Let’s be real for a second. The Can-Am Ryker is an absolute thrill machine right out of the box. It’s nimble, it’s unique, and it turns heads everywhere it goes. But if you’re anything like us at FatBoysOffroad, you’ve probably noticed that the stock exhaust note is a bit… polite. It whispers when you want it to roar.
You’re not alone. One of the most common and rewarding first mods for any Ryker owner is a can am ryker exhaust upgrade. We promise this guide will give you the confidence and know-how to transform your ride. We’re going to walk you through choosing the right system, installing it safely in your own garage, and keeping it in top shape for years of grin-inducing rides.
From the deep rumble you feel in your chest to the extra pep in its step, we’ll cover all the benefits, potential pitfalls, and best practices. Let’s get those wrenches turning.
Why Bother with a Can-Am Ryker Exhaust Upgrade? The Real-World Benefits
So, why swap out a perfectly functional factory part? An aftermarket exhaust is about so much more than just noise. It’s a foundational upgrade that impacts your Ryker’s performance, feel, and personality. Here are the core benefits of a can am ryker exhaust upgrade.
Unleash That Aggressive Sound
This is the number one reason for most riders. The stock exhaust is designed to be quiet and meet strict emissions and noise regulations. An aftermarket system frees up that signature Rotax engine sound, giving you a deep, throaty growl that announces your presence and makes every ride more engaging.
A Noticeable Boost in Performance
Factory exhausts are often restrictive to keep noise levels down. Performance exhausts are designed for better airflow. By helping your engine breathe out more efficiently, you can unlock a modest but noticeable gain in horsepower and torque. You’ll feel it most in the throttle response and mid-range pull.
Reduce Weight and Improve Handling
The stock Ryker exhaust is a hefty piece of steel. Many aftermarket options, especially those made from titanium or carbon fiber, can shave off significant weight. Less weight means a better power-to-weight ratio and can make your Ryker feel even more nimble and responsive in the corners.
Custom Looks to Match Your Style
Let’s not forget aesthetics. From sleek carbon fiber tips to polished stainless steel pipes, a new exhaust is a major visual upgrade. It’s a great way to ditch the bulky factory can and give the back end of your Ryker a clean, custom, and aggressive look.
Choosing Your Perfect Ryker Exhaust: Materials, Types, and Brands
Not all exhausts are created equal. The market is full of options, and picking the right one depends on your budget, your sound preference, and your performance goals. Let’s break down the key factors in this essential part of your can am ryker exhaust upgrade guide.
Slip-On vs. Full System: What’s the Difference?
This is the first big decision you’ll make. Your choice here impacts cost, installation complexity, and performance gains.
- Slip-On Exhaust: This is the most common and budget-friendly option. A slip-on replaces only the muffler (the “can” at the end). It’s easier to install, provides a great sound improvement, and offers a small performance bump. Perfect for the DIYer looking for a weekend project.
- Full System Exhaust: A full system replaces everything from the engine’s exhaust ports back, including the header pipes and the muffler. This option offers the maximum performance gains and weight savings but is more expensive and complex to install. It often requires an ECU tune to run properly.
Material Matters: Stainless Steel, Titanium, and Carbon Fiber
The material of your exhaust affects its weight, durability, and price.
- Stainless Steel: The workhorse. It’s durable, corrosion-resistant, and offers a great balance of performance and cost. It’s heavier than the other options but built to last.
- Titanium: The premium choice for performance junkies. It’s incredibly lightweight and strong, dissipates heat well, and often turns a cool blue/purple color over time. It comes with a premium price tag.
- Carbon Fiber: Often used for the muffler can and end caps, carbon fiber is prized for its ultra-lightweight properties and high-tech look. It stays cooler to the touch than metal options.
Your Step-by-Step Can-Am Ryker Exhaust Upgrade Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? This section covers how to can am ryker exhaust upgrade right in your own garage. Remember to take your time, stay organized, and always prioritize safety.
Safety First: Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you touch a single bolt, run through this quick checklist.
- Work in a well-ventilated area, like an open garage.
- Ensure the Ryker is completely cool. An exhaust system gets extremely hot.
- Park the Ryker on a level surface and make sure it’s stable.
- Disconnect the negative terminal on your battery to be extra safe.
- Read the instructions that came with your new exhaust from start to finish.
Tools You’ll Absolutely Need
Having the right tools makes the job a thousand times easier. You’ll likely need:
- A good quality metric socket set with a ratchet and extensions.
- A set of metric combination wrenches.
- Torx bit sockets (Can-Am loves these).
- An exhaust spring puller tool (a true lifesaver).
- A torque wrench for proper tightening of new hardware.
- Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) for stubborn bolts.
- Anti-seize compound for the new bolts.
Removing the Stock Exhaust
This is where the fun begins. The exact steps can vary slightly by model year, but the general process is the same.
- Locate and Loosen the Muffler Clamp: Find the clamp connecting the stock muffler to the header pipe. Spray it with penetrating oil if it looks rusty and loosen the bolt.
- Remove Mounting Bolts: The stock muffler is held onto the frame with one or two main mounting bolts. Carefully remove these while supporting the weight of the muffler so it doesn’t fall.
- Disconnect the Springs: There are typically springs connecting the muffler to the header pipe. Use your spring puller tool to safely unhook them. Never try to use pliers, as they can slip and cause injury.
