Thanks to Yoshimura Japan
Photo by Naoyuki Shibata Text by Tomoya Ishibashi Edited by BikeBros.Magazines
【 Japanese Page >> 】
Photo by Naoyuki Shibata Text by Tomoya Ishibashi Edited by BikeBros.Magazines【 Japanese Page >> 】
Published on December 19, 2017
Who can resist the fun of the new generation 250cc Supersport bikes? Sophisticated styling and the high level of agility, handling, simplicity and friendliness –––– it possesses the glamour unique to lightweight motorcycles, however, this kind of glamour can be enhanced by installing a Yoshimura muffler. It will reveal different aspects of each bike as it improves and upgrades the quality of exhaust sound, overall styling and handling.
FEATURES
250cc SS Popularity Increasing Among Both Beginners & Experts
Honda CBR250RR, Yamaha YZF-R25, Suzuki GSX250R and Kawasaki Ninja 250 –––– now all four of the Japanese brands have full-faired 250cc supersport bikes in their lineups. It is no coincidence since the 250cc segment which was once monopolized by entry-level and commuter models (especially in the Japanese domestic market where under 250cc bikes are not subject to the Vehicle Inspection System) is now lead by supersports.
Although you can’t beat the power and speed of 1000cc class bikes, 250cc supersports still pack more than enough punch to provide plenty of fun in everyday traffic. Being lightweight (the new generation 250cc SS bikes weigh around 160-170kg wet, compared to 190-200kg for the liter bikes) and powered by four-stroke parallel-twin engines that produce less than 40ps makes them incredibly exciting to ride.
Self-confidence –––– it is this which makes you think you can handle the bike, and that’s what maximizes your potential as a rider. Experienced expert riders are no exception; many of those who feel their age tend to choose 250cc SS as their next bike. Downsizing gives you both carefreeness and stress-free sport riding experience which always accompany a sense of fulfillment.
Stunningly Stylish & Iconic
And to make your 250cc SS something special, cleaner looking, and better sounding, you change the muffler.
For the new generation Japanese 250cc SS, Yoshimura offers two types of muffler –––– R-11 and R-77S –––– each with four variants of sleeves.
R-11 features the tapered triangle shaped can inherited from the Yoshimura Superbike machines and comes with a carbon end cap. There are four sleeve finishes to choose from, namely SS (Stainless Steel), SM (Metal Magic: custom etched & heat-resistant-black painted stainless steel), ST (Titanium) and STB (Titanium Blue: anodized in rainbow colors).
R-77S originates from the R-77 designed by Yoshimura R&D, which was first modified to the R-77J for the Japanese market, then to this more compact R-77S. It features slim design and straight-through construction with carbon end cap. Like the R-11, it is available in four sleeve finishes of SS, SM, ST and STB.
R-11 has an iconic, tapered triangle shape while R-77S has a slender, polygonal section which displays a mechanical elegance and attitude. Both look astonishingly perfect on 250cc SS as if they were exclusively designed for each bike.
This aesthetic compatibility is no doubt the result of the brilliant design and carefully chosen position –––– mounting point and angle –––– of these mufflers. As a proof, Yoshimura R-11 and R-77S are equally popular in every application.
Application-specific Sound & Performance Upgrade
Sound and performance mean a lot to us riders, and Yoshimura mufflers never let us down. Once you install them you'll notice the difference. The exhaust notes –––– the breath of internal combustion –––– become more clear and sophisticated. On the sportier CBR250RR and YZF-R25, I was also amazed at the improved engine acceleration and sound at high revs.
Another benefit is smoother deceleration. The smooth, adequate engine-brake will make your bike feel more nimble going downhill through twisties.
On the GSX250R –––– a truly unique SS equipped with an engine which has a rather long-stroke for a twin in this segment –––– I was surprised with a characteristic, bolder, deeper exhaust sound similar to that of a middleweight bike. Along with the most stable handling among the four, the Yoshimura mufflers further emphasize the character of GSX250R.
In the case of Ninja 250, the Yoshimura mufflers smooth the torque curve in the low-to-mid rpm range while improving the top end. Riding through stop-and-go traffic therefore becomes much easier. Don't expect much increase in power and torque just by putting on a slip-on muffler –––– since it’s a new model –––– but I definitely felt the difference in torque curve and top end pulling power.
Weight Reduction & Mass Centralization for Better Handling
Lightweight muffler makes the bike nimble. In the case of CBR250RR, a Yoshimura muffler can take off the bike's weight up to 3.6kg (with a R-11 ST/STB). Although the weight of each stock muffler and each Yoshimura muffler varies, all four bikes become sportier by upgrading the muffler. It makes it feel easier to lean the rear over.
