1981 GPZ1100 Kerker exhaust question

Hello,

I’m searching for a Kerker exhaust to fit my 81 GPZ1100.

The Kerker model 127-61004 is listed on the SuperTrapp website as the only header for an 81/82 GPZ1100. But it requires removing the header to change the oil and also requires permanently removing the center stand.

I called SuperTrapp and the sales guy said it was the only exhaust they offer that would fit.

The Kerker model 127-61001 looks similar but allows access to the oil filter and retains the center stand on the bikes listed for it. Mine not being one of them.

I’d like to have access to the oil filter and keep the center stand.

Does anyone have knowledge of/or photos of a 127-61001 on a 81/82 GPZ1100? Would it fit as well as the 127-61004 or would there be mounting problems?

Thx

I believe that both pipes (127-61001 and 127-61004) are available from Dennis Kirk but they are pricey. One of the issues with removing the stock pipes is that the stock pipes have a 'stop' welded on them where the centerstand rests when retracted. By removing the stock pipes, the centerstand retracts too close to the chain and may rub on the chain. So, the solution is to note where the 'stop' is on the stock pipes and fabricate a 'stop' and attach it to the frame in about the same place.

Usually the difference between the different exhausts comes where the support bracket for the silencer is positioned and where it bolts to the bike. On my bike the PO fitted a new V&H system, but because he thought it was a LTD model the mount didn't line up, he made some bodge to attach it, I replaced that with a small bracket that I fabricated, so the average observer would never know. The spacing for the headers end is the same across all the 900-1100 fours as far as I know so fitting it to the motor end is not a problem.

Some one will no doubt have already been this route and will no doubt chime in on the topic. I would certainly not want an exhaust that prevented use of a my center stand and that had to be removed for oil changes, that would become a real pain especially as exhausts have a habit of not wanting to come apart after a while, so I don't blame you for looking to avoid that.

I have owned Kerker and Mac exhausts for KZ900/1000's and neither needed removing for oil/filter changes (although I can't attest to that for your model GPZ)...unlike V&H's etc. Brackets for center stands can be easily fabricated and I've seen them premade and available on a part site(s), tho' I can't remember which one(s). Best of luck...................Mike

Vroom-vroom!!!

redhawk4 wrote: Usually the difference between the different exhausts comes down the where the support bracket for the silencer is positioned and where it bolts to the bike. On my bike the PO fitted a new V&H system, but because he thought it was a LTD model the mount didn't line up, he made some bodge to attach it, I replaced that with a small bracket that I fabricated, so the average observer would never know. The spacing for the headers end is the same across all the 900-1100 fours as far as I know so fitting it to the motor end is not a problem.

Some one will no doubt have already been this route and will no doubt chime in on the topic. I would certainly not want an exhaust that prevented use of a my center stand and that had to be removed for oil changes, that would become a real pain especially as exhausts have a habit of not wanting to come apart after a while, so I don't blame you for looking to avoid that.

What he said.

Rockranch wrote: I have owned Kerker and Mac exhausts for KZ900/1000's and neither needed removing for oil/filter changes (although I can't attest to that for your model GPZ)...unlike V&H's etc. Brackets for center stands can be easily fabricated and I've seen them premade and available on a part site(s), tho' I can't remember which one(s). Best of luck...................Mike

Vroom-vroom!!!

Are you saying V&H exhausts can't work with a center stand, because mine on my KZ650B1 and KZ1000A2 do. I can also change the oil and filter with them in place, it's a little tight on the KZ1000 but it can be wiggled out, and put back without any bother.

LOL!!!

Here are the two headers (pictures from the Denise Kirk website). The 127-61001 header has a curve to skirt the oil filter and drain plug, where as the 127-61004 runs down the center line of the motor. If it's just a difference in hanger brackets to support the megaphone, that's not a big deal. My concern is where the headers wraps around the motor by the frame. Is there a length difference between the two headers? Are all Kirker headers the same length in that area?

When I bought my V/H system I had two choices. One I could keep my center stand, the other not. I was told if I keep my stand I would lose 5% as opposed to the race pipe. I kept my stand and if there was a loss of power I didn't notice it. :whistle:
Steve

Many riders like myself find the reduced weight of no stand more appealing even with stock exhausts if it is only used for occasional maintenance such as oil changes, chain adjusting etc. And find that it only takes maybe a minute to easily mount it with the 2 bolts when needed in the workshop. Quick and handy. Some bikes like the '76 LTD 900's didn't even come with center stands to begin with due to the Jardine exhausts, tho' they are bracketed for installing one when needed. Food for thought.......................Mike

swest wrote: When I bought my V/H system I had two choices. One I could keep my center stand, the other not. I was told if I keep my stand I would lose 5% as opposed to the race pipe. I kept my stand and if there was a loss of power I didn't notice it. :whistle:
Steve

The race exhaust would no doubt be a lot louder, so some of the 5% would be because of a more open exhaust assuming correct jetting for both units.

It was said it's because of the bends. The race pipes covered the oil filter and stand mounts before it exited , kinda like the sidewinder.
Steve