After some time astride my R6, I felt an urge to switch things up a bit – ditch the standard, humdrum exhaust for something with a bit more oomph. I wanted a high-performance aftermarket pipe that would tick all my boxes: performance, sound, and build quality.
So, I rolled up my sleeves, did my homework, and put together a list of top contenders for Yamaha R6 exhausts. I weighed their pros and cons, and carefully analyzed what set each one apart. In the end, I chose to pair my R6 with an Akrapovic Slip-On exhaust. It struck just the right balance of quality and performance that I craved. But let me tell you, the choice wasn’t easy. There were other tempting contenders on my list. So, for those curious souls, here’s a rundown of the best exhausts for the Yamaha R6.
Best Slip On Exhausts For The Yamaha R6
Overall best
Akrapovic Slip-On Exhaust
When I decided to look into aftermarket exhausts for my Yamaha R6, Akrapovic Slip-Ons instantly caught my eye. Known for their premium build quality, modern design, and some of the loudest and most distinct sounds on the market, they were an alluring option. And the price? Surprisingly competitive for such craftsmanship.
I was drawn to the design of these Slip-On style mufflers, especially their generous use of carbon fiber and titanium. These lightweight materials not only looked fantastic on my R6 but also helped shave off some weight, improving its handling and agility. The ‘shorty’ style of Akra’s slip-on for the R6 gave my bike that minimalist, race-inspired appearance I was craving.
But let’s talk about the sound, because that’s where these exhausts really shine. Don’t be fooled by their small size; these things are loud! When I installed them on my bike, I immediately noticed an increase in sound output, and it was music to my ears. At idle, it had a deep and menacing note, but twist the throttle, and it transformed into a sharper, more shrill scream, perfect for the R6’s high-revving engine.
Performance-wise, Akrapovic delivered as well. During my time with the exhaust, I managed to squeeze an extra 5 HP more than the stock configuration, and believe me, I felt every single horsepower when riding. That, combined with the weight reduction, took my R6’s performance to the next level, especially when I pushed it to the limit on the track.
In the end, these Akrapovic Slip-Ons proved to be an incredible investment, transforming not only the appearance but also the sound and performance of my R6 in ways that I hadn’t even imagined.
Pros
- Premium quality
- High quality materials such as titanium and carbon fiber
- Lightweight construction
- Reduces the R6’s overall mass
- No need for remapping or flashing of ECU
- Decent power gains for a slip-on
- Loud, high pitched sound
- Makes the more agile
- Torque output also sees some improvement
Cons
- May not be legal for street use in some regions
Two Brothers M2 Slip-On Exhaust
When I started exploring options for a new exhaust for my R6, the Two Brothers’ M2 Slip-On came highly recommended. With a racing heritage backing their name, I was curious to see what this exhaust had to offer beyond aesthetics. As it turns out, there’s a whole lot more, from performance gains to an innovative construction method that really impressed me.
I was immediately drawn to the design of the M2, reminiscent of a fighter jet with its carbon fiber muffler and stainless steel piping. But what caught my attention was the proprietary V.A.L.E system that Two Brothers employs. It allowed me to line up the various components perfectly before locking them into place, ensuring a seamless integration between my bike and the exhaust.
Now, unlike some other exhausts that blast your ears, the M2 comes with a refined sound. It’s certainly heavier and more imposing than the stock exhaust but without any of the harshness that sometimes plagues other products. For daily commutes and relaxed rides, the softer exhaust note felt just perfect.
But don’t let that refined note fool you. Hidden beneath the lightweight carbon lies a high-performance exhaust straight from the MotoGP world. As I put the M2 through its paces, I could feel a significant increase in both horsepower and torque, gains that were not just numbers on a paper but truly tangible throughout the rev range.
What really stood out for me was the additional torque at lower revs, meaning I didn’t have to push the bike as hard at low speeds. This made it more stable and easier to maneuver. And thanks to its compact design, the power-to-weight ratio of my bike improved noticeably.
All in all, Two Brothers’ M2 Slip-On proved to be more than just a good-looking accessory. It’s an ingenious piece of engineering that transformed my daily ride into something more exciting, both in looks and performance. A choice I certainly don’t regret.
Pros
- Lightweight build
- High quality carbon fiber muffler
- 304 stainless steel piping and inlets
- Higher power output than stock
- More torque, lower in rev range
- V.A.L.E system makes the components fit perfectly
- Sound is much better than stock
- Exhaust is not too harsh or obtrusive
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Sportbike riders might prefer even louder exhausts
Best Full System Exhausts For The Yamaha R6
LeoVince Factory S Exhaust System
When I decided to give my R6 a serious upgrade, LeoVince’s full system exhaust immediately caught my eye. With its blend of Italian styling and SBK level performance, this exhaust promised to take my bike to a whole new level. And let me tell you, it delivered on every front.
From the moment I laid eyes on it, I was impressed by the heavy use of carbon fiber and stainless steel in the design. But “heavy” is not how I’d describe this pipe. Composed of high-quality stainless steel for the header pipes, muffler body, and internals, and adorned with carbon fiber accents and a slash-cut endcap, the Factory S was significantly lighter than the stock pipe.
And that weight reduction? I felt it the moment I took my revamped R6 to the track. It was like riding a whole new bike. More agile, more responsive, and I managed to beat my personal best time by a noticeable margin. I couldn’t believe the difference.
This newfound performance wasn’t just about shedding a few pounds. The increased power output was remarkable. It was as if my R6 had woken up, becoming more nimble, the engine reacting quicker, and the louder, more aggressive sound providing a visceral connection to the ride.
The sound, oh, the sound! It was like nothing I’d ever heard before. Louder, yes, but also more raw, more thrilling than any slip-on could provide. The aggressive tone not only added to the pleasure of riding but helped me connect with my bike on a deeper level, understanding exactly what it needed to perform at its best.
Coupled with the superior power gains and lightweight construction, the LeoVince full system exhaust proved to be the perfect companion for my R6. It wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a transformation. And every time I hit the throttle, I’m reminded why I made this choice. It’s pure, unfiltered exhilaration.
Pros
- Highest power gains for the R6
- Lightweight construction
- Dramatic weight reduction
- Massive difference in performance
- Loud sound
- Awesome design and styling
- Premium 304 stainless
- Carbon fiber accents
- Slash-cut style carbon end cap
Cons
- Full system exhausts can be a bit expensive
