Cross over exhaust

[Bob Kennedy]

I have a 1984 GL 1200 Aspencade. Can you replace the mufflers not using the cross over exhaust? What is the cross over exhaust for?

[WingAdmin]

You can, and people certainly have. It aids in scavenging exhaust gases out of the cylinders, utilizing the back side of the pulse from the cylinders on the opposite side to "pull" exhaust gases from the cylinder while the exhaust valves are open. This aids in efficiency, mid-range power, and helps keep your exhaust valves cooler. It can also help to reduce noise somewhat. So yes, it does have a purpose, and it is worth looking at replacing - the only thing is, you have to make sure it's done right. The position in the exhaust and the size of the cross-over are tuned to the exhaust, so that the opposite cylinder bank pulse scavenges exhaust gases. If the cross-over is too far or too close to the exhaust manifold, or is too small or too large, it could end up doing the exact opposite - creating back pressure when the cylinder is supposed to be evacuating exhaust gases, and burning up your exhaust valves.

[Bob Kennedy]

It sounds like something I should keep.
Thank you for the reply.