Installation:
After removing the front fairing and tailpiece, I began the task of removing the IP2 pipe I had been previously running. Although the IP2 exhaust is a great top end pipe, the track I run at is too short for it to be useful. I have never cared for the install and removal difficulty of the IP2, which generally involved unbolting the motor or dropping the forks. That being said, I was now ready to install the Powerpipe.
Due to the Powerpipe being a multi-piece design, I started at the exhaust flange first. I inserted the mounting bolts and lock washers thru the flange and then seated the exhaust gasket over the bolts on the backside and tightened it down. The exhaust gasket seems to be of excellent quality, very thick and durable material cut to match the opening on the flange exactly. Now onto the header tube, which slipped onto the flange perfectly. I fed the main body of the pipe into the frame from behind and it lined up perfectly, not only with the header, but with the rear frame mount as well. After slipping the mounting hardware thru the rubber mounting grommet and tightening it down, I proceeded to attach the coupling springs, having wanted to make sure everything lined up before doing this step. You may not be able to fit the lower fairing without clearancing it for the header pipe. I also made note of how far this pipe is away from the fuel tank and lines compared to the IP2 which nearly touched it until I devised a different mounting arrangement. Overall install time was under 30 minutes.
Note: If you have a RSA (removable swingarm) style bike you will need to cut the rear crossbar for this pipe to fit. I'm 225lbs and didn't notice any flex or handling changes having done this.
Testing:
After installation I took the bike to my local testing area which is an abandoned lot in an industrial zone. Having let the bike warm up for a few minutes, I took it for a spin. I found the bottom end to be alot stronger than the IP2 right from the start, and could bring the front end up quite easily. I played around in the low end for alittle while doing roll-ons and it had a nice snap every time. I then moved on to some high speed runs, from a standing start I found the bike would "get on the pipe" harder and earlier than the IP2 would and would stay on for a longer period of time. I honestly feel the bike gained more power across a wider band then the IP2 and really didn't notice much of a loss in overall top speed. I had previously been in the high 30's/low 40's with the IP2, and although I didn't have a gps or radar gun available at the time of the test, it didn't feel I was too far off of that with the Powerpipe.
Conclusions:
At a fraction of the price of the JetPro, the Badazz Powerpipe is a steal. I'm very pleased with the performance gains across the low to mid range and this pipe should prove to be very competitive on a short to moderate size track. Riders should be able to get back on the power quicker out of a corner than with the top end happy IP2 pipe.
Pros:
- Less expensive than a JetPro
- Quality craftsmanship
- Easy installation
- Strong bottom and mid end power
- Fit stock mounts perfectly
- Bling factor
Cons:
- RSA Cags will need crossbar removed
- Lower fairing modification may be required
To purchase a Powerpipe, drop Chris a line at
www.badazztoyz.com
