Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Importance of high tailpipe for offroad adventure Importance of high tailpipe for offroad adventure
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Apr 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 33
Importance of high tailpipe for offroad adventure
I'm looking for my next adventure bike and I'm between the new Vstrom 650xt and the Versys300. After touring South america on a 150 and not feeling that short on power I'm definitely looking small.

My one concern is that both of these bike place their tailpipes relatively low. I'm very weak mechanically but my impression is that could cause an issue during a water crossing if a bunch of water was to get in there. Is that true? Is there any other reason to be wary of a low pipe or is this really a non issue? The other part of me feels like if this was a real problem the manufacturers wouldn't be designing them this way...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Until BMW launched their GS range in the early 1980's most people travelled on road bikes with a low exhaust system and still went everywhere so it should not stop you travelling on these bikes. If you are after a trail bike to seek out river crossings and generally difficult terrain then buy something with a high exhaust but for travelling it is not such an issue.
If doing a river crossing with a low pipe make sure you keep the power on and you will keep going.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Posts: 216
With anything other than the most serious of dirtbikes, other factors will stop you long before a low exhaust does. It's not an issue.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South of the border (MN)
Posts: 163
Riding off road, whatever that means to you, the primary issue with a low muffler is hitting it on rocks and road debris. Don't let the low exhaust stop you from going to the places you want to go. If you're exploring the places that I think of as "off road", including river crossings, you may want to cobble up a belly pan to protect the oil pan, especially on a moto with a lower ground clearance to the oil pan. The rougher it is, the more important are aggressive tires and lighter motorcycle weight.

I seem to recall you were in Peru/Colombia during the flooding a few weeks ago. Did you ride the dirt mountain roads of Peru on your 150cc moto? You are the one who can answer these questions. There is no perfect moto, and every choice has advantages and disadvantages.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
more important is to have air filter inlet high them pipe. Stay on steady throttle and water won't enter. BTW v-strom xt does not have very low exhaust anyway.

having higher ground clearance helps though.




Kawasaki versys has pipe as low as it can get and still doing fine in water:

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 May 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Isle Brewers, Somerset
Posts: 10
A downside to the current vogue or necessity- and I can't decide which it is - for high tailpipes is the extra width this imposes on the bike when luggage is fitted.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The Ideal Adventure Motorcycle deelip The HUBB PUB 10 15 Jan 2017 23:07
Hellas Adventure Raid 2016 Meletis Motorcycle Events around the world 3 22 Jan 2016 13:56
The Meaning of Adventure WarthogARJ HU Travellers Meetings - UK 3 17 Jul 2012 23:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:22.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top