Signs of a Damaged Muffler

The exhaust system on your bike is one of the most important parts of your engine. Without a good exhaust, your bike simply won’t run properly and you’ll be spending more and more time filling up your gas tank instead of cruising down the highway. One often overlooked or underestimated part of your exhaust system is the muffler. Over the course of normal use, the muffler experiences intense heat, pressure, and vibration. This can cause your muffler to crack, rust, or show other visible signs of damage. When it’s damaged, your bike’s performance will decrease significantly. Here are a few signs that your muffler might be damaged.

You spend more time at the pump than you used to

While improper tire pressure, clogged fuel lines, and other damage may cause your bike to become less fuel efficient, one of the most common signs of a damaged muffler is lower MPG. At first, you may notice a small change, but as the damage becomes more pronounced, you’ll start to fill up far more frequently. If you start to spend more time at the pump, check your muffler for damage. Look for excessive rust, cracks in the chrome, and holes that may be contributing to the inefficiency. If you see any damage, replace them with our slip-on mufflers.

You notice an increase in engine noise

Mufflers work to dampen the noise your engine produces as it runs. While cars are designed to run as quietly as possible, motorcycles rely on the noise generated to alert drivers of your position on the road. However, the noise generated should not be deafening. A damaged muffler will cause an increase in engine noise and when left unchecked, the noise level can become unbearable. If your bike is too loud, you won’t be able to enjoy your ride and may look for reasons to avoid riding altogether. Anytime you believe your bike is louder than normal, or you start to notice the noise in an unpleasant way, check your muffler for signs of damage.

You start to smell a foul odor when you ride

When your engine is running, it produces carbon monoxide. This is a normal byproduct of a combustion engine and is normally not a concern to the average rider. Your exhaust pipes are designed to take those fumes from your engine and emit them behind your bike, keeping them away from you as you’re riding. However, a damaged exhaust system will have a harder time keeping these fumes away from you when you’re riding. If your exhaust system is damaged, you’ll start to smell an off putting, acrid scent.

Carbon monoxide is incredibly dangerous and exposure to the gas in high quantities can cause unconsciousness, suffocation, and death. If you start to smell a buildup of gas when your engine is running, immediately check your exhaust system for damage. A carbon monoxide leak may not decrease the performance of your bike, but it is a significant health hazard. Should your exhaust system be compromised, replace it with one of our custom motorcycle exhausts today.