Exhaustive Engineering
When you lay your eyes on a brand-new motorcycle, there's a certain excitement that fills the air. You can almost hear the hum of the engine and envision the open road stretching out ahead. But for true enthusiasts, that stock exhaust system is just the beginning. The hours spent by the OEM engineers crafting it? Well, we tip our helmets to their dedication, but we all know it won't stay on for long. In our quest for motorcycle perfection, we embarked on a mission to design a custom exhaust that would elevate the performance and sound of our Pan America to new heights.
First things first, that stock muffler had to go. We replaced it with a considerably smaller one, thinking it would deliver the symphony of power we craved. But, alas, the sound didn't quite hit the high notes we were after. So, we decided to kick it up a gear by ditching the cat-back system and crafting a bespoke "mid-pipe" out of high-grade 304 stainless steel.
After a test ride, it became evident that our smaller muffler wasn't providing the necessary back pressure. The engine felt flat and unresponsive at normal RPMs. It was time to bring in the big guns – a larger muffler. But even then, something was missing, just a smidgen of that oomph we sought. Inspiration struck like lightning, and we turned to the gravel mesh found at the tail end of MotoGP bikes. Could we harness this mesh to fine-tune our back pressure?
With analysis and sketches in hand, we ventured into uncharted territory. It was a matter of trial and error, but we were determined to strike the perfect balance. Cut from the same resilient 304 stainless steel and welded onto the end of our trusty mid-pipe, our custom end-cap was primed for testing. This small, unassuming cap turned out to be the key. It provided just the right amount of back pressure, restoring the engine to its responsive glory while preserving the soul-stirring sound we all love.