- Wiggle it Free: With everything disconnected, carefully twist and pull the stock muffler off the header pipe. Set it aside.
Installing Your New Performance Exhaust
Time to install the good stuff. Follow these can am ryker exhaust upgrade best practices for a clean installation.
- Test Fit Everything: Before you tighten anything, loosely assemble the new exhaust system. Make sure all the pipes line up and the mounting brackets match the frame.
- Apply Anti-Seize: Put a small amount of anti-seize compound on the threads of all new bolts. This will prevent them from seizing up from heat and make future removal much easier.
- Install the New System: Slide the new muffler or mid-pipe onto the header. Loosely attach the mounting brackets to the frame.
- Connect the Springs: Use your spring puller tool to attach the new springs. This will help pull the system into place.
- Tighten Systematically: Start by tightening the mounting bolts on the frame first, but don’t fully torque them yet. Then, tighten the clamp connecting the new exhaust to the header.
- Torque to Spec: Go back through and use your torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. This is critical to prevent leaks and ensure the exhaust doesn’t vibrate loose.
Post-Installation Checks: The Final Shakedown
Wipe down the entire new exhaust with a microfiber cloth and some rubbing alcohol to remove any fingerprints or grease. These can burn into the finish when the exhaust heats up for the first time.
Start the Ryker and let it idle for a few minutes. Check for any obvious exhaust leaks at the connection points. You can feel for puffs of air with your hand (be careful not to touch the hot pipe). A little smoke and a strange smell are normal for the first run as factory coatings burn off.
Common Problems with Can-Am Ryker Exhaust Upgrade and How to Fix Them
Even with a careful installation, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common issues.
Dealing with Exhaust Leaks
A small leak can cause a ticking sound and poor performance. The most common culprit is a clamp that isn’t tight enough or isn’t seated correctly. Let the system cool, loosen the clamp, re-seat the pipes to ensure a snug fit, and re-torque the clamp bolt.
Check Engine Lights and ECU Tuning
Sometimes, changing the airflow characteristics can confuse the Ryker’s oxygen sensors and trigger a check engine light. For a slip-on, this is less common. For a full system, it’s almost a guarantee. An ECU flash or a fuel controller (like a Power Commander) is often required to adjust the air/fuel mixture for the new exhaust, which will also resolve the check engine light and unlock the full performance potential.
Excessive Popping on Deceleration (Decel Pop)
A little bit of popping when you let off the throttle is normal with a free-flowing exhaust. However, loud, excessive popping can indicate an air leak or a lean fuel condition. Double-check all your connections for leaks first. If the problem persists, an ECU tune is the best way to fix it.
The Eco-Conscious Rider: Sustainable Can-Am Ryker Exhaust Upgrade Options
Being an enthusiast doesn’t mean we can’t be mindful of our environmental impact. A sustainable can am ryker exhaust upgrade is possible if you know what to look for.
Many performance exhausts are “cat-delete” systems, meaning they remove the catalytic converter. While this offers maximum performance, it significantly increases emissions. Some brands offer systems with high-flow catalytic converters that still improve performance and sound while keeping emissions in check. When choosing, look for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and materials sourcing. Finally, don’t just toss your old exhaust in the trash. It’s made of valuable steel that can be recycled at a local scrap metal yard.
Long-Term Love: Your Can-Am Ryker Exhaust Upgrade Care Guide
You’ve invested in a great upgrade; now let’s keep it looking and performing its best. This simple can am ryker exhaust upgrade care guide will ensure its longevity.
About once a month, give the system a quick inspection. Check that all mounting bolts and clamps are still tight, as vibrations can sometimes loosen them over time. Clean the exhaust regularly with a dedicated metal polish (for stainless/titanium) or a gentle cleaner (for carbon fiber) to prevent road grime from baking on. If your muffler is “repackable,” the sound-dampening material inside will eventually wear out. If your exhaust gets noticeably louder over time, it may be time to repack the muffler following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Ryker Exhaust Upgrades
Do I need to remap my ECU after an exhaust upgrade?
For a slip-on exhaust, it’s generally not required, but it is recommended for optimal performance. The bike will run, but a tune will smooth out the fuel delivery. For a full system exhaust, an ECU tune is highly recommended to prevent running lean, which can damage the engine, and to get the full power gains you paid for.
Will a new exhaust void my Ryker’s warranty?
This is a tricky one. In the U.S., the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that a dealer must prove your aftermarket part caused a specific failure to deny a warranty claim. However, some dealers can be difficult. It’s always best practice to keep your stock exhaust. If you need to make a major warranty claim, you can always swap the stock system back on.
How loud is too loud? Checking local noise regulations.
Exhaust noise laws vary wildly by state and even by city. Many aftermarket exhausts are sold for “closed-course competition use only.” Some come with a removable baffle or “dB killer” that can be inserted to quiet them down for street use. It’s your responsibility to check your local regulations to avoid unwanted attention from law enforcement.
There you have it—everything you need to confidently tackle a can am ryker exhaust upgrade. It’s one of the most satisfying projects a Ryker owner can do, completely changing the sound, feel, and character of your ride. Take your time, use the right tools, and enjoy the roar.
Ride safe, and have a blast out there!
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