This article will help you take the worry out of having to "exchange" or send back an exhaust when you order it online, and "remove" the fear of not knowing whether you're getting the right exhaust in the first place.

How do you know which exhaust is right for you?

Most people will buy an exhaust because they saw or heard a particular exhaust, and decided they just want to buy the same one because it sounds good, without considering what you really might want to before you buy one.

The truth is, just about every aftermarket exhaust sounds good. Obviously, it's better to buy an exhaust that's correct and not just because someone else has it. This article will help you make your investment in a new exhaust system a breeze -- so instead of being nervous about making an investment like this, you'll easily be able to decide to buy the exhaust that's just right for you, and the way you ride -- with confidence.

The Different Exhaust Systems

Exhausts for motorcycles mainly fall into two categories. The full system, or the slip-on. The full exhaust system connects to the head of the engine and the slip-on connects where your stock muffler once was before you decided to take it off.

The Full-System

This exhaust is good if you want medium to high end power performance. If you are drag racing, or you constantly run your bike full throttle, take long trips etc. -- the full-system will be the ideal replacement exhaust for your bike. You will see full-system replacements on cruisers and drag racing bikes. Just remember, full throttle -- full system.

The slip-on exhaust

This system is going to be more for the commuter and the "city" stop-and-go rider. The slip-on allows you to "getup and go" and gives your bike more low end power. Most sport bikes will consider the slip -on if they aren't racing because the "take off" is more important to them, or they like pulling wheelies and darting short distances.

Also, there are high-mount and low-mount exhausts. High mount and low mount exit exhaust (usually for racing) - might call for rising or lowering the seat, and removing the passenger pegs -- not a big deal if you're using your bike for racing because you don't have somone riding on the back. It's only something to consider if your motorcycle is used to both drag race, and carry passengers.

Do I need Anything Else When I Buy A New Exhaust?

Once you've decided which system is better for you and the way you ride, there are three "extras" that should be added to your installation process. Adding these elements helps prevent ugly blueing, engine damage, and undesirable performance to your motorcycle. There is a good reason why virtually all of the manufacturers of aftermarket exhausts recommend replacement of the following items:

Now, just by having these three ideas in the back of your mind when buying a new exhaust, you'll know more than most people who "just buy one" thinking that it can work for their bike - believe us, it happens more than you think.

A customer comes to our site, looks at our exhausts systems -- reaches into their wallet or purse all excited and pulls out a credit card and buys an exhaust, only to find out a week later they goofed. You aren't going to have the same problem because you now know all you really need to when you buy a new exhaust for your motorcycle.

Okay, I understand what I should consider -- now what about actually installing my new exhaust?

That's a good question, and can't be answered very easily from this end because it all depends on your mechanical skills, and whether you plan to install it yourself, or hire a mechanic to do it for you. The better question to ask is: do you want to make it complex, or would you rather it be simple?

All exhausts that you order come with step-by-step instructions, just make sure that you pay extra careful attention when you're adjusting your power commander or jet-kit. If it's not even, your bike isn't going to run even and smooth -- it's that simple.

So whether you are installing your new exhaust yourself, or not, expect it to take about 1.5 - 3 hours time to do it. It's normally a little longer to do it yourself if you aren't equipped with the tools a motorcycle mechanic has.

The fact is, only you can be the judge on whether you can do it yourself or have someone else do it for you. Once you have received your exhaust, it might be worth spending an extra couple of bucks to make sure it is installed properly by getting a book, or at least have someone who has done it before help you for the low cost of a few beers.

You may have noticed, understanding aftermarket exhaust systems isn't very complicated at all. And the more you realize how simple it is, the more you can feel confident about buying an exahaust system, a system that suits you and your riding style best.

When you're ready, you can locate dozens of exhausts at MotorcycleMart, in several different brand names you would consider buying from. Ride with style, turn some heads and enjoy your new better than stock aftermarket exhaust.