Hopefully new GS Owner here, but have a question.

[GsFla]

Hi, I'm looking for a motorcycle and the GS fits the bill. I found one locally but the guy has run it without the exhaust can. I'm no mechanic but isn't that a really bad idea? He says the motorcycle shop he goes to for parts says it isn't damaging the bike. Anyone with more GS knowledge than me care to give me their opinion? Thanks in advance.

[Fry]

I believe most engines run better with some amount of back pressure provided by the exhaust system/can.

So I'd say it probably didn't hurt the bike, but it definitely didn't make it any faster.

To the prior owner the loud noise coming out of the unbaffled system probably tricked him into thinking he had more H.P.

[dgyver]

I am guessing that there is a header and the muffler has been cut off. Lack of back pressure will hurt performance some (no smart arse comments... S*****h <----- Shhhhh I am Incognito ... ). It could be running a little lean which it could have some minimal valve damage. I have heard of some running this way without any problems, except being loud and possible hearing damage.

I would put a can back on, prime candidate for a fabricated slip-on or better yet a full system.

Do you know how long it has been run this way?
Stock air filter or aftermarket?
Have the carbs been rejetted?

If the price is right I would not worry about it.

[GsFla]

The owner said the bolt came off and the muffler fell off. I haven't seen the bike, just pictures but it looks ok. It's a 2004 for $1500 so the price is right, even with replacing the exhaust can. I don't want an aftermarket, I like quiet and I'm sure stock will be fine. I looked on ebay but there was no stock used cans available.

I'm a bit worried about damage that might have been done to the valves, but I do think highly of the shop he has had work done to the bike, so maybe there was no damage internally.

The owner seems like a pretty up right guy, was honest about the loss of top speed, which is a bit worrisome anyway. I'm going to go look at it today so we shall see.

Thanks for all the advice.

Oh, is the black GS the fast one?

[dgyver]

...
Oh, is the black GS the fast one?

Only when going down hill. 

[Unknown]

...
Oh, is the black GS the fast one?

Only when going down hill. 

whats that supposed to mean?!

[anthonyd5189]

I would just spend the $300 on a Full Jardine exhaust system.

[mojonixon]

The black one is the best one!

[ohgood]

you didn't mention the specifics, like milage, overall condition, tires, etc.

post some pictures down around the tires, chain, underside, etc and folks can point out the witness marks.

some bikes are fine, others are complete shaZam!. all depends on how she was beat on.

[mojonixon]

I would spend the least amount of cash on a stock system either from here or Ebay, make sure the motor is straight before spending big cash just to find out the motor needs valve work.

[GsFla]

Hey guys, thanks for the advice. He sold the bike yesterday, but I do know where there are two more, more expensive but in much better shape. I will say this board is pretty cool, maybe not quite as busy as sites for other bikes I'm interested in, but maybe a little less attitude. Thanks.

[The Buddha]

The no can cases are usually subject to a slight possiblity of valve damage because when you shut it off, cold air will enter and cool the valves down too fast and possibly warp them. However for that the header will have to be cut/broken in the first 12 inches or so. The header is long enough to keep that from occouring. You want a can - I ahve a nice yosh for 100.
Cool.
Buddha.

[yamahonkawazuki]

dammit buddha, you always come up with the good stuff when i cant justify spending it, or after ive spent moeny on my exhaust 

[The Buddha]

Your exhaust cost 30 cents ... come on admit it, you just followed a hayabusa and when he started to cut it off, you hid in the bushes and when he turned to get the next side you ran away with it  I am not singling you out, I also have a few cans I got that way.
Cool.
Buddha.