by FrogZ » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:11 pm
DAMN mate how long you got
I will keep it short and only give 1 reason of many.
The manufacturer came to that length as the best compromise for the rev range where they figure the bike will be used.
As a rough rule long headers for low revs and short for high.
The length of the header determines when the exhaust pulse returns and (with radical timing for example only) stops the inlet charge coming out (relative to cam timing, inlet and exhaust size etc. etc. etc.).
This is 4 or 2 stroke excepting valves of course.
In the old days we would get a bit of pipe that was slightly larger than the header and holding the bike at a constant throttle (where you are mostly likely to ue it i.e. mid range, top end whatever) and move that pipe in and out until the bike revs the most (only way I can think to say it)
My ol' da' reckons in 'is day they would just put a long bit of header on and cut it where it discoloured.
This goes for the collector (the bit between the header and the end can) as well.
For a FULL explanation get a copy of Irvings Tuning for Speed.
STILL relevant in this day and age....
Just because you CAN ride, doesn't mean you SHOULD