Nothin' but real-world installs and hardcore tech here. Forget paying for service; this is about getting your hands dirty and spinnin' a wrench on your own ride. Whether you've got a brand new bike or a clapped-out crapper we're showing you how to make useful upgrades.
The HMF pipe comes in a variety...
The HMF pipe comes in a variety of colors. we chose the black can and the black tip for a murdered-out look.
For everything the superb CBR600RR is, it's still stock-and stock sucks. In search of more power, less weight and a better sound we decided a slip-on pipe was the way to go. To uncork the Honda we enlisted the help of HMF and its new Street Series slip-on exhaust.
The Street Series slip-on features T-304 stainless steel piping and a T-6061 aluminum can. HMF utilizes a special packing process for a unique sound that screams near redline. If that's not cool enough, the pipes are made in the USA and the can/end cap are available in over ten different color combos to match any bike. In our case we chose a black can and matching end cap for a unique look unlike anything on the market.
Installation was straight forward and easy, and roughly 30 minutes after lifting the first wrench the CBR had gained another 2 HP on the dyno and dropped a little over 1.75 pounds. Being that the owner of the bike had already removed most of the stock taillight and exhaust trim in favor of an LED fender eliminator, it made the install that much easier. While 2 HP might not sound like much, considering that the stock headers and cat are still in place we'd say it's pretty good. And the aggressive sound it makes was well worth the effort. The fact that the pipe is just $349.99 is icing on the cake.
Now with some lungs behind it, the CBR pulls much harder to the limiter and the ferocious high-RPM howl adds a lot to the riding experience.
1) Since our bike already...
1) Since our bike already had most of the stock heat shields removed, it cut several steps out of the removal process. We started by moving the right-side rearset out of the way.
2) Next up is the stock lower...
2) Next up is the stock lower exhaust clamp; loosen it so you have ample wiggle room.
3) Four hex-head bolts must...
3) Four hex-head bolts must be removed to lose the tail section. Then loosen these bolts securing the exhaust to the subframe.
4) Now remove the center hex-head...
4) Now remove the center hex-head bolt.
5) Don't forget these small...
5) Don't forget these small bolts. Loosen them and then remove the heat shield and the stock muffler.
6) Slip the supplied lower...
6) Slip the supplied lower clamp over the stock catalytic converter and then install the new mid pipe. It might take some leverage, but it'll go.
7) HMF uses such tight tolerances...
7) HMF uses such tight tolerances (you don't want exhaust leaks after all) that we had to make a few relief cuts in the piping.
8) Install the supplied upper...
8) Install the supplied upper bracket and bolt everything to the subframe as you slip the HMF muffler over the new mid pipe. Your CBR can now breathe free.
As you can see, there were...
As you can see, there were no losses anywhere with a nice 2 HP bump in the upper range.
WHAT'S IT WORTH?
Stock slip-on weight: 9.08 pounds
HMF slip-on: 7.48 Lbs
Weight savings: 1.75 pounds
Stock HP: 105.81
HMF HP: 107.76
HP increase: 2 HP
BUYER'S BOX
HMF Street Series Slip-on
$349.95
Colored end cap
$25
hmfracing.com
(216) 631-6980
Coming next month:
Melvin Racing brake lines and SBS brake pads