Why fit a Y piece?

[Clive Alive]

I have a 2005 (acually one of the last 2004) model BCR with standard Laser end-cans. However, I used to have a Guzzi 1100 Sport with open pipes and the guys I ride out most with all have Ducatis or Aprillias with non-standard exhausts. I would like to gain a few decibels (not least so I can hear my bike!) and wonder whether fitting a Laser Y peice would help release a few more decibels (as the Laser end-cans do not appear to have removeable baffles)? If so do I need to change the chip (or anything else) as well Further, does anyone have any tips about where to obtain the parts required (if not from my local dealer)
Clive Alive
Cheltenham

[madman]

I fitted Y pieces to both of our bikes, a 2000 single spark and a 2004 twin spark. I would not say that they make mor noise but a deeper sound. Neither bike needed any sort of chip and both feel as if they have more mid range power. They are availabe from many different sources and I would say that the make is of little concern providing that they have the centre stand stop. Someone will post soon and give you information on where to get one, I think that I paid about 120 quid each for them and it was well worth it.

[Harry]

Laser Y-piece. Centre stand stop from Wunderlich.

harry.

[julian]

I think the 'Y' piece does produce a few more dB - even with the std cans.

Even though the Laser cans are stamped e4 they are MOT/noise approved provided the cat is attached.

Personally I'd go for the Zach mid pipe as it is in more sections and tends to fit better.

Try Darren at Motorworks or the For Sale section here.

While you are at it check out in how I tapped the exhaust spigotsto stop the cans falling off.

[oyster]

Check back down the Boxertech list for 'Y piece with standard cans', gives lots of info on this. I fitted an annular clamp on the pipe between the two silencers with a stay bolted to the nearby bolt through the frame. I believe the later Laser systems provide this clamp and stay, but many choose not to fit it. It stops the silencers departing and helps to calm the heavy vibes caused by the better breathing Laser silencers. (read VERY LOUD for better breathing). No alterations needed to anything else when fitting a Y pipe, best performance gain for the money.

[Clive Alive]

Many thanks for the information. I have not got a centre stand, and the standard Laser end cans currently fitted seem to be securely mounted/attached, so it seems I just need to decide what Y pipe to buy. I inititially thought I would go for a Laser as the end cans are Laser (I assumed the fit would be better). However, now that Julian has mentioned Zach and someone else has offered me a Zach at £120 I am tempted to change my mind. But I have never heard of Zach . Who makes Zach Y pipes and are they really OK (at least as OK as a Laser)? Plus do they come with a fuel injection sensor I understand the Laser Y pipe comes with and is needed (having read the previous postings on 'Y piece with standard cans')? Finally - I was pleased to hear that I do not need to change the fuel mapping (i.e to make the mix richer) - which is a puzzle as I have always had to do this with other bikes that I fitted aftermarket cans to.

Cheers
Clive Alive

[sandbar]

I have not got a centre stand, and the standard Laser end cans currently fitted seem to be securely mounted/attached, so it seems I just need to decide what Y pipe to buy.

The reason that the Laser cans try to leave the bike is because the up pipe on the y-pieces is manufactured a fraction too small!! Because Laser did not see fit to supply a suitable clamp, they instruct you to use the OE BMW one. When you do that, the bolt gets to end of its thread at about the point when it starts to feel tight. That gives the impression that the joint is really tight. Unfortunately in some cases it is not quite tight enough to cope with the vibrations etc. When that happens and the cans come off, it can be pretty spectacular. I have seen the after effects of one set that came off at about 50 mph - very expensive!!

Not a problem with the 2004 model BCR, because that has the BMW up pipe and clamp.

Solution is to use a shim in between the two pipes. Coca-Cola or Pepsi Max cans do the job perfectly.

What I don't understand is the fitting of a rigid bracket. If BMW (and Laser, Remus et al) all go the trouble of using rubber/plastic mountings for the cans - presumably to isolate the vibrations from the frame, and allow a bit of expansion and contraction etc - then how is a rigid fastening of the cans to the frame going to be an improvement.

Anyway I seem to recall ( on P*l*c*n) some examples of the rigid brackets breaking so it is probably not a very well engineered fix.

sandbar