Triple Exhaust Systems
I will attempt to document some of the OEM and 3rd party systems made for the triples when they were still being produced.
This section is for info only since most of these systems are no longer in production.
They occasionally show up on internet auction sites, salvage yards and for trade.
The OEM systems have been out of production and unavailable for many years. They can be reproduced, and several 3rd party vendors offer them.
Hooker
Headers
In 1998 Hooker Headers discovered hundreds of new, complete exhaust systems for Japanese bikes of the '70s and '80s stored in a warehouse.
They were selling them for up to 60% off retail.
The system pictured is for the triple and sold for ~$140, the original price was $400 (part #27031).
It is a 3 to 1 to 3 configuration and according to Hooker only fits the D/2D and probably won't fit the Specials, or later Standards without some creative mounting techniques.
The only downside of this particular system is the required removal of the centerstand, but the sound is intoxicating.
Hooker was acquired by Holley recently and has moved to Kentucky.
They are no longer selling the remaining NOS exhaust systems.
The Yamaha triple community is trying to procure all the remaining triples systems.
Hooker also produced a 3-1 and a 3-3 system for the Yamaha triples.
Here's a 3-1-3 system laid out on a table; mounted on my triple (right front 3/4); and a close up
Left side view Odd looking from the rear, great sound
Kerker Performance Exhaust (Supertrapp)
The Kerker 3-2-1 system is widely acknowledged as the premier exhaust system for the Yamaha triples.
It produces the widest and most useable powerband and the greatest increase in overall power.
The Kerker system is easily recognized by the split center header.
Jardine Performance Products
Jardine produced replacement mufflers (silencers) for the triples.
They were available in either 3-1 or 3-2 configuration.
I purchased a NOS 3-1 Jardine for my triple, complete with headers.
I Dyno-Koted the headers and it looks very good.
Jardine's 3-1 system is easily identified by the in-line alignment of the headers into the muffler.
All laid out on a table Full system installed view
You will notice a number of different style hangers to attach the muffler to the frame.
They permit this system to be installed on either a Standard or Special.
I still had the original triangular mount from the Jardine 3-1 I used in the 1970s.
It was dirty, but the chrome was in excellent condition so I used it.
Muffler close-up Headers close-up
Spec II
Spec II 3-1 performance exhaust system.
Spec II has produced quite a few performance parts for the triples.
They still offer carb and clutch upgrades.
Spec II header resembles the MAC 3-1, notice the collector connection.
Marshall (Laser-Jama), Netherlands
Marshall made (2) 3-1 systems for the triples.
One for the XS750 (56.300406) and another for the XS850 (56.300407). (pdf files)
Production of these systems ceased in 2001, but they can still be found.
MAC 3-1 on my XS750
The MAC system retains center stand and oil filter access.
Ground clearance is not good, and quality and performance are inconsistent.
#421-0402 -3-1 chrome - ($249); #804-0402 - 3-1 black headers/chrome muffler - ($199)
BSM Exhaust Systems, Netherlands
BSM triple system (5004) mounted to an XS750 and XS850
Motad Exhaust, UK
Motad makes (3) 3-1 systems for the triples.
The XS750 (M7Y), XS750SE (M7YSE) and XS850 (M8Y).
Cowley, South Africa
Andrew Toms writes,
Here in South Africa, the exchange rate is so pathetic that few people can afford imported exhausts, especially not genuine Yamaha (as if the CBMMA would allow it anyway ...).
Luckily, there's a company here called Cowley who make replacement motorcycle exhausts, one of which graces Pheobe, my '79 XS750.
The whole thing bolts on easily and runs very well; I didn't need to touch my carbs, even with K&N's on.
Of course, I bought the bike at 19 years old, so who knows what size jets are in there now.
Cowley make 2 systems, one with a megaphone type powder-coated steel silencer and one with a stainless canister type silencer.
I've attached two photos of my bike with the stainless version (taken prior to fitting the K&N's).
Unfortunately the damn thing fell off (shoddy fitting on my part - it stayed on perfectly for two years until just after an oil filter change) so now I'm using a spare steel silencer until I can afford to buy a replacement stainless steel one.
It's longer and gives a little more mid-range torque than the powder-coated version.
I'm not sure, but I think they can supply silver chrome as well.
One disadvantage is having to remove the exhaust to change the oil filter, although this does improve the right hand ground clearance in the twisties.
Both styles come in two versions; the road legal version (+- 90 Db) and the "competition use only" version (+- 115 Db).
Most people I know including myself use the "competition use only" version as it gives quite a bit more top-end power and sounds incredible.
This, of course, depends largely on the level of application of local law enforcement .
The pipes sell for R1005.00 (powder-coated) and R1135.00 (Stainless) for the headers and the silencers.
At current exchange rates, this translates to about $135.00 or $155.00.
Center stand use is retained.
The following systems are all made in small quantities by independent welders, fabricators and shops.
Availability and cost varies greatly.
Overlander Equipment, Australia
New, Kerker style 3-2 made for my triple
Overlander Equipment of Australia produces high quality stainless steel replacement systems.
They produce the first new system since the 1980s for the venerable triple.
It is a modified version of the Kerker 3-2-1 that is a 3-2 and permits the use of dual mufflers.
Handmade Systems, Germany
A welder who is a friend to the Yamaha community has begun building stainless steel systems.
Here is some of his work.
The cost is based on the number and type of components needed.
The complete system is 735 Euro ($870US), headers 90 Euro ($106US) and the mid section 90 Euro.
XS750 complete system Triple headers with crossover balance tube
XS850 complete systems Unusual 3-3 system
Gazelle Stainless Exhaust, UK
Stainless 3-2 system with Kerker type headers
Yamaha triple configuration is similar to this Triumph triple
Kaw Z1100 mufflers
Headers and mufflers made from stainless steel or titanium
Gazelle produced (2) systems for the triples.
XS-750/850 3/1 £400 ($580US) and XS-750/850 3/2 original replica £ 550 ($800US)
