Looking to install the best DRZ400 exhaust but can’t decide because there are too many options? Whether you’re brand new to exhaust systems or just looking for the right one for your needs, you’re in the right place!
In this article, I’ll show you the differences between exhaust upgrades that you can do, why each option may or may not be right for you so that you can choose the best exhaust pipe for your DRZ based on your preference and budget!
Slip-on vs complete exhaust – which is best for you?
The main difference between a slip-on exhaust and a complete exhaust for your dirt bike is that a complete exhaust will generally give you more power at a greater cost, while a slip-on muffler mainly changes or increases the sound.
So, if you’re on a budget and care more about making your Suzuki DRZ400 sound better, then a less expensive slip-on muffler is the best choice for you.
On the flip side, if you want the most potential power and weight reduction, a full aftermarket exhaust system is the much better pick for you.
Do I need to re-jet the carb after installing an exhaust?
In most cases, you will need to tune the jetting after installing a different exhaust on your DRZ 400, but it depends on your specific bike. If your jetting was already properly tuned, then a new exhaust pipe will likely change the air-fuel ratio because it’s pulling more exhaust out.
This means the jetting will not be optimal and you’ll be missing out on potential power and a better running engine. A full exhaust is more likely to affect the jetting compared to just a slip-on because it’s a bigger change in the exhaust flow.
Common signs that your DRZ400 4 stroke dirt bike needs to be re-jetted are:
- Hard to start – hot or cold
- Popping/backfiring on deceleration
- Won’t stay running/idling
- Poor throttle response
- Spark plug fouling
- Less power
Jetting is not as mysterious as you might think, and the benefits can be huge. You can learn how to start tuning your 4 stroke carb in just a few minutes.
Free/cheap stock exhaust mod
If you just want more noise and don’t care about any of the real benefits of upgrading your DRZ exhaust, then you have a couple of cheap options.
The stock muffler has a baffle and end cap that can be removed. This is what makes it very quiet and USFS-approved with a spark arrestor.
The problem with uncorking your stock exhaust
You can remove it for a much louder exhaust sound, but it won’t sound great. You’ll also change the jetting, which will likely make it start and run worse than before if you don’t adjust it.
For a slightly better-looking option, you can install a cheap aftermarket end cap (Amazon). It looks better, and still increases sound and flow while having a spark arrestor screen.
FMF Powercore 4 slip-on
It’s hard to go wrong with any FMF exhaust, including the Powercore 4 (Motosport). It’s a mid-performance muffler that’s built to give you more usable power from low-end torque to top-end horsepower.
Pros:
- Better power & throttle response
- Sounds better than stock
- Less weight than stock
- Includes removable spark arrestor (for legal trail riding)
- Quality fit & finish
- One of the cheapest DRZ400 exhaust upgrades available
Cons:
- It’s much louder than stock (96dB quiet insert sold separately)
- Not as much power increase as a full exhaust system
FMF Q4 Hex slip-on
Want more power without all of the “bark”? The FMF Q4 Hex slip-on (Motosport) muffler is specially designed to meet the U.S.F.S and FIM World Enduro sound regulations while giving you a noticeable power increase over the stock muffler.
Pros:
- Better power & throttle response
- Quietest aftermarket exhaust muffler
- Sounds better than stock
- Less weight than stock
- Includes removable spark arrestor (for legal trail riding)
- Quality fit & finish
- Durably built for off-road riding
Cons:
- Louder than stock but definitely not obnoxious
- Not as much power increase as other aftermarket exhausts
Big Gun Evo R slip-on
For a good power increase (compared to other slip-ons) and throttle response, the Big Gun Evo R muffler (Motosport) is a good choice – it’s also the cheapest name brand exhaust for your DRZ400.
With that said, it’s also one of the loudest, as it’s made for closed-course competition and off-road riding. You can add the quiet insert to take some of the “bite” out and lower the sound by a few decibels.
Pros:
- Cheapest quality aftermarket upgrade
- Better power & throttle response
- Sounds better than stock
- Less weight than stock
- Includes removable spark arrestor (for legal trail riding)
- Quality fit & finish
Cons:
- Very loud (especially without the quiet insert)
- Not as much power increase as a full exhaust system
Pro Circuit T-4 slip-on
Another quality slip-on is the Pro Circuit T4 muffler (Motosport). It’s similar to the FMF Powercore in power, sound and weight, but it does have tunable end caps for an even finer level of tuning the sound and power delivery that you like best (smooth or snappy power, for example).
Pros:
- Better power & throttle response
- Sounds better than stock
- Less weight than stock
- Includes removable spark arrestor (for legal trail riding)
- Quality fit & finish
Cons:
- It’s quite a bit louder than stock
- Not as much power increase as a full exhaust system
Leo Vince Enduro slip-on
Leo Vince is not as popular as the big exhaust brands, but that doesn’t mean they’re not as good. In fact, the LV X3 Enduro slip-on (Motosport) is a nice upgrade because it’s a quality-made muffler and has unique sound inserts based on your needs.
