4 into 2 vs 4 into 1 - Handling Difference

When I first bought my bike in the early '90's, I didn't ride it much with the stock 4 into 2 exhaust because they were severely rusted away and I quickly replaced the system with a Mac 4 into 1. I rode it for several years that way until I put it up for storage. Since last spring, I've brought it out of storage and replaced pretty much everything that wears, cleaned the carbs and I just installed a 4 into 2 exhaust system. I bought the bike because my younger brother bought one new in '82, rode it for 10 years without putting anything into it except tires and batteries. I loved his bike and I had to have one too.

He'd try mine with the 4 into 1 on occasion and he always claimed his bike handled better than mine. Now I know why. I noticed after the install that the bike goes into and comes out of a corner much smoother and with a much more confident feel, especially when dragging some peg. I'm quite sure that it's all due to the 10 lb or so, exhaust collector that hangs from the bottom of the bike. It makes all the difference in the world. That advantage, along with things like; more ground clearance, smoother engine operation and less noise, makes it a no brainer for me.

 

I prefer 4 into 2 exaust,I just think it looks better.....

 

i like the looks of the 4-2 exhausts better, plus they tend to be quieter, which after riding with stright pipes so long is a huge selling point.

 

if u can get them that is,im trying,,,any exhaust would do, but i agree 4 into 2 looks better,

 

ME TOO. Big time. You wouldn't believe what I had to go through to put nice clean stock systems on TWO 550 Secas, one of which came with a 4-1.

Luckily my new project 650 has both of its stock mufflers and they're in good shape.

 

The original 4-2 get my vote for the looks and modest noise level.
I had to replace mine due to severe rust and was going to settle for a 4-1 mac setup. As luck would have it I found a complete excellent condition original exhaust for a decent price on ebay.
My buddy has a Seca with the Mac 4-1 and it sounds kind of like a crotch rocket.

 

I've got a Gemini 4-into-1 on my Seca 550 and noticed no problems whatsoever. It would seem the 4-into-2 would be more evenly balanced, but it's also quite a bit heavier than the Gemini system. Not sure how the Mac compares weight-wise.