Choosing an HGS exhaust starts with your engine type. On a 2-stroke you replace the expansion pipe, the silencer or both; on a 4-stroke you choose between just a silencer or a full exhaust system with header pipes. After that, make, model and year determine which part fits, and you choose the material: steel, aluminium, carbon or titanium.
Which HGS parts are available?
The HGS catalogue includes these product groups:
- 2-stroke pipes: expansion pipes (listed in the catalogue as "HGS exhaust") for 50, 65, 85, 125, 150, 250, 300 and 500 cc motocross and enduro bikes. For some models there is also a "Top" version.
- Silencers: for 2-stroke and 4-stroke, in steel, aluminium, carbon and titanium, in several colours (grey, black, blue, red, orange).
- Full exhaust systems (4-stroke): complete systems from header to silencer, also as GP, enduro, Beach and sand versions.
- Bends and pipes: header pipes in stainless steel or titanium, mid-pipes and exhaust bends.
- Maintenance and spare parts: silencer repacking kits (packing wool), carbon end caps, exhaust springs, rubbers, spacers, silencer mounting straps, rivets, a dB killer, a heat shield and 2-stroke and 4-stroke stickers.
Everything is listed by make and year in the HGS collection.
2-stroke: pipe, silencer or both?
A 2-stroke exhaust consists of two parts: the expansion pipe and the silencer. The shape of the expansion pipe has the greatest influence on the character of the engine; the silencer mainly determines the sound and part of the top-end power delivery.
- Just a silencer: the simplest step, for example if your original silencer is worn or damaged.
- Just a pipe: logical if the original pipe is dented or if you want to change the engine's character.
- Pipe and silencer together: the parts are then matched to each other.
HGS has 2-stroke pipes for makes including KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Beta and Sherco, from youth motocross bikes such as the KTM SX 50 and Yamaha YZ 65 to the Honda CR 500. For some models, such as the Yamaha YZ 250 and KTM/Husqvarna SX/TC 250, you can choose between a round and an oval silencer.
4-stroke: silencer or full exhaust system?
On a 4-stroke the difference is clear: a silencer (slip-on) replaces only the silencer, a full exhaust system also replaces the header pipes and, on many models, the mid-pipe.
- Silencer: fits the existing header pipes. HGS also has slip-on silencers with OEM fitment, designed for the original header.
- Full exhaust system: the entire system is from HGS and matched together. If you later opt for individual parts after all, header pipes and mid-pipes are also available separately per model.
Alongside the standard motocross version, for a number of models you will find an enduro version (for example for the Honda CRF 250RX and 450RX or KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas EXC-F, FE and EC-F), a GP version, a Beach version and a sand version. You can see which are available for your bike in the HGS collection.
Which material: steel, aluminium, carbon or titanium?
| Part | Materials in the catalogue |
|---|---|
| Silencer | Steel, aluminium, carbon, titanium, titanium with carbon, aluminium with carbon end cap |
| Full exhaust system | Steel, aluminium, carbon, titanium, titanium with carbon |
| Header pipes | Stainless steel or titanium |
| Mid-pipe | Stainless steel or titanium (depending on the model) |
As a general rule: steel and aluminium are the solid basics, titanium is lighter than steel and carbon is often chosen for weight and looks. Not every material is available for every model; it varies by year.
How to choose in 3 steps
- Determine make, model and year. HGS products are grouped by generation, for example Yamaha YZF 450 2014-17 or 2018-19. A difference of a few years can mean a different fit. Some parts fit several makes, such as KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas from the same years.
- Choose what you are replacing. 2-stroke: pipe, silencer or both. 4-stroke: silencer or full exhaust system. If you use the bike for enduro, check whether there is an enduro version.
- Choose material and colour. Compare the materials available for your model and choose the colour that suits your bike.
Maintenance: silencer packing and small parts
The packing in a silencer wears and burns away over time. If the silencer gets louder or harsher, or bits of packing come out, it is time to repack it. HGS has silencer repacking kits for 2-stroke (50/65/85 cc, 125 cc and 250 cc) and a 4-stroke kit, including rivets. You will also find separate exhaust springs, rubbers, spacers, silencer mounting straps and carbon end caps, such as the end cap for all 125/250 2-strokes or the T1 and T4 end cap for 4-strokes.
Mind the rules: check whether the exhaust is road legal for your country and bike. Race versions are for closed circuits only, and noise limits often apply there too.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an HGS silencer and a full exhaust system?
A silencer only replaces the last part of the exhaust and is fitted to the existing header or pipe. A full HGS exhaust system on a 4-stroke also replaces the header pipes and, depending on the model, the mid-pipe. So a silencer changes less than a complete system.
Which HGS parts do I need for a 2-stroke?
On a 2-stroke, the exhaust consists of an expansion pipe (called 'exhaust' at HGS) and a silencer. You can replace both together or just the silencer. For some models a separate exhaust bend is also available.
Which material should I choose for an HGS silencer: steel, aluminium, carbon or titanium?
HGS supplies silencers in steel, aluminium, carbon and titanium, sometimes combined, such as titanium with carbon or aluminium with a carbon end cap. Which materials are available differs per model. Steel and aluminium are the basics; carbon and titanium are usually chosen for lower weight or looks.
How do I know if an HGS exhaust fits my bike?
Every HGS product is listed in the catalogue with make, model and year range, for example KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas SX/TC 125 2019-22. Check the exact year of your bike, because within one model the fit often differs per generation. An exhaust from a different year usually will not fit without modification.
When should I replace the packing in my HGS silencer?
Replace the silencer packing as soon as the silencer starts to sound noticeably louder or harsher, or when bits of packing come out of the exhaust. HGS has silencer repacking kits for 2-stroke (50/65/85 cc, 125 cc and 250 cc) and a separate 4-stroke kit, including rivets.
Can I ride on public roads with an HGS exhaust?
That depends on your country, your bike and the version. Always check whether the exhaust is road legal for your bike and country. Race versions are intended only for use on a closed circuit.
Browse all pipes, silencers, complete systems and parts in the HGS collection; everything is shipped from the Netherlands. Not sure which part fits your bike? Send us a message with make, model and year and we will look it up for you.