Review of the chrome LRD exhaust system for the 400EX
(written by Fanke19)
I ordered the LRD chrome full exhaust system for my '99 400EX from
Denton Racing. Scott took care of all my questions, and was knowledgeable,
and handled all my questions very professionally. I got the chrome system
for $335, the best deal I had found anywhere. The pipe came well packaged in
less than five days from CA to WI. The pipe and silencer themselves looked
great, and really well made. We have purchased a couple LRD pipes for our
250R in the past, as well as an LRD National Engine kit, so I was not
surprised at their high quality.
With it came two new exhaust crush washers, a trick spacer assembly that
really worked well, a new clamp to seal the header to the silencer, detailed
mounting and jetting instructions, two LRD stickers, and a handful of Denton
stickers.
I handled the jetting chores first off, saving the real fun for last.
So, after yanking all the stock system, came the fun part. The two brackets
that act to fasten the headpipe to the cylinder itself had the holes a little
off center, but the holes themselves line up fine with the bolts. I like how
the LRD pipes give you much more clearance by the oil tank, I would think
that will offer lower oil temps, compared to when the stock pipes practically
grazed the tank. I read that some aftermarket pipes require you to drop the
oil tank temporarily to fit the pipe in, but I was able to get the stock one
out, and the LRD in without doing this.
Once I put the headpipe in place, and started the nuts on the retainer
plates to hold it in place temporarily, I removed the one airbox screw and
lowered it down so I could get at and slip the cool spacer they supplied for
the silencer into place. Pretty painless. I did notice that the headpipe
sits very, very close to the cylinder, but it doesn't actually hit. Just an
observation on my part.
First impression? This thing is loud…really loud! But, you have to
remember it's a race pipe, and not spark arrested. Before I bought the
exhaust, I spoke to Jason at LRD, and he said that they have modified one of
their race cans to accept a Supertrapp style spark arrestor, and with 24
disks, it runs great. I'll probably be doing this mod after while.
First ride…I realize an obvious difference just about everywhere in the
powerband. I noticed a very small decrease in bottom-end power. Nothing the
400 doesn't have an excess of anyway though. Specifically when you come
around a corner lugging it in third gear. There isn't as much power on tap
as there is stock…but still totally rideable, don't get me wrong. Then,
where it really shines is the obvious boost in mid and top-end power.
Totally noticeable, and very strong.
Regarding jetting, LRD recommends going with a 165 main, and a 50 pilot.
This setup seems to be working pretty well now, in 30 degree weather here in
Wisconsin, but I'll have to experiment more in the summer. Good work LRD…
I ordered the LRD chrome full exhaust system for my '99 400EX from
Denton Racing. Scott took care of all my questions, and was knowledgeable,
and handled all my questions very professionally. I got the chrome system
for $335, the best deal I had found anywhere. The pipe came well packaged in
less than five days from CA to WI. The pipe and silencer themselves looked
great, and really well made. We have purchased a couple LRD pipes for our
250R in the past, as well as an LRD National Engine kit, so I was not
surprised at their high quality.
I handled the jetting chores first off, saving the real fun for last.
So, after yanking all the stock system, came the fun part. The two brackets
that act to fasten the headpipe to the cylinder itself had the holes a little
off center, but the holes themselves line up fine with the bolts. I like how
the LRD pipes give you much more clearance by the oil tank, I would think
that will offer lower oil temps, compared to when the stock pipes practically
grazed the tank. I read that some aftermarket pipes require you to drop the
oil tank temporarily to fit the pipe in, but I was able to get the stock one
out, and the LRD in without doing this.
