I'd been thinking about doing something with the exhaust on the little Blue Strom for a while now, but after a bit of research I soon found that apart from Staintune their seemed to be bugger all available here in OZ. I'd heard from a number of sources that Barrett Products wanted to make a pipe for the 650 strom. After a few emails and a bit of phone tag (Jason’s a busy man), the bike was loaded on the trailer and on its way to Bilpin for Jason to work his magic.
Jason’s an ex Finke Racer and passionate rider and knows what other riders want, a pipe that is lighter, less restricted, increased performance and with a better sound than OEM.
Has he delivered?
Oh Yeah.
The Barrett System uses the original headers with a Stainless Steel mid section, which sees the oxygen sensor moved back behind the rear foot peg for protection, and an aluminium slip on muffler with a choice of end cap colours. The muffler is repairable in the event of a little lay down.
mid section
Muffler
Like his bikes Jason is passionate about his work and that really shows in his attention to detail and quality of work.
As a matter of interest the two exhausts (minus the headers) were put on the scales, with the standard pipe weighing in at 8.5 kg and the Barrett pipe at 4.5 kg so a weight saving of just under that of half of the standard system.The whole rear end of the bike looks (to me atleast) neater as Jason has tried to tuck the muffler in out of the way.
So with the job done it was time for a test ride. The first thing I noticed was the exhaust note, louder, yes, but not offensive, just a deeper throatier sound. The bike certainly revved a lot easier and this was confirmed at the first roundabout I encountered. I usually use a lot of engine braking and in standard trim the Wee had plenty, there’s still engine braking there but definitely not as much. To ride the bike feels more “alive” and responsive than in standard trim.
With a price tag of $895 the Barrett pipe is pretty good value and can be ordered direct from Barrett Products via there website
http://www.barrettexhausts.com.au/index.htm
Or by phone on 02 4567 2072, tell Jason I sent you I’m sure you’ll receive the same great service I did.