A motorcycle exhaust system is one of the most important parts of the entire machine. Without a fully functioning motorcycle exhaust system, your bike's engine can build up contaminants and sludge, which can rob your bike of horsepower. Given enough time and enough build-up, this simple loss of horsepower can become a full-fledged mechanical problem. Repairing or replacing certain elements of your exhaust system is something that can be done by most anyone. It can be done by anyone with the right tools, some mechanical knowledge of their bike, and the aid of a good manual. There are stores that specialize in motorcycle manuals, but you can often find them for sale wherever you get motorcycle accessories. A motorcycle exhaust system can also be a big factor in a bike's aesthetics. Most of the time when you hear a bike coming from several blocks away, it is because the owner has chosen to tweak their exhaust system in order to achieve that deafening roar. Sometimes such exhausts are custom jobs with chromed out or molded features, but they can be bought off the shelf too. It is almost always a safe bet to get a replacement exhaust from another bike of the same make and model--especially if the years match. There are some manufacturers whose parts can be switched with parts from other manufacturers, but you should only make such a purchase if you are certain the part and your bike are compatible. | 
