MOTAD exhaust system dimensions

[kndw]

Dear all,

I found a cheap new MOTAD exhaust system for a 1977-1980 GL1000. My bike is a 1976, but since the manufacturer only lists a single item type for all years, I ordered it anyway. It was delivered today, and I immediately tried mounting it. Of course, it turns out that it doesn't fit: the down pipes seem to be an inch or so too long where they exit the cylinder head, such that the mounts on the silencers do not line up with the mounting points on the frame. Does anyone know if this is the (only) difference between the systems for different years? If so, how much shorter are the proper pipes?

In other words, if I would have the down pipes shortened, would it fit?

Thanks for any help!

[Fred Camper]

1976 and 1977 are identical. So it would not fit a 1977 any better. Show us a picture and perhaps we can help better.

[SnoBrdr]

Dear all,

I found a cheap new MOTAD exhaust system for a 1977-1980 GL1000. My bike is a 1976, but since the manufacturer only lists a single item type for all years, I ordered it anyway. It was delivered today, and I immediately tried mounting it. Of course, it turns out that it doesn't fit: the down pipes seem to be an inch or so too long where they exit the cylinder head, such that the mounts on the silencers do not line up with the mounting points on the frame. Does anyone know if this is the (only) difference between the systems for different years? If so, how much shorter are the proper pipes?

In other words, if I would have the down pipes shortened, would it fit?

Thanks for any help!

I'd send that system back and pick up a pair of HD Sportster or similar mufflers.

They can usually be found NEW on CL for less than $50/

All you then need is a adapter to go from the header to the muffler.

You need a rear bracket to support the muffle but I found a chrome sleeve at Auto Zone for around $10 that slips on the muffler and I made a short bracket that goes from the sleeve to the rear foot peg.

I got the mufflers free so it cost me very little but you should be able to do the whole thing for less than $100.

[kndw]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I already have a cheap backup exhaust... I also don't really mind the cost, and to me the MOTAD system is the best option out of the possible replacement systems, given the looks, the fact that it is stainless steel, and the price.

This weekend I can hang the down-pipes under again and take a picture. Tomorrow I'll call MOTAD, since they did not respond to my e-mail.

The parts have these identification codes stamped on them:
Silencer #1, left hand side: M10HL
Silencer #2, right hand side: M10HR
connector tube: ORM(not sure: not stamped clearly) 12H
Tube #1: M10H-1
Tube #2: M10H-2
Tube #3: M10H-3
Tube #4: M10H-4

This corresponds to the GL1000 system on the MOTAD website...

[kndw]

It turns out that MOTAD have gone out of business: http://sumpmagazine.com/classicbikenews ... motad-logo.

[SnoBrdr]

It turns out that MOTAD have gone out of business: http://sumpmagazine.com/classicbikenews ... motad-logo.

Does this impact you at all ?

[kndw]

Well, kind of, because now they cannot answer any questions. Also, it is not really mentioned on their own website, and I thought it might be of interest to others.

[WingAdmin]

It turns out that MOTAD have gone out of business: http://sumpmagazine.com/classicbikenews ... motad-logo.

Not so fast...

http://www.britishdealernews.co.uk/gene ... d-exhausts

[kndw]

Well, regardless of the apparent takeover, I couldn't get in contact with them.

More importantly though, it turns out that the exhausts DID fit ... I sat down over the weekend with a buddy of mine, and together we managed to get them installed. I had to get used to the shorty look, but that didn't take too long. The exhausts are wonderfully silent and performance hasn't suffered. Maybe it even runs better, compared to the original exhaust (which had loose parts in it).