If you want an Arrow exhaust on your bike, you choose between three levels: a slip-on (just the silencer), separate headers or mid-pipes to build up a system, or a complete exhaust system from collector to silencer. For most road bikes an approved slip-on is the simplest step. A full system or racing headers are mainly worth it if you want to change more than just the silencer.
Slip-on, full system, headers or mid-pipe: what is the difference?
An exhaust consists of headers with a collector, a mid-pipe (link pipe) and a silencer. Arrow sells each of those parts separately and also as a complete system.
- Slip-on (silencer): replaces only the silencer and is fitted to the stock mid-pipe. This is the biggest part of the Arrow range.
- Mid-pipe / link pipe: connects the collector to the silencer. There are versions for stock collectors and for Arrow collectors, with and without catalytic converter.
- Exhaust headers / collector: replaces the stock headers and collector. Available in stainless steel or titanium, and can be combined with an Arrow mid-pipe and Arrow silencer.
- Complete exhaust system (full system): collector, mid-pipe and silencer in one set, in titanium or stainless steel.
| Type | What you replace | Fitting | Suitable if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slip-on | Silencer only | Simple, on stock mid-pipe | You mainly want to change weight, sound and looks |
| Mid-pipe | Connecting section | Moderate | You want to complement a slip-on or system |
| Headers | Headers and collector | More involved | You are building up a complete line step by step |
| Full system | Entire exhaust line | Involved | You want to replace the complete exhaust in one go |
Which Arrow silencer lines are there?
Arrow works with fixed silencer lines. Which line is available for your bike varies by model and year. In the Arrow collection you will find, among others:
- Race-Tech (also as Maxi Race-Tech): in titanium, aluminium or carbon, usually with a carbon end cap. Available for sport, naked, adventure and supermoto models such as the KTM 690 SMC R.
- Thunder and Street Thunder: aluminium, titanium or carbon, often with a carbon end cap; a popular choice for mid-range bikes and 125cc models.
- Indy Race and Indy Race EVO: the oval silencer, inspired by the Formula Indy circuits. The EVO has a side indent and comes with a carbon or steel end cap.
- Pro-Race / Pro-Racing: in nichrom or titanium, including for classic-looking bikes such as Triumph and BMW R nineT models.
- Works: titanium silencers, on some models as left and right silencers.
- X-Kone, GP2, Pista, Veloce and Sonora: model-specific lines. Sonora is found on adventure bikes, Pista and Veloce on sport, naked and touring models.
- Specials: such as Rebel for the Honda CMX 1100 Rebel and the Dakar Replica silencer (racing).
Titanium, aluminium, carbon or nichrom?
The material mainly determines weight, looks and maintenance.
- Titanium: light and strong. The most common choice for Arrow silencers, and also used for racing collectors and mid-pipes.
- Aluminium: a widely used material for the silencer body, on lines including Race-Tech, Thunder and Indy Race. Sometimes in a dark (Dark) finish.
- Carbon: for silencer bodies, end caps and heat shields.
- Nichrom and stainless steel: nichrom is mainly found on Pro-Race silencers. Headers and mid-pipes are available in stainless steel (AISI 304) or titanium.
Road or race: Approved, catalytic converter and dB-killer
Arrow makes a clear distinction between road and race versions. Look out for:
- Approved: silencers and systems intended for public roads, often with a dB-killer and, on systems, a catalytic converter.
- Racing: racing collectors, mid-pipes without catalytic converter (non catalized) and racing full systems. These are for closed-circuit use only.
- Catalytic converter kit: fitted between the headers and the mid-pipe, so the system continues to meet emissions requirements.
- dB-killer: a removable insert that reduces noise. They are available per line and diameter (for example ø32, ø38 or ø42 mm). On some silencers the dB-killer also works as a spark arrestor.
Always check whether the exhaust is road legal for your country and bike. Race versions are for closed-circuit use only.
Useful accessories
Besides silencers and systems, Arrow offers parts that go with the installation, such as carbon heat shields for adventure models among others, and an exhaust valve replacement kit for some BMW R nineT variants. This prevents error messages when you replace the stock valve.
How to choose in 3 steps
- Decide on your goal and use. If you ride on public roads, choose an approved slip-on or a homologated system with catalytic converter. For track use you can also choose racing parts.
- Choose the level. If you only want a different silencer, a slip-on will do. If you want to replace the whole line, choose a full system, or build it up with matching headers, mid-pipe and silencer.
- Choose line and material. Check which silencer lines are available for your model and year, then choose titanium, aluminium, carbon or nichrom. Check whether a dB-killer is included or available separately.
Look up your bike in the Arrow exhausts collection: every product is listed with make, model and year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an Arrow slip-on and a full system?
A slip-on replaces only the silencer and is fitted to the stock mid-pipe. A full system (complete exhaust system) also replaces the headers, collector and mid-pipe. A slip-on is easier to fit; a full system involves more changes to the entire exhaust line.
Can I combine Arrow headers with my stock silencer?
Arrow header sets are designed to be combined with an Arrow mid-pipe and Arrow silencer. Arrow also sells separate mid-pipes, including versions for stock collectors. Check on each product page which parts a set is compatible with.
What does a dB-killer do?
A dB-killer is a removable insert in the silencer that lowers the noise level. Arrow supplies dB-killers per silencer line and often per diameter, for example for Indy Race EVO, Pista or Veloce. Some versions also work as a spark arrestor.
Is an Arrow exhaust road legal?
That depends on the version, your bike and your country. Arrow has approved silencers and homologated systems with catalytic converter, alongside racing versions intended for closed-circuit use only. Always check whether the exhaust is road legal for your country and bike.
Which material is better: titanium, aluminium or nichrom?
Titanium is light and strong and is widely used by Arrow for silencers and racing collectors. Aluminium is a common alternative for the silencer body. Nichrom is mainly found on Pro-Race silencers and suits classic-looking bikes well. The best choice depends on your budget, your taste and how you use the bike.
Do I need a catalytic converter with an Arrow full system?
For many models Arrow offers a catalytic converter kit or a homologated mid-pipe with catalytic converter. It is fitted between the headers and the mid-pipe, so the system continues to meet emissions requirements. Mid-pipes without catalytic converter are racing parts.
Help with your choice
You will find all Arrow silencers, systems, headers, mid-pipes and dB-killers in the Arrow collection, shipped from the Netherlands. Not sure which version fits your bike? Send us a message with make, model and year, and we'll help you out.