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(UK) An aftermarket exhaust that fits really well :-)


Snapper

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After a fair bit of online research, I opted for a Black Widow high-level, 300mm, carbon-end, stainless steel silencer kit for my 2001 VFR 🙂. I'm glad that I did, as the build quality, service and end result were all above my expectations. In particular, I like the way that this silencer is just the right length to finish level with the rear number plate, as well as the fact that it sits tight up underneath the seat and doesn't point outwards at the end (as some competitor's pipes are reported to do). OK, I admit that it took a little bit of fettling (and cutting away of a small section of the seat cowl and plastic under-seat tray), but I managed to do that using nothing more than a Stanley knife!

 

Black Widow make a bewildering array of exhausts for the VFR800, from end cans to full systems and prices start from as little as £114.99 for a standard style (low mount) silencer and mid-section pipe (all in stainless steel, of course). I reckon that's pretty amazing value (if you happen to be based in the UK 😉).

 

https://www.blackwidowexhausts.co.uk/vfr800f-vfr-800-1997-2003-rc46-520-c.asp

 

Personally, I found the (enormous) sticker that was affixed to the can a little bit too close to being a copy of the Akrapovic logo and not very subtle, so I simply peeled it off (sorry Black Widow 😞). It looks far more like the silencer might have actually come with the bike when you see it without any branding on (sorry for the poor attempt at blanking out number plate in the final photo 😊).

 

Anyway, I just wanted to share all that, as there doesn't seem to be much information on here about aftermarket pipes that are available outside the US. Here it is ...

 

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Not bad, I'm not usually fond of the shorty mufflers, but that doesn't look as bad as some

of them. I do like the way it stops right at the plate.

 

Just curious why you blanked out the plate. Isn't it visible to everyone that sees your bike?

I've seen this before and it baffles me why people do it. I could see it if your plate number

was some kind of secret, but it's visible for the whole world to see, all the time.

 

You do need some 90° valve stems though. 🙂

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It's not the shortest muffler in that style that Black Widow make - they do a 200mm version, too (as well as a longer, 400mm one).

 

As for the registration plate, it's a funny thing, but I always tend to 'go with the flow' and try and hide that when I post pictures of the bike on the Internet ☺️ . I figure that, since so many people do that, there must be a good reason for it ... that I just haven't figured out for myself yet 😋.

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9 hours ago, Snapper said:

...

As for the registration plate, it's a funny thing, but I always tend to 'go with the flow' and try and hide that when I post pictures of the bike on the Internet ☺️ . I figure that, since so many people do that, there must be a good reason for it ... that I just haven't figured out for myself yet 😋.

 

The reason is that otherwise anyone on the planet can see the bike and with a big of digging probably find out the address of the registered keeper (basically the owner, i.e. you) from that registration number. This would then be something of an invitation for thieves. "Hey, here's a nice bike and this is where it's kept. Come and get it."

 

In theory it's not possible to obtain the address from the regn. number, but in practice I believe those thieving scumbags amongst us have managed to find a way. So basically, don't open that particular door and do NOT display your bike(s) on the Internet without obscuring the number.

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On a different subject, Snapper, I notice you have a Givi rack fitted and coincidentally I'm in the process of fitting the same rack to a VFR800, but it's missing the front bolts and spacers. I'll probably have to make the latter, but it would be easier if I had the dimensions that Givi already established and use. Does it have a reduced shoulder at the inner end to fit inside the hole through the plastic of the seat cowl?

 

Could I ask you to measure a front spacer and let me know? Would be much appreciated.

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2 hours ago, BiKenG said:

 

The reason is that otherwise anyone on the planet can see the bike and with a big of digging probably find out the address of the registered keeper (basically the owner, i.e. you) from that registration number. This would then be something of an invitation for thieves. "Hey, here's a nice bike and this is where it's kept. Come and get it."

 

In theory it's not possible to obtain the address from the regn. number, but in practice I believe those thieving scumbags amongst us have managed to find a way. So basically, don't open that particular door and do NOT display your bike(s) on the Internet without obscuring the number.

