Exhaust-ed day

[Jb74texan]

After overthinking Spyder exhaust options, I finally got the RLS Crusher and cat delete done today (Thank you Ricky!)

It looks and sounds better in person than any video I watched and that's saying a lot. Ricky and I didn't get too much other work done today while talking bikes, exhausts, and life in general, but I'm grateful for the time and friendship.

Now on to a sway bar install!

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[BajaRon]

I wish we could get away from the hard 90 degree outlet to a more strealined, body flowing system. But I know that would make things more difficult and expensive for a number of reasons.

Glad you're happy with the results.

 

[Jb74texan]

Agreed. Even a 60 degree would improve CFM volume by something measurable. I'm usually good at the math work, but not practical application!

Ricky and I discussed your solution, and he, like everyone else raved about it. I received quite an education on how the Spyder aftermarket parts market operates, I definitely know where and how to buy Spyder items moving forward.

I'm hoping the sway bar kit will be finished this weekend and I'm looking forward to eliminating the roller skating body on my Spyder. I've got two sets of wheels/tires mounted to test with. I'll likely start with the Kenda's for baseline data, then mount the Continentals back on. I'll post my temps, road thermals, etc. post acquisition. I'll see if I can record the accelerometer screen for sway values. I've never done this on anything other than large trucks, so mounting should be interesting...zip ties, bubble gum, and maybe some bourbon. If I can get my camera to focus in on the links during test cycles I'll forward them on.

Thanks!

 

[Jackhartjr]

Looking forward to seeing your results sir.
Personally, I wouldn't mount the kendas! (See, I can't even capitalize the name!)

 

[Jb74texan]

Ha! I agree with your sentiment. Early in my career I worked with a major tire manufacturer and still talk to those folks frequently. When I first bought the Spyder it was funny how some folks (not this site) felt that the Kenda's were specially designed for Can-Am as if they spent hundreds of millions in R&D for this platform. Can-Am and kenda have a sweet OEM deal that's mutually beneficial...good for them. I have Kenda's on my Yamaha golf cart and I think their great for that.

Manufacturer vendor selection is a spreadsheet that the CFO sends to marketing, and before they sign someone will say "ask engineering if these are safe and okay"

Cheers!

 

[mecsw500]

Having got a 2026 S2S with the new XPS branded Kendas, I must admit I’m much happier. They seem around to be better than the originals, especially in the wet. They seem stiffer in the sidewalls as they better match the OEM shocks, working together to give a better feel and ride. They are not greasy feeling like the originals when the temperature gets into triple digits. They obviously changed the compound, if not the construction. I’d have to cut each type apart to figure that out.

They are supposed to last longer but time will tell on that score, but I’m not so bothered about longevity having come from bikes where a rear tire lasted half a season.

So, are car tires better? Depending upon which brand, yes for sure.

Are these new Kendas going to get me to rush out and buy new car tires for my Spyder, absolutely not. Not yet anyway. I think they are fit for purpose now, if not the best thing going. But that’s the case for most new motorcycles or cars even, there are usually better alternatives than the OEM rubber they come supplied with.