Change of tone: Electronically adjustable exhaust coming to Canada

Just off the press … er, straight from a press release, comes news that Jekill and Hyde exhausts are coming to Canada, just in time to stir the loud pipes debate even further.

Jekill and Hyde’s product addresses the age-old question: What do you do if you want loud pipes, but A) They’re illegal or B) You don’t want to enrage bystanders and neighbours?

Jekill and Hyde solve the problem by offering exhaust systems that are quiet enough to meet legislated noise levels (sometimes quieter than original!), but capable of louder performance with the flip of a switch. According to their press release:

“The electronically controlled and adjustable system allows riders to open and close the exhaust valve with the push of a button mounted on the handlebar. Keep in mind, all of the exhausts are compliant with governmental regulations for sound decibels (in quiet mode), and emissions (all modes).

As an example of how the system works, when arriving in a town at night or leaving first thing in the morning, closing the valve initiates quiet mode, so the sound is dramatically reduced. However, when on the open road and the environment permits, open the valve for a beautifully crafted sound that enhances the joy of riding.

With the exhaust system fitted on a motorcycle, the first chamber eliminates high and middle frequency noise that can be irritating. The valve then directs the exhaust to one of two secondary chambers. The quiet chamber has the same backpressure as stock, whereas the loud chamber gives 6% to 10% more performance, along with a fantastic sound. No mapping or fuel system is needed since the O2 compensates +/- 20%.”

The exhausts are made from stainless steel. They can be customized to individual bikes (can be ordered with different muffler bodies or end caps, or extensions to clear saddlebags, etc.), and are available for most Harley-Davidsons, Indians, and Victory models, as well as boxer BMWs and Honda’s Gold Wing platform. In the future, the exhaust system will be compatible with more brands.

For more details on the exhaust system, check out Jekill and Hyde’s website here. They have some interesting videos here.

The advantages of a system like this in crowded areas like the EU are obvious. While Europeans are crazy about bikes, their politicians aren’t crazy about noise pollution, or any other kind of pollution. An exhaust that meets legal requirements, but also lets motorcyclists raise a ruckus where appropriate, would be very attractive.

Of course, the catch is the price tag (starting at $2,495). Jekill and Hyde sells their systems exclusively through dealers, whose mechanics will be trained on the ins and outs of installation, for warranty reasons. You can find a list of Canadian dealers here.

GALLERY

Check out all the pics that go with this story!