Mass centralization also works well, and slip-ons are a great way to do that. Even a few kilograms makes a significant difference, not so much with over-200kg bikes, but definitely with the bikes weighing 160-170kg.
Adding Value to Your Bike
The muffler upgrading also improves styling and performance. Value is of course very much personal, yet this kind of modification –––– a leap from stock –––– will enhance both appearance and function.
I strongly recommend the modification to anyone who owns a 250cc SS, as it will increase the fun of your bike even more. If you haven’t had a chance to experience a 250cc SS yet, I encourage you to do so. And keep in mind that you can improve its performance drastically by a simple upgrade.
The new generation 250cc SS has a great potential to amuse both beginners as well as experts, and would be an excellent choice as either first supersports or second bike.
The test rides made me realize once again the significance and importance of muffler/silencer as a motorcycle component.
R-11 & R-77S: 2 Types of Muffler with 4 Styles of Sleeve Finish
Both R-11 and R-77S have a carbon end cap and come in four distinctive sleeve finishes –––– SS (Stainless Steel), SM (Metal Magic), ST (Titanium) and STB (Titanium Blue) –––– to match your bike. They are both designed with noise-level in mind (removable dB-killers available) while providing superb exhaust notes, high flow rates and optimal engine performances. Ninja 250 owners can even have a full Yoshimura exhaust system by purchasing Optional Exhaust Pipe.
HONDA CBR250RR (2017)
Street Sports Slip-on R-11 Single Exit
The stock dual exit muffler weights 5.5kg. ST & STB weights 1.8kg while SS & SM weights 2.0kg. Features a high flow rate and an exclusive tone at high rpms.
Street Sports Slip-on R-77S
ST & STB weights 2.3kg while SS & SM weights 2.5kg. Delivers a much deeper sound compared to R-11. With the optimum mounting point & angle; sits parallel with the tail fairing for a clean look.
YAMAHA YZF-R25, YZF-R3, MT-25, MT-03 (2015 and later)
Street Sports Slip-on R-11 Single Exit
The stock muffler weights 2.8kg. ST & STB weights 1.8kg while SS & SM weights 2.0kg. Comes with a stylishly-designed special heat guard that covers the rear section of the exhaust pipe.
Street Sports Slip-on R-77S
ST & STB weights 1.7kg while SS & SM weights 1.9kg. Featuring a sporty but classy design in contrast to the racy-looking upswept R-11.
EEC approved Slip-on R-11 Single Exit
ST & STB weights 1.9kg while SS & SM weights 2.1kg.
SUZUKI GSX250R (2017)
Street Sports Slip-on R-11 Single Exit
The stock muffler weights 4.3kg. ST & STB weights 2.2kg while SS & SM weights 2.4kg. Compared to the R-77S, it delivers a deep powerful roar from the larger diameter exhaust pipe. The look brings out the supersport’s coolness.
Street Sports Slip-on R-77S
ST & STB weights 2.1kg while SS & SM weights 2.3kg. Features a rich and heavy parallel-twin sound. Its stylish, sophisticated finish suits the taste of urban & tour riders.
KAWASAKI Ninja250, Ninja300, Ninja250 ABS, Z250(2013 and later)
Street Sports Slip-on R-11 Single Exit
The stock muffler weights 4.3kg. ST & STB (Without dB-killer) weights 1.7kg while SS & SM weights (Without dB-killer) 1.9 kg. Improves the torque curve from low end up to top end, delivering smooth linear power characteristics.
Street Sports Slip-on R-77S
ST & STB (Without dB-killer) weights 1.9kg while SS & SM (Without dB-killer) weights 2.1kg. Features a pleasing low-end music and a sporty high-end roar. Blends together perfectly with the Ninja’s styling.
EEC approved Slip-on R-77S
ST & STB weights 2.1kg while SS & SM weights 2.3kg.
BRAND INFORMATION
The well-respected Japanese racing constructor / aftermarket parts manufacturer & supplier, started its business in 1954. The company has been racing and tuning Suzuki motorcycles since the late 1970′s following the years of dedication to Honda and Kawasaki. Their product development, however, is targeting diverse applications ranging from 4-stroke minis to supersports of various brands.
6748 Nakatsu, Aikawa-Machi, Aiko-Gun, Kanagawa-Pref. 243-0303 Japan
Official Website: www.yoshimura-jp.com/en/
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