School Me on Exhaust

So... I know zilch about exhaust. I just know that my muffler has issues (it's loud, and the bracket weld joint cracked off).

It's a 2-1 and I would guess it's original. There aren't a ton of OEM exhaust systems around for this bike. So I figured I should take care of it sooner rather than later. I'm just not very sure on what to do (slip on muffler? Full exhaust kit? Or???)

The head pipes seem solid. Although, they aren't very pretty. I have no issues going with a wrap. But I know nothing about slip on mufflers. And besides that, it seems like a slip on muffler is in the neighborhood of $150, while a full exhaust is in the neighborhood of $270. I figure I might as well just buy the full exhaust. But I'm open to suggestions.

I found a supplier that still has a couple OEM full exhaust kits (they are MAC exhausts, actually). One with black headers, one with chrome. Is there a difference other than color? Will one rust sooner? I ask because I think I might like the look of the black... plus it's $25 cheaper. But if I'm sure to get more life out of the chrome, then I'd rather just get the chrome.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm totally open to opinions.

Thanks in advance!

If the existing exhaust system is solid (absent holes and weakness from excessive rust), might consider welding the hanger bracket back onto the muffler and painting the entire system with flat black VHT rattle can spray paint.

Am thinking the stock exhaust was 2 into 2.

Good Fortune!

As Patton mentioned, your bike's original exhaust would have been 2 into 2 (see diagram). Ed

Patton wrote: If the existing exhaust system is solid (absent holes and weakness from excessive rust),

Well... the muffler isn't "muffling". I didn't think that was something that is serviceable. That's why I assumed I would need to replace the muffler either way. So the busted weld joint was moot a moot point.

Patton wrote: might consider welding the hanger bracket back onto the muffler and painting the entire system with flat black VHT rattle can spray paint.

Will spray paint adhere to chrome? Like I said, the headers aren't pretty. But one of them still has a significant amount of chrome on it.

Patton wrote: Am thinking the stock exhaust was 2 into 2.

650ed wrote: your bike's original exhaust would have been 2 into 2

Is there an advantage to going back to a 2-2?

I doubt that there's a performance reason to go back to a 2 into 2 system as a reputable 2 into 1 pipe should perform well. It's more of an appearance issue and that gets down to personal taste. Ed