Anybody running directly from headers?

I knowi this might sound really stupid but a few people actually do run without exhausts, just from the headers.. I was just wondering if you guys had any experience with running fromh headers.

My 84 KZ 550 is now a bobber so I want the true loud rumble, I have brand new exhausts but the bike doesn't sound mean at all with them..

I've been told it's hard on the bike, even if jetted correctly, but some people told me it`s not. I would beleive that it is hard on the bike, but I want to know what YOU guys think.

Thanks.

`84 KZ 550 project

It will make it loud and slow. Ed

your lingo is off.

its called running a open header, removal of baffle, or straight pipe.

I run my Kerker wide freggin open. It is loud and totally obnoxious, but that's how I experienced the KZ bikes back in the day riding on the street as a kid and it stuck with me even at 50. I love the unique baritone note of the KZ exhaust.

Can it hurt the bike, if its not jetted correctly it can run lean and burn a piston. Chance of this.....slim. Other than that, I don't see a problem.

I you want it loud, run it loud. Don't listen to the haters. My local police even like the bike with open header....... :laugh: but don't be surprised if the tickets start rolling in.

Isn't he talking about cutting the pipes off before the collector? If so, it will cause the engine to lose some power. Ed

Ok, your right Ed.....?

If this is the question, then I'm really not in favor of doing this.

The exhaust and engine need a bit of back pressure to run correctly. Cutting runners short can have adverse actions on engine and performance.

I'm not sure if it would backfire while exhaust was air scavenging off throttle. I just feel it might but am not sure.

If bikes low quality and wish not to put money into it, cutting runners might be an option.

If bike is worth investing in, don't cut runners as you would be happy with a quality 4 into 1 exhaust with no baffle.

For reference ---

www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/594359-bad-gas-mileage

Good Fortune!

Sorry for the bad lingo!

None the less, tommorow i'll post a picture of what the headers look like.. The guy I bought the bike off gave them to me like that, so no I did not cut them, but he did right before it splits into 1. If it's gonna run like crap i'll just remove the baffle. Thanks for the replies

There is one other drawback. If you ride by my house especially during my sleeping hours which may or may not be 1st, 2nd or 3rd shift I will put a fairly large sized ice cube into your helmet protected or not cranium, from a fairly powerful wristrocket slingshot. Or I will find out where you live and when you sleep and visit upon you the loudest power horn available. Repeatedly. I have never seen where it is a right to be obnoxious. AND around here the noise fines are enforced and steep. I will never forget my daughter with double ear infections finally getting to sleep when some hear me see me idiot rolls by and cracks the throttle of a straight exhaust. Seriously, I would have choked them to an inch of their life.

Where does this cry baby live?

I would burn down tire after tire, the street in front of his house would be repaved with rubber.

I bet the Harley guys that fly by don't get a ice cube in the ear, so shut the hell up.

Let's not start a fight here, I understand why he could get mad for excessive noise, I used to work nightshifts and during my sleeping hours loud trucks and bikes would wake me up and trust me I woudn'lt be happy, but i'm not the guy to rev it up, I just want a sound I can actually hear and enjoy.

Heres the picture of my headers, after reading what you guys mostly told me I will just go ahead and purchase some used ones.

Do me a favor, PM this guy and ask if he has a good 4 to 1 that fits your bike.

He is a KZR member and has been good to me as his used parts are all over my bike.....

his forum name is Kz10006 His name is Brian.

See what he has, you will probably be surprised in a good way.

Thanks for the help, but I have some brand new 4 into 2 exhausts, I just don`t like the sound because it makes it sound quiet. I think i'll try taking out the baffles then see how I like it. Thanks.