 

The DVLA will sell Registered Keeper information to anyone who asks, provided they claim to have a "reasonable cause" for obtaining it.  In practice, that means that the DVLA will resolutely protect your name and address from exploitation by dodgy third parties--right up to the point when said dodgy third parties solemnly promise not to use the information they obtain for any improper purpose (and pay £2.50). 

 

So, we cover up...

 

Ciao,

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Agreed; looks great and that sticker needed to go.

Can't believe all we got here was stupid red, that blue is beautiful!

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A while back I tried to find a rather special CBX I built many years ago but sold in a fit of pique due to on-going divorce. Biggest mistake of my life (selling the CBX, not the divorce 😁 ). Anyway...

 

I sent the DVLA the £5 they demanded, asking them to pass on my details to the current registered keeper as I would really like to buy the bike. There was no way they were going to release the details to me directly, the process was that they would pass on my details to the current keeper if they considered my request reasonable. I felt sure that being a former keeper and simply wanting to buy the bike back would definitely be considered 'reasonable'. After all, all they had to do was give my details to the current keeper who could decide what to do about it.

 

The DVLA replied, returning my cheque and saying my request was not considered worthwhile and so they would not pass on my details to the current keeper. So quite what they consider reasonable I really don't know. However, despite this, I have heard stories of people being able to easily obtain details of the current keeper, no doubt illegitimately, but makes it worth hiding the regn. number if posting pictures of your bike on a public forum.

 

BTW, if anyone knows how to do this, please let me know. There's a current CBX owner I'd like to contact.

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It mostly sounds like typical internet fear mongering, I mean how many people see that license plate number every day

while you're out riding, while it's parked, any time at all. Typical internet shite.

 

The ones that slay me are the people selling a POS and hiding the license plate number. Yeah, the thieves are going to all

the trouble of finding that thing so they can steal a '93 Yugo. Riiiiiiight.

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6 hours ago, BiKenG said:

On a different subject, Snapper, I notice you have a Givi rack fitted and coincidentally I'm in the process of fitting the same rack to a VFR800, but it's missing the front bolts and spacers. I'll probably have to make the latter, but it would be easier if I had the dimensions that Givi already established and use. Does it have a reduced shoulder at the inner end to fit inside the hole through the plastic of the seat cowl?

 

Could I ask you to measure a front spacer and let me know? Would be much appreciated.

 

The outer diameter of the spacer is 15mm and that 15mm wide section is 30mm long. Beyond that, the diameter shrinks down to form a 'sleeve' (I don't know the diameter, I'm afraid) over the bolt and that part extends only about 10-12mm (from memory) into the bodywork. I would guess that the end part is about 7mm thick!?

 

Hope that helps a bit, Ken 😐.

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3 hours ago, KevCarver said:

Agreed; looks great and that sticker needed to go.

Can't believe all we got here was stupid red, that blue is beautiful!

 

😋 Yes, we are lucky over here in Europe to have the option of Tahitian Blue - it really does look amazing, especially in artificial light.

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1 hour ago, FJ12Ryder said:

It mostly sounds like typical internet fear mongering, I mean how many people see that license plate number every day

while you're out riding, while it's parked, any time at all. Typical internet shite.

 

The ones that slay me are the people selling a POS and hiding the license plate number. Yeah, the thieves are going to all

the trouble of finding that thing so they can steal a '93 Yugo. Riiiiiiight.

 

With respect, as you are not a UK resident and hence have little idea of what goes on over here, you are not in a position to comment.

 

If you were over here and happy to post pictures of your pride and joy with the regn. number clearly visible and readable, that's your business, but Internet security is not the bunch of shite you claim and it is generally considered NOT wise to display the number in photographs displayed on public forums although it is of course the personal choice of the owner in question. Just don't come crying to this forum when your bike disappears from your garage.

 

Regarding the original question about this, no matter the cavalier attitude of some members here and whatever they consider to be, or not to be a risk, that IS the reason it is recommended to obscure the regn. number. End of.

