The Score
This is the least expensive model in the DRD lineup, but we were happy with the SA System exhaust on all fronts.
Our
2007 Honda CRF450X Project Bike needed some serious updates on it to whip the asthmatic motor into good health. One of the easiest, quickest ways to do that was slap on a new exhaust system from
Dubach Racing Development. Dr. D sent out one of his full-system SA units. The $550 stainless steel and aluminum setup arrived just in time for us to hit our second WORCS race in Washington.
The Scoop
Before bolting anything on, we tossed the entire exhaust system, including hardware onto our scales. Compared to the 10-pound stock system, the DRD unit provides a 35% weight reduction, and there are carbon fiber and titanium systems available too! As it was, we were very happy with the savings since the 450X isn't the lightest machine on the market. The header and midpipe are constructed of 304 grade stainless steel with welded construction. The 6063 aluminum muffler is riveted at the end but has removable bolts at the inlet for easy repacking. A magnesium endcap puts a snazzy finish on the whole thing and is removable by three Allen bolts to reveal the USFS-approved spark arrestor.
It only takes four bolts to attach the entire system and the installation is straightforward and simple. One thing that really put a sour taste in our mouth was the immediate burnishing that took place the first time we fired it up. We're not sure if it was residual oil from our hands or if there was something else on the head pipe, but ours turned a nasty-ass color in less than 60 seconds, so beware.
Not only did the pipe save weight, but it added some pop across the powerband, especially lower in the rpm.
Our pipe was installed simultaneously with several other key modifications including opening the airbox, removing emission hardware and rejetting. The result was fantastic in real-world performance. The SA has plenty of that, but the first thing we noticed was the much-improved exhaust note. We could actually hear ourselves on the starting gate and revving out to scare slower riders into allowing a pass was suddenly much more effective. Once we busted out the sound meter, the free-breathing Honda belched out 95 decibels.
Power increases were noted throughout the powerband, but we really appreciated the extra hit down low. We tended to short-shift the CRF450X most of the time at our Oregon test spots, so we really appreciated the extra grunt. Overall the bike picked up a lot of usability and throttle response, and our carburetion was better than stock as well.
The Sentence
We were totally happy with the entire DRD SA exhaust system. With an affordable pricetag, good fit, excellent performance, tolerable sound and great looks (minus that header snafu), we couldn't expect much more from our full system exhaust. Dubach Racing is becoming increasingly popular in motocross circles, but the SA system with its spark arrestor proves that off-road guys can look that direction as well to find quality components that suit their performance needs.
Product: DRD SA System Exhaust
Application: Most modern Japanese and KTM 4-strokes
Color Options: Stainless/Aluminum
MSRP: $550.00
Find out More: Dubach Racing
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