Why Your Exhaust Upgrade Matters More Than You Think
The exhaust system is one of the most transformative upgrades you can bolt onto a motorcycle. Done right, it shaves weight, unlocks hidden horsepower, and turns every blip of the throttle into something genuinely exciting. Done wrong, it drones on the motorway, upsets fuelling, and rattles loose after 500 miles. With the aftermarket more competitive than ever in 2026, we wanted to cut through the noise — literally — and give you a definitive ranked guide based on actual dyno figures, real-world rideability, and hands-on build assessment.
Over the course of three months, our team fitted and tested ten complete or slip-on exhaust systems across a range of popular machines, from naked middleweights to full-litre sportsbikes. Each system was assessed on four key criteria: peak power and torque gains, sound character at idle, cruise, and wide-open throttle, build quality and finish durability, and ease of fitment. Here's what we found.
How We Tested
All power figures were recorded on the same Dynojet 250i rolling road under controlled ambient conditions. Sound measurements were taken at one metre from the outlet at idle (in dB(A)) and at 75 mph cruise (dB(A) inside a Shoei NXR2 helmet). Fitment time was logged by a single experienced mechanic to keep comparisons fair. Each system completed a minimum 500-mile evaluation loop before final judgement was passed.
The Top Picks at a Glance
- Akrapovič Evolution Line (Titanium) — Best Overall
- SC Project CR-T — Best for Sportsbikes
- Arrow Pro-Race Nichrom — Best Value Full System
- Yoshimura RS-12 Stainless — Best for Naked Bikes
- Two Brothers Racing S1R — Best Slip-On
- Remus HexaCone — Best Sound Character
- Leovince LV-10 Black Edition — Best Budget Pick
- Termignoni Relevance Titanium — Best for Ducati Owners
- Scorpion Serket Taper — Best for Touring Riders
- Graves Motorsports Full Titanium — Best Track-Day System
Best Overall: Akrapovič Evolution Line (Titanium)
If there's one name that consistently sets the benchmark, it's Akrapovič. Their Evolution Line titanium full system continues to be the reference point for 2026, and after fitting it to a Yamaha MT-10 SP, we understand why. The full system delivered a 9.4 bhp peak gain and, more impressively, a broad 7–8 Nm torque improvement across the mid-range where you actually ride. The titanium construction feels genuinely premium — welds are immaculate, the finish resists heat discolouration better than any rival we tested, and the carbon fibre end cap is a nice touch. Sound is authoritative without being antisocial: 98 dB(A) at the outlet, which translates to a satisfying bellow rather than an ear-splitting shriek. Fitment took our mechanic 1 hour 45 minutes with the supplied hardware, which is excellent for a full system. The price is significant, but this is genuinely a buy-once, keep-forever proposition.
Best for Sportsbikes: SC Project CR-T
Fitted to a Ducati Panigale V4 S, the SC Project CR-T is an uncompromising race-derived system that happens to be road-legal with the supplied baffle. The titanium construction is lighter than the Akrapovič at a measurable saving, and the distinctive conical outlet gives it an instantly recognisable visual identity. Power gains peaked at 11.2 bhp — the highest of any system we tested — though fuelling requires a remap to extract maximum benefit. Sound is intense and highly characterful, particularly above 8,000 rpm where it takes on a genuinely spine-tingling howl. Not for the faint-hearted, but for dedicated sportsbike riders, nothing else comes close.
Best Value Full System: Arrow Pro-Race Nichrom
Nichrom — a nickel-chromium alloy — gives Arrow a weight and cost advantage over full titanium without sacrificing durability. Fitted to a Kawasaki Z900, this system delivered 6.8 bhp and kept heat management impressively tidy on long runs. The finish held up beautifully after 600 miles of mixed weather testing, and the build quality is clearly a step above budget competitors. At roughly half the price of the Akrapovič, this is the system we'd recommend to the majority of riders who want genuine improvement without maxing out the credit card.
Best for Naked Bikes: Yoshimura RS-12 Stainless
Yoshimura's RS-12 has been refined over decades of racing, and the 2026 stainless version retains all of that expertise. Tested on a Suzuki GSX-S1000, it delivered strong mid-range gains and a classic four-cylinder soundtrack that suits the naked bike ethos perfectly. The stainless steel construction adds a little weight compared to titanium alternatives, but it's virtually indestructible and the brushed finish looks excellent after real-world use. Straightforward fitment and competitive pricing make this the go-to for GSX-S and MT-09 owners alike.
Best Slip-On: Two Brothers Racing S1R
Not every rider wants to commit to a full system, and the Two Brothers S1R proves that a quality slip-on can still make a meaningful difference. Tested on a Honda CB650R, it added a genuine 3.1 bhp at the top end, improved throttle response noticeably, and shed 1.4 kg from the stock unit. More importantly, it transformed the CB's somewhat muted exhaust note into something genuinely rewarding. Fitment is a simple 20-minute job. If you're not ready for a full system, start here.
Best Sound Character: Remus HexaCone
Austrian manufacturer Remus has always prioritised sound engineering alongside performance, and the HexaCone's internal resonance chamber design produces one of the most satisfying exhaust notes we've ever tested. Fitted to a BMW R 1250 GS, it produces a rich, deep boxer rumble at idle that transitions into a purposeful snarl at speed. Power gains are modest — this isn't a race system — but the sheer quality of the aural experience is unmatched in our test group. Ideal for touring riders who want their bike to sound as good as it looks.
Best Budget Pick: Leovince LV-10 Black Edition
Under £300 and still delivering measurable gains? The Leovince LV-10 Black Edition deserves enormous credit. Fitted to a Kawasaki Ninja 650, it added 2.8 bhp, saved 1.1 kg, and produced a notably improved exhaust note. The black stainless finish looked sharp on day one and held up adequately through our 500-mile test, though we'd expect some heat marking long-term. For newer or budget-conscious riders, this is the gateway drug to the world of aftermarket exhausts.
Other Notable Systems
The Termignoni Relevance Titanium is the definitive choice for Ducati DesertX and Multistrada owners, offering perfect OEM-style integration with a genuine performance boost. The Scorpion Serket Taper impressed on the Honda Africa Twin with its exceptionally low drone at motorway speeds — critical for touring comfort. And the Graves Motorsports Full Titanium system, tested on a Yamaha YZF-R1, is frankly too loud and focused for the road but absolutely exceptional on track, where its 13 bhp gain and featherlight weight make it the serious racer's choice.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The right exhaust depends entirely on your priorities. For outright quality and broad compatibility, the Akrapovič Evolution Line is the benchmark and worth every penny. Budget-conscious riders will find the Arrow Pro-Race Nichrom or Leovince LV-10 deliver excellent returns. Sportsbike obsessives should look seriously at the SC Project CR-T, while touring riders will love what Remus does for the riding soundtrack. Whatever you choose, invest in a proper fuel remap — it will unlock the full potential of any aftermarket system and is simply non-negotiable for optimal performance and engine health.