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58 minutes ago, Snapper said:

 

The outer diameter of the spacer is 15mm and that 15mm wide section is 30mm long. Beyond that, the diameter shrinks down to form a 'sleeve' (I don't know the diameter, I'm afraid) over the bolt and that part extends only about 10-12mm (from memory) into the bodywork. I would guess that the end part is about 7mm thick!?

 

Hope that helps a bit, Ken 😐.

 

Brilliant, thanks. Made the spacers to those dimensions and it all fits a treat. My friend (whose bike it is) will be delighted.

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57 minutes ago, Snapper said:

 

😋 Yes, we are lucky over here in Europe to have the option of Tahitian Blue - it really does look amazing, especially in artificial light.

 

Funnily enough the blue is the least attractive to me, yet I do have a set of 'good but not perfect' blue bodywork, minus the seat cowl. If anyone is interested, let me know.

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6 minutes ago, BiKenG said:

 

Brilliant, thanks. Made the spacers to those dimensions and it all fits a treat. My friend (whose bike it is) will be delighted.

 

That was quick 🙂 !

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3 minutes ago, Snapper said:

 

That was quick 🙂 !

 

Well, doesn't take long to knock up a couple of spacers on the lathe.

 

Actually, I already started making them to those dimensions from my own measurements of the gaps etc. Good to know I got it spot on

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27 minutes ago, BiKenG said:

 

With respect, as you are not a UK resident and hence have little idea of what goes on over here, you are not in a position to comment.

 

If you were over here and happy to post pictures of your pride and joy with the regn. number clearly visible and readable, that's your business, but Internet security is not the bunch of shite you claim and it is generally considered NOT wise to display the number in photographs displayed on public forums although it is of course the personal choice of the owner in question. Just don't come crying to this forum when your bike disappears from your garage.

 

Regarding the original question about this, no matter the cavalier attitude of some members here and whatever they consider to be, or not to be a risk, that IS the reason it is recommended to obscure the regn. number. End of.

I take it you keep the number covered when you're riding too? One whole hell of a lot of people see that license number when you're riding. I just prefer not to live in

fear of every little internet rumor. Maybe if you owned a multi-million dollar ride, then maybe someone would go to the effort and trouble to track down the location

and consider stealing it, but for the minimal amount of money involved, nah.

 

And I was referring to license plate covering in general, goes on over here too and nobody really knows why. Just a lot of "Hey, I saw on the internet people can find

my bike if I post the license plate, and then they'll come steal it". Sure they will.

 

Yeah, I'm done too.

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Actually, I will respond. Not to have a go at anyone, but to explain my point of view.

 

I'm the last person to go scaremongering about Internet security etc and have often accused others of that as I try to keep things realistic (and my passwords uncrackable 🙂 ), but I like my bikes. Passionate about them in fact and I will do everything in my power to prevent any thieving scumbag from relieving me of said motorcycle(s). The problem is there ARE a lot of those scumbags trying to do exactly that. There's no denying that motorcycle theft is rife and the best (and possibly the only real) form of security is them not knowing what you have and let's be honest, hoping they'll go and steal someone else's bike.

 

So I'd rather not broadcast anything about my bikes for anyone to see. Sure, on the road I have to display that regn. number and anyone who sees me riding and takes a fancy to my bike could simply follow me home which would surely be easier than chasing DVLA to try and get my address. However, being aware of anyone possibly following you for such nefarious purposes, and deliberately riding a route that loses them before turning into your property can wreck their evil plans.

 

The point is, there's NOTHING you can do about this as by law you HAVE to display your regn. number as that is after all the whole point, so the authorities can track you.

 

The next fact is that there are many, many lowlifes who trawl the Internet, up to no good and if I was a bike thief, meandering through specialist bike forums looking for pictures of nice bikes worth stealing, each conveniently displaying a link to the address where it's kept would seem to be a pretty good way to source desirable product. Especially when you limit your research to forums that specialise in particularly desirable motorcycles.

