best full exhaust system

[whatnowmitch]

Ok, I am new here, and I have read around on the forums a little to get some perspective on the right exhaust system i should buy.

To start things off, my dad recently acquired a 1981 Honda cb750 Custom for FREE, yes that's right, free.
SO, since he already has 3 bikes, he asked me if i wanted the 750... you can assume what my answer was.
The bike is in good working condition, everything runs as it should.  The only problem is that the previous owner wanted to change the sound of the bike, so he drilled about 15 holes all in the pipes, and not only does it look retarted, but it sounds retarted.  And i would like a new exhaust system anyways.

I have 2 things:

1)  what is a reliable, relatively well priced exhaust system?  I'm not sure what to go for. 4-1? 4-2? 4-4? and what are some good brands? I hear MAC is a popular brand, but i have heard mixed things about them.  I have also heard of V&H, Kerker, and that's about it.  I just basically need to get schooled on the fundamentals of exhaust. I am looking for something hopefully under $400.

2) I don't know what it is, but it seems like everyone is looking for the side covers. and that includes me.  I need a pair of black right and left side covers, but i can't seem to find some anywhere.  Why are they so hard to come by?

Thanks for reading and help me out if you can, peace.

[Re-run]

Well a couple of options might be: cut off the old mufflers and get some slip-ons. If welded good, can be polished pretty well and look pretty good. You also have a wider range of styles to choose from.

Another option is the mac you mentioned. Most people seem to dislike the way they fit. Sometimes you have to bend a little. Also, sometimes the chrome comes off but I have never seen it firsthand.

A kerker or supertrapp is also something to look for.

Does the custom have 4 pipes? if os then slipons would be about 200. A mac is about 250ish and would be a 4 -2 system or a 4 - 1.

A kerker would be around the 400 range, maybe more. Just all depends where you get them.

[whatnowmitch]

It does not have the stock pipes on it now, it currently has a 4-1 exhaust on it.  Also, are most brands and setups basically the same as far as ground clearance is concerned?

[Re-run]

They are generally close as far as clearance is concerned. What brand is on there now? There may be tuning options of was to fix the holes. You could braze the closed but that will still leave the marks.

[cbRider]

I understand that for some exhaust systems you have to remove the center stand.

Karl

[CB750Winger]

  I have a 4 into 1 system right now and I'm looking to change. oldbikebarn.com has MAC systems from about $350 on up. I'm looking at a 4 to 2 system including header pipes all the way back for $397. There is not room for the centerstand on my 4 to 1 and I would like more ground clearance and I like the looks of 4 to 2 for myself. You can get these systems in all chrome, black headers, turned out or megaphone mufflers.   Paul

[cbRider]

Paul, what bike do you have?

Karl

[CB750Winger]

  Karl, I have a '75 CB 750 K but I'm pretty sure they make these systems for newer models. I did have to remove the center stand and is a PIA to work on the bike. I do have a nice motorcycle jack but need to pull the exhaust off to use it. Only takes about ten minutes to do this but I just like the 4 to 2 systems better.   Paul

[Re-run]

Yeah it seems the 4-1 systems do not like stands. I myself, like my 4-4 system but it is heavy!

[CB750Winger]

  re-run, I would also prefer an OEM 4 into 4 set but don't know if I can get a good set for a decent price. If anybody out there has a like new 4 to 4 system for a 75 CB 750 K, let me know!    Paul

[DrewArit]

My bike isn't together and running yet, but I was able to buy a black mac 4 to 1 from denniskirk.com shipped for like $253.  Quality doesn't seem to be the best from appearance, some of the paint was already scuffed when i received the exhaust, but for $250 it will get me on the road until I can afford the kerker ($700 at denniskirk).

[Lucky 1]

You can get the best exhaust system for your CB750 from Cycle Exchange in Wisconsin.
They have a 4 into 2 into 1 that has more ground clearance than most 4 into 1's.
They also have steel replica side covers for sale. Not plastic.

[Piute]

 Your right Cycle X has some great pipes but    "whatnowmitch" ♦♦ Mar 28, 2009
Like a set of there straight drags myself IF i can get it tuned right

[shinyribs]

What style of look/ sound are you looking for? I had a set of 4-2's on my bike and they had a real nice sort of "cruiser" sound to them.They'd be good for a bobber,too.Didn't sound real "Jappy",if you know what i mean.They had a niiice deep sound to them.



I got 4-1's now and i really like the racey sound they have.Of course my muffler(its a streeeetch calling it that) is homemade,but for a race sound i LOVE it.Could not be more pleased.These are the only two systems i have experience with.Of course,my bike is a SOHC and yours is a DOHC so...

[Piute]

This summer I believe I'll be able to put some stupid money into my bike ,stacks and drags,See if we can jet it right,Have some tricked out side cover in the making to take care of that cross wind,The idea is to see how much hp. and torx can get out of it basically stock,but all parts I make or buy will still be used later down the road as there is engine mods being done.this way for sure ,I myself will know what is what, step by step.
  Sure if I had 2 ? 3 grand I could just throw into it and get it all done at once and hopefully right.
But I didn't buy this                  1977 CB 750 F2 Super Sport                  just to punch it out  to A 1000     Why didn't I go with A 1000cc to start,cause thats not A CB 750 or 738 to be technical,