I just installed the jardine exhaust on my bike and boy was it worth it!  The bike sounds much better and I feel there is a little more power too.

The only problem I had was an air leak where the exhaust connects to the engine block. I just had to put a few washers on the bolts and it fixed the issue.

Anyone who is thinking about going with this exhaust, do it!  I found mine new on eBay.

Can you post some pics of your exhaust when you get some time? I'd love to see it! close ups would be good too.

I'm wondering if exhaust is worth the cash in power gains.....Does the power seem all THAT much improved?

Pipes + bigger jets + better air filter will get you 3-4 more HP.  You can advance the timing a little too by filing the ignition advancer's mounting holes.  Directions here: http://www.gstwin.com/diy_timing_advance.htm

Other than that, you're talking real money for more improvement.

Does a guy really FEEL that 3-4 horsepower?  Almost seems like money would be better spent on a 3 angle valve job and a quick port and polish, but idk....  Once you pay for exhaust jets and filters, ur in 'er over 500 bucks for a small(??) gain it seems.......

espo, check out youtube for video/soundclips of gs500's with different brands of exhaust.....

I will post some pics in a day or so.  My internet is down at home so i'm bumming off other people.

As for the power gains, my bike was running really rich because I'm at 5,800 feet.  The exhaust helped lean me out so I definitely feel like I can tell the power gains.  It's basically the same as a rejet for me.

I have to admit that I don't "get" spending tons of money to marginally boost an inherently slow motorcycle. Seems to me that the money would be better spent on buying a faster bike in the first place.

Craigslist is positively overflowing with them.

I understand cosmetic and handling upgrades, but 3 or 4 horsepower?

ummmm, what it comes down to is a lot of guys are kina "stuck" with their GS500, and they want somethin' a bit faster IMHO.  Buying a faster bike is definitely smarter in terms of bang for your buck, but it's a lot easier to come up with some cash here and there instead of saving at least $2,500-3,000 for a decent sportbike.  Personally, I feel that my '09 is pretty darn quick, definitely fast enuf to get me in a lot of trouble if I was to let my self control slip for a minute......I'm happy with it   I definitely wouldn't consider anything that is capable of 13 second 1/4 miles to be slow.  And that is coming from a 22 year old guy that has a felony driving record......Just saying....

Quote from: Bridger on June 28, 2009, 07:16:21 PM
ummmm, what it comes down to is a lot of guys are kina "stuck" with their GS500, and they want somethin' a bit faster IMHO. 

I realize this. It seems that, with the possible exception of a lower tooth sprocket , a decent tailwind would give just as good results as some of these "upgrades".

I've seen a few dyno charts on the site but don't recall any decent before/after test numbers to back up claimed performance gains. Most posts only reference that it "feels" faster. My sister thinks her 89 Ford Escort "feels" faster after she gets an oil change. Maybe it is...by .001 of a second.

Ha ha. Yeah the placebo effect definitely gets the best of guys often.....If it faster its faster, if it FEELS faster, then its prob. not.  Honestly, if your jetting isn't fun bags on adding aftermarket parts could likely decrease the overall performance of a bike.  Jetting is definitely tough to get right unless you have a lot of experience with it!  I am really really trying to hold back from doing any mods to my bike since I would likely regret it.  The problem is that I LOVE the look of an aluminum pipe....

Oh well. The haters can say what they want. I'm happy with the purchase and that's all it really comes down to in the end 

Nobody can argue that Jardine exhaust sure does look good!

I think that most of us who do modifications do it for self pleasure and satisfaction.
At least this is why I customize my bike: not to make it more powerful or quicker, but just because I like to. I like to work on it as much as I like riding it.
just my $0.02

I have a part you may need and it cost 10 bucks if you buy it from me.

Its free if you troll the side of the nearest highway and pick up a chunk of car/truck tire.
Tie a chunk of it to the shock linkage and it will keep the center stand off your left foot.

Cool.
Buddha.

 

Quote from: TurkeyChicken on June 28, 2009, 09:04:42 PM
Oh well. The haters can say what they want. I'm happy with the purchase and that's all it really comes down to in the end 

Quote from: The Buddha on June 29, 2009, 08:08:35 AM
I have a part you may need and it cost 10 bucks if you buy it from me.

Its free if you troll the side of the nearest highway and pick up a chunk of car/truck tire.
Tie a chunk of it to the shock linkage and it will keep the center stand off your left foot.

Cool.
Buddha.

The exhaust actually has a stopper for the center stand built in 

I love my jardine system.   Much improved look and sound.  With the lunchbox, re-jet, and pipe, it feels a little more mid-rangey, and it definitely idles better.   All my buds comment on the nice lope at idle.   The stock system is fine, mine was really rusted and rashed up though.   The stainless/aluminum Jardine is easy to keep up.   I think it would look great with a can about one third shorter.    The jardine absolutely wails at full throttle.   I have people come outside their houses to see what the hell it is.

The jardine exhaust is a win win IMO.,


Looks good, made well, lighter, and sounds good.


Just get it!

Only 3 - 4 hp gain ?

Heck, that's an easy 10% improvement for a 40 hp motorcycle - of course it's worth it.