motorcyclebloggers.com

When I bought my 2006 YZ450F, it came with the stock exhaust.  That simply will not do.  After an exhaustive session of online research, I ended up going to MRD Racing for their stainless steel PROCOMP full exhaust system with spark arrestor for just over $400. 

Reading forums revealed that the pipe people own is the “best pipe out there”.  Because of the desert terrain and technical trails I choose to ride, this is what sealed the deal:

MRD pipes are designed for durability as well as performance. We utilize thicker gauge material in damage prone areas like head pipe, mount section, and muffler canister. If your pipe fails or is damaged in a crash, MRD will fix it free of charge.

It was also the best priced for a full system.  I have no interest in titanium or any other bling material for a pipe that could bounce off a rock or two.  Stainless has my name written all over it.  With the best price and the best warranty, the decision was easy.

SIDEBAR:  I called MRD Racing and the owner/janitor answered the phone.  See, I personally like this.  Try that with Yoshimura…  He told me about the pipe, the warranty, some jetting recommendations if necessary, and the lead time.  For me, I took comfort in talking to the guy who was cutting, bending, and welding the pipe together.  END SIDEBAR.

The system installed easily, as expected.  Its an interference fit, with no clamp needed.  This is good overall, but makes disassembly a little bit of a bitch because the two pipes do not want to come apart.

The sound of an opened up thumper is such a sweet, sweet song.  I didn’t have to change the jetting at all.  Honestly speaking, I do not know the performance gain because I made a few mods at the same time, but the bike is strong.

I don’t have any dyno data or tech specs to support any performance improvements.  The bottom line is that I like the pipe.  Period.  Its a great value with an excellent warranty (which I hope I’ll never need).

THE GOOD:

• Best priced system out there.
• Best warranty out there.
• Awesome sound.
• Likely performance gain (heh).
• Excellent service.

THE BAD:

• Separating the header from the muffler is difficult.

THE UGLY:

• The crash that would wreck this pipe.

An awesome and highly recommended exhaust system.