Modern Exhaust Header on 80's Vintage GS

[KillerGriller]

For curiosity's sake, are there any "moderately" modern exhaust headers that port over to early 80's GS well?


As an example, you have an 750 and see a 2004 gsxr750 being parted out; they are similar displacements, are the exhaust ports spaced similarly?

If you did find a header that fit, and don't alter the air intake or the mufflers (throwing off the carb setup), would the new(er) header effect the performance in any way?


Pros: alternate source for parts, options for realigning your exhaust without cutting/welding

Cons: find something that fit,...?


Thoughts?

[Grimly]

It's about time a list was made!

[KillerGriller]

It's about time a list was made!

I could never tell if this was sarcasm or not, although I suppose that's how you know it's good sarcasm...if so, well played!

Regardless, my '82 650E came with a 4-into-1 header that leaks like a sieve, and I'm looking for replacement options. I'm finding that a lot of sites have parts for most engine sizes but conveniently skip the 650...I think it's a conspiracy to be honest...or maybe it's because they have 550 bottom end and different cylinders? Who knows.

I'd prefer to find a decent used option locally rather than buy an aftermarket part if I can, but sometimes supply and demand can force your hand. Anyway, has anyone had success using alternate headers on their GS (i.e. - non-OEM, non-aftermarket)?

[zed1015]

Most modern engines are water cooled and the cylinders are canted forward.
This makes the headers narrower spaced and at least the first bend out of the head at a shallower angle which makes them no where near a fit for the earlier more upright air cooled motors.
Already been down this road and the only use most modern systems have are a cheapish source of stainless pipe for making your own exhaust.
The best chance you have is finding a modern retro which is based on an older design such as Kawasaki did with the ZR750 Zephyr which the engine was based on the old aircooled Z650/750 and the exhausts are pretty much a straight fit apart from the rear mounts.
The exhaust on one of my builds in the attached pic is made from parts of recycled modern systems ( GSXR, R1,ZX9R ) but not one of the bends is in the location it was originally situated.

316_zpsmwprixun.jpg

[Nessism]

In my years here, I've never heard of any "modern" exhaust systems fitting a GS. For your 650E, the 2V 550 systems should fit, since the 650 is an expanded 550 engine.

[Datsa Noydb]

The closest thing to “modern” you are going to find would be a MAC, V&H or something similar that was designed for it.

[trevor]

Hindle.....great exhausts

https://www.hindle.com/road-race/vintage-exhaust

[Grimly]

I could never tell if this was sarcasm or not, although I suppose that's how you know it's good sarcasm...if so, well played!

No sarcasm intended.
However, as others have pointed out, it's likely hardly anything will be a straight swap, let alone an awkward swap.
During the heyday of the GS, when they were cheap and common and about 10 years old, there were plenty of other UJMs around with exhausts that were broadly similar. That's when a list should have been made.
Not the case now, though.
Otoh, where a list would be useful would be if you found some New-Old-Stock XS1100 system and wondered if it might fit a GS1000, say.
Or, in your case, a Yamaha XJ650 Seca or Maxim might fit a GS650.
I've a sneaking suspicion that one of my GS850 systems will fit my XJ900F, but haven't tried it yet.

[KillerGriller]

Hindle.....great exhausts
https://www.hindle.com/road-race/vintage-exhaust

They only make them for the 1100 in the 1980-1985 range

[trevor]

They only make them for the 1100 in the 1980-1985 range

Nope...I have a Hindle for my 1980 GS1000S
Call them

[slayer61]

The air/oil cooled GSXRs share the same exhaust spacing as the GSx (4 valve) series. There are, however, differences in the depth of the sump to take into account.

Motogpwerks make a beautiful pipe for our vintage bikes

[KillerGriller]

Nope...I have a Hindle for my 1980 GS1000S
Call them

Correction* - Nothing smaller than 1000 for the GS

[trevor]

Correction* - Nothing smaller than 1000 for the GS

They do custom too..