 

And the point here is that you CAN do something about this and it's not hard to do. Just a few seconds to obscure the regn. before posting the photos and you've made it much harder for the thieves - assuming the destination site removes any geotagging data from the pictures. Nothing can protect you 100%, but for such little effort, it makes a lot of sense. I'm not one for wasting time on security/safety measures that are obviously pointless, but when the police use Internet forums (and FaceBook, Twitter etc) to track law breakers, it's not a great leap of imagination to realise that thieves will use the same tactics.

 

I've spent many years working in the computer industry (designing databases and networks) and have been making use of the Internet for nearly 30 years so it is not some mystical cloud beyond my understanding. I think it is the single most important technological innovation in my lifetime, but it comes with its drawbacks. Part of what makes it so fantastic also makes it a marvellous tool for those members of the human race I wish were not. So I don't say all this out of any lack of understanding of the use and technology behind the Internet.

 

As I said, it is up to you, but this is NOT scaremongering, just common sense and to downplay it as having no importance is somewhat misleading. The subject of Internet security should not be taken lightly. Just realistically.

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FWIW (perhaps not much!), I used to take FJ12R's position, too.  Maybe after 20 years in the UK, I'm becoming a little bit British?   

 

But, whilst I agree that you cannot hide a number plate when you're riding the bike, the odds of a n'er do well-type personally spotting exactly the bike he was looking to steal on one of my increasingly rare rides are microscopic.  The odds of someone searching the internet for a bike like mine to steal, and finding it, are much, much higher.   I refuse to make it easy for anyone to nick my stuff.

 

Ciao,

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Is this pipe a Motad with a new name? It looks a bit like one I had fitted and I think I heard that Motad have ceased trading??

Re the number plate thing.....I spotted a car for sale online with my number plate, 'same car, same colour. It turns out to be a ringer and the guy had got the number from the eBay description that I bought my car from.

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Nice looking VFR, I love the blue VFRs (although not quite as much as my red one 😉 ). We have similar thoughts on the exhaust, I am mounting a 350mm high level Black Widow can on my bike presently. 

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I have the same system fitted to mine (although the full carbon), i found the clamps to be a bit crap, and i had to use assembly paste on the joints (i have the Blackwidow headers as well) 

 

It sounds awesome though, and i love how tucked in it is.

 

now i just need to work out how to get my 6th gen panniers to fit around it, think ill need to fit that Givi rack and then make mounts from that

 

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On 5/28/2018 at 12:06 PM, Drewski said:

Is this pipe a Motad with a new name? It looks a bit like one I had fitted and I think I heard that Motad have ceased trading??

Re the number plate thing.....I spotted a car for sale online with my number plate, 'same car, same colour. It turns out to be a ringer and the guy had got the number from the eBay description that I bought my car from.

 

Yes, MOTAD is no more.  Couldn't compete with foreign-sourced labour.

 

Ciao,

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On 5/26/2018 at 4:54 PM, BiKenG said:

 

Funnily enough the blue is the least attractive to me, yet I do have a set of 'good but not perfect' blue bodywork, minus the seat cowl. If anyone is interested, let me know.

How much would you be looking at for the bodywork?

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On 5/31/2018 at 9:34 AM, JZH said:

 

Yes, MOTAD is no more.  Couldn't compete with foreign-sourced labour.

 

Ciao,

I bought some Motad stuff directly from the firm about a year ago. Are they now bust? Shame as they made good gear. 

 

As for hiding numberplates, the most common crime is vehicle cloning. Scumbags find vehicles with the same model and colour as theirs, replicate your plates and drive/ride around without having to buy insurance/road tax/MOT (annual roadworthy inspection). 

 

Of course any speeding or parking tickets will be sent to you directly. How do you prove it wasn’t you? Very difficult! 

 

Also used to clone scrapped vehicles for resale. Buyer does a history check and finds everything OK because it relates to your nice clean motorcycle, not the crashed/repaired/written off piece of sh!t the scumbag is actually selling. 

 

Stealing our 20 year old relics that don’t fetch much even as parts (have you seen how cheap VFRs are now?) is less of an issue. 

 

Frankly I’d rather they stole my bike than cloned it. The former can be rectified; the latter can be catastrophic. 

 

Stray 

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