Well, a new bike isn't in the future, so thinking about upgrading parts of the TTR. Are exhaust mods worth the price? Do you get real performance gains, or is it just noise? Looking at the shorty header from totallyttrs, and a new either FMF or Pro Circuit silencer.
Yeah with a shorty header i saw a 1.5 HP gain, and can notice the difference. That was a seven % gain that just bolted on. If you look at the before and after dyno runs the engine now builds revs quicker and makes power a bit longer.
The muffler IMO is worth it for the weight loss, about 2 kg lighter than the stock muffler. Should also give a decent gain in power unless yours is already well and truly derestricted.
Around 2 or 3 HP extra
See this test http://ttr250.activeboard.com/t64192586/october-1999-motocross-action-magazine-on-ebay/
So IMO is the exhaust worth it, if you have got the $$$ definitely wakes the little 250 up.
Make sure its uncorked, ie grind of the header pipe restrictor, adjust the throttle limiting stop.. If you arent worried about water crossings pull the airbox snorkel out and rejet the carby. Totally different bike.
Kaos, I've removed the snorkel, and re-jetted already. From what I understand, my USA model stock header has lower restriction than European models already. I may be wrong on that? Anyway, thank you for your input. :)
Well, a new bike isn't in the future, so thinking about upgrading parts of the TTR. Are exhaust mods worth the price? Do you get real performance gains, or is it just noise? Looking at the shorty header from totallyttrs, and a new either FMF or Pro Circuit silencer.
To be honest, they don‘t give you much more than a heap more noise. I have a TKP pipe on mine only because I found it cheap and I like a bit of noise. It’s borderline too much though. It says 96db on the pipe which is clearly a lie
A shorty header might give you some more power though.
The best power mods are opening up of the airbox and a proper jetting kit. Pipes have had more effect on other bikes I’ve owned. Sure it feels like my TTR has more power and revs better but really? I think on a dyno you’d really not notice much.
And actually, most aftermarket pipes put the power higher up in the rev range. One of the best things about the TTR is torque down low. So you might actually harm the characteristics of the bike you like.
I also ride mine on road where the power up high is a benefit. I think its a good compromise. If it was just off road though, I’d not bother. As always YMMV
You mention grinding the header pipe restrictor; where is that located exactly? I have a 2006 TTR 250 and am not aware of a restrictor in the header pipe.
If you remove the muffler the restrictor is just forward of the joint in the header pipe, looks like a washer. My dealer removed it when I bought the bike new
Speaking of the header pipe, mine has a couple dents, and I'm looking to purchase a "shorty" header pipe. Does anyone know if these are still available? Looks like Four Stroke Works is no longer in business, and I haven't heard back from Totally TTRs.
Worth the money even with the added pound-to-dollar cost. The stock setup has a linear "engine pull" feeling at full throttle acceleration. I've noticed that the pipe helps the engine rev faster. Plus, I feel a little bit of a high rpm powerband. I use 52/140 jetting with a slightly restricted (modified db killer) FMF exhaust. I'm at 400 ft. above sea level. You probably should stay with the stock setup if your riding in the Rockies.
I have a Staintune muffler on my TTR & while it is loud it is street legal here in Australia I think it's 94db & to me sounds like a Honda XR, I only rode it one day with the standard muffler before changing, I rode it again with the standard muffler in 2016 when I was going to sell it.
Not sure if it's in my head but with the standard muffler it felt gutless & a lot nicer to ride with the Staintune (again it might be in my head)
I'm opposite to Terry. I bought a heap of bits, including a Staintune muffler. I added a Db killer. I didn't notice any better performance. Just louder.
I've gone back to the stock muffler.
I must be old.
__________________
In the Riverina.
'73 RD250, '80 XS1100, '81 RD373LC, '96 Tiger 900/sidecar, '02 TTR250, and another XS11 - this time a chain drive Period 5 race bike that may be ready to race eventually.