HOW A REAL EXHAUST CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE
Why Sound Matters on a Motorcycle?
Riding your motorcycle through dense traffic or remote forest trails, it’s not just about visibility, it’s about audibility. Being heard before you’re seen can give you a critical edge, helping avoid everything from inattentive drivers to startled wildlife. In our latest video, Adam Riemann demonstrates why a quality performance exhaust system isn’t just about power or aesthetics, it can be about safety too.
On his classic Honda XRV750 Africa Twin, his beloved Warhorse, Adam highlights the real-world advantages of a well-tuned, deep-toned exhaust like his Akrapovič system. Unlike loud “cheap rubbish exhausts,” a properly engineered performance exhaust creates a rich, resonant tone that travels through the landscape. Whether it’s kangaroos in the outback or distracted drivers in the city, this audible presence alerts others to your approach, giving them time to react safely.
The benefits extend beyond noise. Performance exhausts often reduce weight, improve heat dissipation, and enhance engine efficiency, contributing to a longer-lasting, smoother ride. As Adam puts it, a real exhaust “is like a musical instrument” when tuned correctly: not just loud, but harmonically balanced and emotionally resonant.
Through 30 years of off-road experience, Adam’s learned that riding silently through wildlife-rich terrain is asking for trouble. Animals, like drivers, need time to assess and escape. With a quality exhaust, you’re not just heard, you’re felt, much like distant rescue choppers or water bombers that alert you with their deep percussion before you see them.
So whether you’re cruising the backroads or threading through traffic, a thoughtfully chosen performance exhaust might just be one of the most underrated safety upgrades you can make. It’s not just about making noise, it’s about making the right noise. Watch the full video below.
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Hi, engineers spend hours to design exhaust systems.
I not understand the purpose to change a well engineered exhaust system to something louder. And ride this in the nature and public. Just annoying wildlife and people.
In other words, loud is out.
The only reason for me to change and exhaust is, safe weight. But not louder at the same time.
Greets to down under
Andy
A lot of them aren’t engineered for the “right” reasons though.. Japan has almost always had the most stringent emissions standards and everything that rolls off the factory floor has to meet those.
They build the bike and the motor, and the exhaust is only ever made to take it as far as possible without breaking those local limitations.
Once the bikes are shipped abroad most manufacturers work directly with aftermarket companies to specifically produce exhaust systems to work well with their motorcycles while meeting local regulations (think Europe) and getting that performance and feel closer to the original design.
Regarding the noise, we get road versions and track versions of most exhaust systems.
Some track ones are extreme but some aren’t too offensive, but the road ones make more then enough noise to be heard if your not seen!
I totally agree… lane filtering is a good example too. I have a Ducati with a nice grumbly set of Stanton’s and a KLR with a very nice Delkevic… no way cagers aren’t hearing me approaching.
Keep up the great work Adam.
Well, in many countries in Europe you have currently a lot of restrictions about loud motorbikes. Those restrictions caused by the “cool” Akra guys affect everyone.
Roads are closed on weekends and holidays, speed limits etc.
Probably think more global?!
LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES, STRAYA!
A lot of them aren’t engineered for the “right” reasons though.. Japan has almost always had the most stringent emissions standards and everything that rolls off the factory floor has to meet those.
They build the bike and the motor, and the exhaust is only ever made to take it as far as possible without breaking those local limitations.
Once the bikes are shipped abroad most manufacturers work directly with aftermarket companies to specifically produce exhaust systems to work well with their motorcycles while meeting local regulations (think Europe) and getting that performance and feel closer to the original design.
Regarding the noise, we get road versions and track versions of most exhaust systems.
Some track ones are extreme but some aren’t too offensive, but the road ones make more then enough noise to be heard if your not seen!