Pros:
- Better power & throttle response
- Sounds better than stock
- Less weight than stock
- Includes USFS-approved spark arrestor (for legal trail riding)
- Quality fit & finish
- Meets 96dB sound check
- Additional quiet insert to reduce sound level to 88-94dB (each bike is different)
- Special steel mesh packing doesn’t require repacking
Cons:
- It’s louder than stock (especially with all inserts removed)
- Not as much power increase as a full exhaust system
- One of the most expensive slip-on exhausts
FMF Powerbomb header
Want a little more power with better looks? The FMF powerbomb head pipe (Motosport) lets your DRZ400 breathe a little better over the stock pipe.
Combine it with a slip-on to take advantage of a full-performance exhaust system. If you’re worried about burning your leg, you can add a heat shield because the header gets extremely hot!
Pros:
- Better power & throttle response
- Less weight than stock
- Less sound output compared to other headers
- Quality fit & finish
Cons:
- Easier to burn your leg (an additional heat shield helps)
- Not as much power difference as a full exhaust upgrade
Yoshimura RS-2 Comp full exhaust
Yoshimura’s complete RS-2 full exhaust (Amazon) is another quality choice because it gives you great sound and power improvement with a good fit and finish. With a quiet insert, it’s one of the quietest complete systems without losing much, if any, on power.
Pros:
- Better power & throttle response
- Sounds better than stock
- Less weight than stock
- Includes USFS-approved spark arrestor (for legal trail riding)
- Quality fit & finish
- Meets 96dB sound check
Cons:
- It’s louder than stock (especially with all inserts removed)
- Not as much power increase as a full exhaust system
- One of the most expensive slip-on exhausts
Yoshimura RS-4 Signature full (dual) exhaust
Maybe you’re just looking for the trickest-looking exhaust setup for your Suzuki DRZ 400. The Yoshimura RS4 dual exhaust (Amazon) is a sweet dual exhaust that works best for supermoto, street, and dual sport riding.
It’s definitely the most expensive, and I don’t recommend it for trail riding because it is much more likely to get hit and damaged. You have the option for the race setup or the signature series that is legal for the street.
Pros:
- Much better power & throttle response
- Sounds much better than stock
- Looks great
- Less weight than stock
- Quality fit & finish
Cons:
- It’s louder than stock (especially with inserts removed)
- The most expensive exhaust
Big Gun Evo R complete exhaust
For nice torque and horsepower gains, the complete Big Gun Evo R exhaust (Motosport) is your best choice. It’s fairly inexpensive for a full exhaust, and actually gives you good power returns.
The downfall? It’s loud and will make it harder to ride in noise-conscience areas without getting a complaint.
Pros:
- Better power & throttle response
- Sounds better than stock
- Less weight than stock
- Includes USFS-approved spark arrestor (for legal trail riding)
- Quality fit & finish
- 96-98 dB track & trail legal (with Vortex insert – sold separately)
Cons:
- It’s much louder than stock (especially with all inserts removed)
What’s the best DRZ 400 exhaust upgrade?
Still can’t decide? Let me make it easy for you by categorizing the best pipe or exhaust based on your specific needs.
Best slip-on/muffler
For the best bang for buck, the FMF Powercore 4 slip-on (Motosport) is the best choice for your DRZ400. It combines better power, sound, quality, and affordability without being obnoxiously loud if you have the quiet insert installed.
Best cheap DRZ400S exhaust
You can go with the DIY muffler mod or cheap end cap, but the best cheap exhaust for your DRZ400 is the GFYSHIP full exhaust on Amazon for a couple of reasons.
Not only is it the cheapest complete exhaust system, but it makes more power (when jetted), weighs less, and looks better than stock. It may not have the fit & finish quality as the name brand pipe companies, but if you don’t mind fiddling if needed, it’s a great choice for you.
Best quiet exhaust upgrade
The stock Suzuki exhaust is the quietest option, but if you want a little more performance, the FMF Q4 (Motosport) is your best choice. It makes more power than stock when jetted, sounds better, but is still quiet and legal for state trail riding with the included USFS-approved spark arrestor.
Best exhaust for supermoto/road racing
The easy choice for your DRZ400SM or street racer is the Yoshimura Signature RS4 dual exhaust (Amazon). The race option is not technically street legal but looks amazing and gives great performance gains in power and weight reduction.
You’ll also have the most unique-looking aftermarket exhaust setup with the dual mufflers coming out below instead of above.
Best off-road exhaust
Just want the best overall value for your money for off-road riding? The Yoshimura RS2 full exhaust (Amazon) is an excellent choice because it combines quality with performance without being as loud as other brand pipes when you have the insert installed.
The best mod to make you faster & safer
It’s fun to install an aftermarket exhaust for many reasons, but there’s a much cheaper option if you want to ride safer with more confidence. The best mod is a new rider, and I want to help you get started right now for Free – click or tap to download my basic techniques guide to ride with confidence.