louder 250

[teesee]

Has anyone here changed the pipes for louder ones on a 250? I was thinking I would like louder ones but didn't how it would sound on my rebel. Any sugs.?

[GearJammer]

There were/are aftermarket pipes for the 250...Jardine's & Mac's (if they're both still available ?) Jack @ www.rebelcatalog.com would know for sure, as would some of the folks here.

On the '85, I cut the stock mufflers off & installed a $50 pr. of EMGO 12" Shorties. Sounded pretty dang good for a 250. When I sold the 250, kept the EMGO's & installed 'em on the 450.....same/same, only louder of course.

On the Classic Rebels ('85, '86 & '87) no re-jet is necessary after pipe alterations. I believe the actual aftermarket pipes designed specifically for the 250 Rebel, regardless of year, also don't require any re-jet. But if you went with your own aftermarket slip-ons (like EMGO, for example) on a newer 250 Rebel, a re-jet is recommended.

[NuBiker]

Whatever you do, make sure you can reverse what you do to your exhaust system. I would be concerned that the bike would not run as well as it does now, if the exhaust is changed.
You ever hear a popping sound when a car decelerates? That is not a good thing. Over here, when the kids change the mufflers on their import cars, that's what happens.
I have heard that people drill holes in the baffles of their mufflers to make them louder. I guess if you were not happy with the results, you could use screws to plug up the holes.
Before you do anything, go to bikebandit.com and price out what your exhaust system costs, then, go for it!!!

Best Regards,
NuBiker

[GearJammer]

Valid point, NuBiker, especially for a brand new 2006 model.

I usually just hack away with chopperhead abandon, but you're absolutely right, that might not be for everyone.

If the aftermarket pipes are still available, they'd be a pretty safe bet as far as performance. Or maybe a used set of stock pipes can be found on the cheap on eBay to experiment with, keeping the original stock pipes stashed just in case.

Generally, opening up the pipes enhances performance as there's usable hp buried under all of that EPA gear, but it IS a matter of seeing it thru & dialing everything in as needed. And, admittedly, "enhancing performance" on a 250cc is a bit of a stretch to begin with, altho' the sound could be made louder, if one so chooses.

I can spare everyone the trouble of drilling holes in the 250 Rebel pipes. Tried that first, drilling 1/4" holes in the end-plate...sounded lousy. Tried again, drilling 3/8" holes in the end-plate....sounded even worse.

Again, NuBiker......good call. :wink:

[b4v4]

The whole jet or no jet argument always comes up with this. I have been riding sport ATV's since the early 80's, and some folks don't rejet after changing exhaust. But, besides the potential for damaging your motor from running too lean, you also don't get any appreciable horsepower gains until you rejet. Letting all that air flow through your motor without adjusting fuel with it is one of the things that causes the popping and sputtering you sometimes hear with piped bikes. And, hey, the rebel only has one carb, so it's not a huge thing, but well worth your time.
My two bits! :D

[Richie]

briging back a dead post here but i bought a 1986 honda rebel and i want it a lil louder and help would be great as i know nothing about bikes..... and i live in canada

[Big_J]

Here is fairly recent discussion about pipes etc. it might answer your questions on making the bike louder.

http://www.hondarebelforum.com/showthread.php?t=1314

[LonLofgren]

Go to YouTube and type in "Honda Rebel". A few people have posted vids of their bikes with various after-market pipes. This will, at least, give you an idea what different pipes sound like. Happy Riding!