The 2009 Yamaha R1 Exhaust System: Newer is Not Always Better

Written by Mr.R1 on August 28, 2009 – 2:26 am -


The 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycle is superior to it previous models in almost every way.  It has more power, better acceleration, a smoother ride, and is more maneuverable and responsive to the driver.  As with any new model, however, you have to take the good with the bad.  In this case, the main drawback is the 2009 Yamaha R1 exhaust system.  Many 2009 Yamaha R1 owners, although they claim to love the bike, do complain that the new Yamaha R1 exhaust system is huge and ugly.

2009 Yamaha R1 Exhaust System: Positives

The 2009 Yamaha R1 exhaust system is designed to maximize engine power while also reducing noise and exhaust emissions.  It achieves this with a new three-way catalyst exhaust technology and a mechanical silencer.

As the new 2009 Yamaha R1 has a new crossplane crankshaft engine, it creates a unique noise unlike any other.  Consequently, the muffler system had to be redesigned as well to work with this new engine, an currently employs a single expansion type silencer2009 Yamaha R1 Exhaust System: Negatives

The huge and bulky Yamaha R1 exhaust system is not necessarily Yamaha’s idea.  Rather, it was designed to meet increasingly stringent noise and exhaust emission regulations in the USA and Europe.  Unfortunately, the days of a lightweight and small exhaust system, and a powerful roar from your motorcycle engine, are gone for good.

The Yamaha R1’s exhaust system, while reducing noise and emissions, unfortunately takes its toll in weight and peak horsepower.  Compare, for example, this difference between the American and European Yamaha R1 exhaust systems.

The American R1, designed for tougher noise regulations, uses a mechanical, two-part system than reduces sound but also reduces power.  The European 2009 Yamaha R1 exhaust system, designed for more relaxed noise regulations, can use a standard, straight-through system that is muffled by packing.  Consequently, the European 2009 Yamaha R1 achieves an extra six peak horsepower over the American model.

Finally, there is the issue of aesthetics.  Yamaha did the best it could to disguise the big, bulky 2009 Yamaha R1 exhaust system by tucking the pipes up underneath the seat.  Although this helps somewhat, motorcycle enthusiasts still consider the huge pipes to be unsightly.  Perhaps the best that can be said is that Yamaha made the best design choice it could given the limiting circumstances.

Upgrading Your 2009 Yamaha R1 Exhaust System

The good news that an exhaust system upgrade can give your 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycle a nice sound and power boost.  It can reduce weight and increase peak horsepower to tease a little extra speed of out of the 2009 Yamaha R1.  Even better, there are several manufactures who have already designed and produced tailpipe exhaust systems that are compatible with the 2009 Yamaha R1.  We’ll examine just two of them, the exhaust systems available from Two Brothers and Graves Motorsports.

The Two Brothers’ M-2 V.A.L.E. Exhaust System

The M2 V.A.L.E. system features a blunted, Teflon-coated, cast magnesium outlet.  Instead of springs, it uses an adjustable mount that is solid when firmly fixed in place.  It comes in two types: a slip-on version and a full version.

The slip-on version reduces weight by four pounds, adds an additional 6.3 horsepower at 6200 PRM, and a extra five pound-feet of torque at 6100 RPM.  The full version, although obviously heavier, delivers almost twice as much extra horsepower.

The M-2 is compatible with several different silencer insets.  Two Brothers recommends their P1 PowerTip sound suppressor.  Using a straight-through sound diffuser (like the factory made European version of the 2009 Yamaha R1), it reduces tailpipe sound by three or four decibels with almost no loss of horsepower.

Graves Motorsports’ Cat-Eliminator Exhaust System

Graves’ exhaust system features mandrel bent tubing of stainless steel, aluminum flanges, and carbon fiber silencers that have tapered titanium conical outlets.  By eliminating the catalytic converter from the stock exhaust, it reduces weight by nine pounds, releases excess exhaust heat, and increases the flow of exhaust gasses, all of which combines to deliver  extra horsepower.  Just like Two Brothers, Graves Motorsports 2009 Yamaha R1 exhaust system comes in both a slip-on and full version.  Finally, the Grave’s Everlast muffler packing is designed to reduce noise with little or no loss in performance.
There are many other companies offering upgraded exhaust systems compatible with the 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycle.  With so many options to choose from, it’s a buyer’s market.  If you invest a little time in internet research, you can find the exact type of exhaust upgrade you want, combing your requirements to sound, power, fashion, and price.