Exhaust Size -- Conflicting Information

[Ben_Carufel]

Hi guys,

MAC has a 2-into-1 system, part number 006-0103. Here's the link to their listing on their site:

http://www.macperformance.com/store/product1.cfm?SID=3&Product_ID=1246

I've read many listings that say that the R65 uses different diameter (I believe) headpipes from other R bikes. I called MAC, however, and they state that only the '81 - '87 R65 use the different pipes. They claim that this exhaust WILL fit directly onto my 1979 R65.

Can anyone verify that they're correct? I'm still on the fence about whether to do a 2-into-1 or a stock replacement system, but in any event I'm curious if this system will work for an early R65...

Many thanks.

[Barry]

No.

Early R65's have smaller 35mm header pipes like later R65s. The main stream Airheads were 38mm or bigger.

[Ben_Carufel]

No.

Early R65's have smaller 35mm header pipes like later R65s. The main stream Airheads were 38mm

35mm, or 38mm?

I'm not at home so I can't easily measure them.

The cheap, temporary solution seems to be the Emgo OEM-look replacement muffler set in conjunction with the stock headpipes. They have a 40mm inlet inner diameter, and come with a spacer to make it a 38mm inlet diameter. It's claimed that these fit "all" airheads:

http://www.nichecycle.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=EM6162&type=3&eq=&desc=BMW-Twins-Replica-Muffler-Set-1970-1984-

[Barry]

They have a 40mm inlet inner diameter, and come with a spacer to make it a 38mm inlet diameter. It's claimed that these fit "all" airheads:

They mean mainstream airheads. They will not fit an R65.

All Twin shock R65's are 35mm  (Any of the good airhead parts suppliers will list 35mm silencers for the R45/R65)

Most other airheads are 38mm

Some R100's were 40mm

[Ben_Carufel]

Cool. Thanks for the info, Barry. Appreciated, as always.

I placed an order a week and a half ago with Niche Cycle Supply for a Mac Whispertone R65 muffler set (Mac #006-0213). They charged my card, then I never got a shipping confirmation. I called last Tuesday and was told that they had 2 sets showing in the computer, but they could not find either one. They promised to call me by the end of the day with an update.

I never heard back. I called again today and was told that they weren't able to find either set. They had already refunded my card, so I asked if they could order a set from MAC and have it drop shipped or just get it in stock, then send it to me. They put me on hold a minute later and came back to tell me that "We already have 24 sets on backorder with MAC, so they must not have any."

A quick call to MAC and yes, they say they do have a few in stock.

Niche sells the set for $239 with free shipping. I can drive to MAC in about an hour and pick up the set, but the cost is $269 plus tax, or $297 all told.

It seems, unfortunately, like Niche Cycle Supply doesn't want my business. I can't imagine why they would say they've got 24 sets on backorder when MAC claims they've got them there and I'm welcome to come pick one up in person.

Odd.

[Ben_Carufel]

Update: Found the R65 Mac Whispertone muffler set at MotorcycleOnlineStore.com for $242.96. Coupon code "RATEPOINT" saves 3%, bringing the total to $235.67.

http://www.shopmotorcycleonlinestore.com/MAC-2-INTO-2-REPLACEMENT-MUFFLERS-detail.htm?productId=7855410&source=searchbar&ez=MAC%20Exhaust~q=bidaa845zzfidaa121zz~r=~

Placed the order via PayPal a few minutes ago. Received an automated receipt via PayPal and an order confirmation from the vendor. We'll see if I get a shipping confirmation! They're just one state over from me in Tucson, Arizona, so perhaps the pipes will arrive this week, whether they're shipped from Tucson or drop shipped from MAC in Temecula.