller or manufacturer. For example, on the manufacturer's website you'll find installation instructions, but on a review of that exhaust, you can find out just how exactly difficult the installation is.

Sara works in the advertising and online sales of Street N' Dirt.

Street N' Dirt is a branch of an OEM Kawasaki, Suzuki and Arctic Cat parts and accessories dealership. Among these companies, it also sells aftermarket accessories for ATVs and Dirt Bikes. Some of the aftermarket companies Street N' Dirt sells is HMF Engineering, Pro Armor, Cobra, Motoworks, Factory Effex, any many more!

Street N' Dirt has two main webstores:
http://www.leesonsarcticcat.com/
http://www.streetndirt.com/

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Buying Off-Road Go-Karts

Often when people are looking to buy go karts for their families, they are not searching for a high maintenance vehicle that needs a special course or type of road to drive on. Unfortunately, many go karts fit in this category and often give a family many unexpected surprises. This however can be avoided by looking for a off road type of go kart.

Off road go karts are the best choice for a normal family for many reasons. They are designed to go over bumpy outdoor terrains or to drive on roads, this makes it much simpler for a family to just pull the kart out of the garage and start having fun. Many racing go karts are made just for go kart courses and are not made to go over bumps or deal with any adverse conditions. They also usually cost some money to maintain. Again, this is not a problem with off road go karts because they are built to take some punishment.

When looking for a off road go kart for kids or your family, you must make sure that it has some normal safety enhancements. Often when off road go karting bumps, sudden stops, or even loss of control is very common. This is due to the unpredictable terrain and sometimes high speeds. These however are a minor issues with some very basic safety enhancements.

Perhaps the most simple of these is the basic seat belt. A sudden stop or bump without one could send the driver of the vehicle flying through the air and result in injury. With a seat belt this is no longer even a issue. On top of having a seat belt it is also extremely important to make sure the kart has a roll cage. A roll cage is simply a metal cage that goes around the drivers seat. If the kart happens to flip or get turned over, the roll cage protects the driver from serious injury.

Simply by understanding what you are looking for and the safety requirements you can quickly be on your way having family fun with off road go karts.

If your looking for more information on family go karts or even how to get started in go kart racing for you or your children be sure to check out Go Karts for Kids

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Tips for Buying an ATV

There are many people out there who are either buying or selling a new or used ATV. When you are thinking about buying one, you should really consider some of the best tips to make sure that you find the best deal on your ATV purchase. There are a lot of things that you should take into consideration. When you focus on the things that you need to focus on in order to find the right ATV for you, you are sure to end up a happy camper in the end when you have exactly what you were looking for.

First of all, you should take the time to learn about the different types that are on the market. There are many different brands and styles for you to choose from. Some people may enjoy one style while a different style may be the one for you. When you keep your mind open on it, then you are able to have a better selection to choose from. You can also save more money if you do this.

Another thing to do is figure out how much you are looking to spend for your ATV purchase. If you want to spend just a little, then you will want to find one in your price range. If price is not really an option, then you may choose to go all out on it. No matter what your choice for a budget, be sure to stick with it. This is very important, especially when buying a big ticket item such as an ATV.

The next thing to consider is where you will purchase your ATV from. If you want a new one, then you are better off buying from a dealer. If you do not mind buying a used one then you may want to find someone in your area who is selling one.

No matter what, be sure that you get exactly what you are looking for because this is a big purchase.

If you enjoyed this article check out cake decorating set or cap sleeve dress for more great articles. I hope you've found this article informative and enjoyable to read. Good luck.

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Top 5 Things to Know When Buying an ATV Trailer

Finding an ATV trailer that actually does what it's supposed to, is easier said than done. Many people make the mistake of buying a trailer that 'looks good enough', without bothering to check whether it will be able to handle the terrain they intend to use it on.

Make sure you don't make the same mistake, by taking into account my top five things to know when buying an all terrain vehicle trailer.

Is the Frame Structurally Sound?

Depending on exactly where you plan on taking your trailer, you're going to need to be absolutely sure that the frame and wheel chassis' are made from a solid material (preferably steel), so that any rough bumps along the way don't cause your ATV trailer to break.

You should consider that any off road activity will lead to wear and tear on the unit, so eventually no matter what you do it will break. However, if you invest in a quality trailer, there will be plenty of warning signs before it does so, giving you adequate time to replace the unit before disaster strikes. An opportunity you won't get if you don't make sure to buy a particularly rugged model.

What's the Full Load Capacity?

Obviously all terrain vehicle trailers will have completely different limits on the amount they can carry, partly based on their size and partly based on the way they were built. It's always a good idea to get a trailer that can carry more than you actually plan to load it with, that way you know you'll always be able to tow it around safely

What Kind of Tires Does it Have?

If your planning on using your ATV trailer off-road, then it is imperative you choose one with big tires. The best kind of tires are pneumatic (air filled) ones, as they are extremely durable and have a very deep tread (to help gain traction on loose earth, gravel and mud).

Does it Have Lights?

Amazingly, not all trailers will come with safety or indicator lights installed as standard. Any vehicle that is going to be used on the road, should be fitted with reflective lights and indicators for safety reasons. Not only to protect the person driving, but for the sake of other people using the roads as well. If you don't plan on using your all terrain vehicle trailer on the public highways, then you don't really need to get lights, but otherwise you should make sure to get a trailer that does.

Do Your Research

Remember before buying any kind of ATV trailer to thoroughly research the product. Go online and find out what other people have to say about the trailer, is it any good? Is it hard to travel with? How long does the model you're considering normally last?

By looking into all the above issues before you buy your ATV trailer, you'll know for sure that your purchase can do everything you could possibly need.

ATV trailers can be found at an ATV trailer dealer near you.

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Tips For Buying An All Terrain Vehicle So You Don't Have Regrets Later

Many thrill seekers are interested in the fun world of all terrain vehicles. Unfortunately, most people make poor and compulsive decisions when doing so. Make sure you know at least the basic facts when purchasing a new ATV.

If you wait your time and shop around you can find some great deals, and lets not forget about the second hand market. Remember that there are some people that buy fancy off road vehicles and rarely use them. These folks often unload them at a fraction of the price when they accept the fact they aren't being used much.

Just remember to make sure that the vehicle hasn't been sitting stationary, unused, in a garage for quite some time. While this may sound awesome, even if it's a good deal you might want to consider passing. An unused vehicle sitting forever generally develops internal problems, usually with the motor.

Don't go for a cheap ATV model that will disappoint you. If you can't afford what you want, don't settle. Why not just rent when you want to go riding? It's better to rent a quality ATV for the weekend that buy a cheap piece of junk and be stuck with something with little resale value.

If you're ready to start planning to purchase an ATV, you need to jot down what you're looking for.

The first consideration you need to make is what type of terrain you will be riding in. Do you want to race in dirt? Climb up sand dunes? Traverse across lakes and muddy areas to get to a secret fishing spot?

After you've figured out what kind of vehicle you need, start listing additional attributes you require; carrying capacity, frame size, etc. If you're unsure, talk to someone that knows about this sort of thing. You should also research different types of accessories and figure out which ones you could really use.

Never skimp on important safety features. Even if you really want to trick your ride out with all of the latest and greatest accessories, if that means skimping on safety features, always take safety into consideration first.

Tires are one of the most important aspects of an ATV. They aren't just an accessory; four wheeler tires [http://fourwheelertires.org] are an integral part of a functioning off road vehicle.

Selecting the right type of 4 wheeler tires [http://fourwheelertires.org] is dependent on the environment you will be riding in. If you want to ride in the desert go for sand tires, etc.

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