Japan market Yoshimura

[theecaptain]

Got this pipe in today and slapped her on. Haven't gotten to ride it yet as it's absolutely pouring outside but the sound is sublime. I think I'm finally happy with where this bike is at.

 

[Reptoid Overlords]

If you have any way to record a video it would be cool to hear it. Looks great.

 

[IanG@Phuket]

I want one for sure...looks awesome. Would really like to hear the sound though.

 

[m in sc]

why is the header wrapped?

 

[theecaptain]

why is the header wrapped?

Some would say it's to make sure all the boom juice gets detonated and protect everything around the pipe from heat.

 

[Mick In VT]

I’m running the same exhaust (without the wrapping). The sound is great but it also seems to improve maintaining speed on hills- especially around 40mph. It doesn’t do a thing for top end. Mine CT is resting for the winter, but there are many YouTube videos demonstrating the sound.

 

[Mick In VT]

*my CT

 

[theecaptain]

Yah exactly as Mick says, it feels like it's flowing more freely and after some time for the ecu to adjust I can also back up it needs no tuning for just the pipe. The sounds is almost like the cyclone but more mellow in the low end and hits the sweet note around mid-high rpms. Okay Captain, would you buy it again? Oh hell yeah, the real carbon fiber is tasty and it sounds great, the pipe is much lighter than the stock one and to me personally looks better than the cyclone especially with the wrap. That is an opinion only though.

 

[bryanchurch06]

I like the exhaust, not a fan of the wrap if I'm honest, I usually equate that with older bobbers and choppers. But to each his own as they say.

 

[theecaptain]

Yah exactly as Mick says, it feels like it's flowing more freely and after some time for the ecu to adjust I can also back up it needs no tuning for just the pipe. The sounds is almost like the cyclone but more mellow in the low end and hits the sweet note around mid-high rpms. Okay Captain, would you buy it again? Oh hell yeah, the real carbon fiber is tasty and it sounds great, the pipe is much lighter than the stock one and to me personally looks better than the cyclone especially with the wrap. That is an opinion only though.

I like the exhaust, not a fan of the wrap if I'm honest, I usually equate that with older bobbers and choppers. But to each his own as they say.

I just want everyone to know I fixed the ties holding it on.

 

[m in sc]

its been proven on a dyno that header wrap does nothing for performance, but if you dig it you dig it i guess, run with it.
personally, i don't get it unless its in a tight engine bay and trying to keep the heat down under a hood. beyond that, does nothing functionally. (except rust out steel head pipes).

 

[theecaptain]

Hmm, let's check this out in 5 years?

 

[m in sc]

stainless will be ok but still discolor over time. seen this many times on 'cafe' style brat bikes. .02

 

[dmonkey]

The temperature difference for riding a CT125 around town is likely not significant enough to make any noticeable performance difference, but it could help improve rider comfort if your right leg was getting toasty!

Exhaust wrap is still used in modern motorcycle racing to reduce heat around the engine, heat around the rider, and for exhaust scavenging... but that's on high performance engines built and tuned for racing. It's largely been replaced by ceramic coating, but you'll still see modern American Flat Track bikes with wrap around the base of the headers, and Bonneville land speed bikes with full exhaust wraps. Sometimes it's a combination of exhaust wrap, ceramic coating, and titanium pipes.

Here's stainless pipes cleaned up a bit after having worn a few different wraps over 20+ years:

You can see that it does leave marks on the pipe and discolor it, but no significant rust with stainless. As long as you're committed to keeping it wrapped the marks are a non-issue. You can reduce the risk of rust by spraying the wrap with high temp silicone coating and always putting the motorcycle away dry and indoors. If you used a cheaper fiberglass wrap it likely won't last long, titanium ones are best.

IMO it's a cool aesthetic that pairs well with the CT125's scrambler high pipe, it will look even better once it's got some hours on it and the wrap has changed color.

 

[theecaptain]

Totally. I don't mind rewrapping it. I have so much extra wrap that I could do it 2 more times maybe? 1 roll seems to go a long way. I really did clean it up though and got that wrap pretty tight. Between being driven at less than break neck speed and garage life I think the pipe will be fine. I rode around some more and I have to say I think it's settling in because it sounds and feels like there is just a little more oomph all around.