Tijeras505
New Member
After all the hoopla, I had to get the TBR exhaust and also decided to splurge on a Juice Box. Got both from Newenough. I also installed a K&N air filter a few weeks ago. Just wanted to make some observations on this setup.
I took the bike to Sandia Crest, a typical two-lane mountain road running about 15 miles long starting at 7000 up to 10,000 ft altitude. It also has quite a few hairpin U-turns along with some long sweepers and double apex turns. I've been riding this course quite a bit this Summer.
First thing I noticed, the throttle response was much faster. It also really pulls much harder in the mid to upper RPM range. It also felt that when the throttle is released there is less engine braking than before, which I liked.
Losing the approximately 10 lbs from the OEM exhaust I think made a difference in two ways - 1) made the bike lighter so it should help engine response and 2) it seems to have raised the center of gravity a bit higher. I found it dropped into turns easier and was able to maintain more consistent lines through the turns - or am I just getting better at riding the bike??
Additionally, the suspension felt tighter, probably due to the weight loss. I have my shock set at 5.
Another thing I found is that I can actually hear the engine now via the exhaust. I always wear earplugs and I only heard air noise before. I found hearing the engine provided some really helpful feedback along the lines of having an idea of the RPMs without looking down (safer). I think it actually helps me be smoother on the throttle - both on and off along with better gear selection. I found that I tended to stay in lower gears with increased RPM. Guess I just liked hearing the sound of the new exhaust....
Overall the new exhaust sounds awesome and with the Juice Box fueling was flawless. No throttle delay or exhaust spitting or backfires. This package really makes the bike perform much better overall.
I didn't try running without the Juice Box so I can't comment on any difference it may have made specifically.
Running the Sandia Crest has also brought to my attention the need for better brakes. I regularly have to use both brakes when coming down the mountain into tight turns. It sometimes feels pretty scary. So I have already ordered the Spiegler Braided brake lines and the EBC Sintered pads, all for the front only. Once I get those installed I will post another review.
Hope this information helps.
I took the bike to Sandia Crest, a typical two-lane mountain road running about 15 miles long starting at 7000 up to 10,000 ft altitude. It also has quite a few hairpin U-turns along with some long sweepers and double apex turns. I've been riding this course quite a bit this Summer.
First thing I noticed, the throttle response was much faster. It also really pulls much harder in the mid to upper RPM range. It also felt that when the throttle is released there is less engine braking than before, which I liked.
Losing the approximately 10 lbs from the OEM exhaust I think made a difference in two ways - 1) made the bike lighter so it should help engine response and 2) it seems to have raised the center of gravity a bit higher. I found it dropped into turns easier and was able to maintain more consistent lines through the turns - or am I just getting better at riding the bike??
Additionally, the suspension felt tighter, probably due to the weight loss. I have my shock set at 5.
Another thing I found is that I can actually hear the engine now via the exhaust. I always wear earplugs and I only heard air noise before. I found hearing the engine provided some really helpful feedback along the lines of having an idea of the RPMs without looking down (safer). I think it actually helps me be smoother on the throttle - both on and off along with better gear selection. I found that I tended to stay in lower gears with increased RPM. Guess I just liked hearing the sound of the new exhaust....
Overall the new exhaust sounds awesome and with the Juice Box fueling was flawless. No throttle delay or exhaust spitting or backfires. This package really makes the bike perform much better overall.
I didn't try running without the Juice Box so I can't comment on any difference it may have made specifically.
Running the Sandia Crest has also brought to my attention the need for better brakes. I regularly have to use both brakes when coming down the mountain into tight turns. It sometimes feels pretty scary. So I have already ordered the Spiegler Braided brake lines and the EBC Sintered pads, all for the front only. Once I get those installed I will post another review.
Hope this information helps.
