Zard VS Arrow:collectors only

[ZoeTard]

Apologies for another exhausting thread, but I've searched and didn't find anything relating to my specific question.

Just picked up a DP full system ECU and currently only plan on replacing the header/collector pipes and sticking with the stock cans, having a tuff time justifying $900(+/-) for slip ons that provide at most minimal gains(other than weight savings).

Trying to decide between the Zard or Arrow collectors, price is a wash, but I've noticed 2 differences and I'm looking for some opinions.



as you can see the Zard is a nice looking system with SMOOTH bends and minimal welds.



however the Arrow system is made up of many pieces welded together, not as aesthetically pleasing (if not titanium). But Arrow also claims "The midpipe supplied with these collectors are the short straight through design and do not have the U bend like those found on other stand alone midpipes from other manufacturers."

So any technical thoughts / opinions on welds VS bends or Arrows short straight midpipes VS the "Long Curvy" midpipes? Any fitment issues with either design? Seeing as Arrow is the more established/well know brand I'm guessing there is a reason they weld pieces together instead of bending

[Monstaman]

I have just bought the Zards, they should be here any day now.

Zard give you the entire headers from front right through to the rear whereas my understanding is the existing tail pipe is still utilized with the Arrows.

The Zard to me seemed to have a nicer looking flow in particular the rear header and the fact it takes out the cat and valve complete swayed me.

I don't know about diameter but the Zard looks like it may be 1 - 2 mm bigger which is not a biggie in the scheme of things but they just seemed to be nicer pipe.

The U bend I think you refer to is the back section up by the mufflers?, I agree the arrow crossover is far nicer than say the Termis, I am going to drill the end cap out I the RHS Termi as it is partialy blanked and creates a heat spot at the point.

My system is Zard headers, Termi slipons and slipon ECU, opened airbox top and bottom and a K&N on its way, that will do me.

[dave2riff]

I believe the U-bend they refer to is the one under the motor by the cat. The Leo Vince mid-pipe and the Termignoni cat replacement pipe still retain this sharp U-bend. As far as Zard Vs. Arrow, if you research postings on Arrow full system installs you will see a number of comments on fit and finish quality (like "bring a hammer"). IMO, the Zard looks cleaner, and as you stated, has fewer welded sections. If you don't like the heat shield, there is a carbon replacement on Ebay all the time. I've already disabled my exhaust valve flapper drive (removed cables, installed limiters on the servo motor), so getting the exhaust valve out of there is a plus for reducing dead weight. (Those with DP ECU's don't have to worry about EXV errors.) The Arrow collectors do not appear to replace the section that includes the EXV. I plan on ordering the Zard as soon as the budget allows, in case it wasn't obvious!

[PedroHM]

i just got the zards delivered (sorry monstaman, looks like NZ is just that little bit further away..)

Well mixed thoughts, they are one one hand very simple in design, but I guess you get what you pay for.

The welds are shocking
the bends have left machine clamp marks all over the tubes
the clips look like they were spot welded on by a monkey
there are no instruuctions
nothing has been finished ie ground down.

BUT they are cheap, they look easy to install and are better than stock.

I'd say the arrows are a better made system but who cares, its down there under the bike to get hit by shit and go funny colors when it gets hot.

will stick them on this week and see what the go is.

[Monstaman]

Originally Posted by PedroHM

i just got the zards delivered (sorry monstaman, looks like NZ is just that little bit further away..)
.

Bastid

Will be keen to see how they fit up etc, really looking forward to getting mine and ditching that bloody hanky out the system.

[08hyper]

Just by looking at the pictures, it look like the Zard mid pipe is a larger

diameter than stock, with the no step or taper, which can help the mid to

top power on a non stock performance motor, (cams, HC pistons, porting,

etc.) the stock size header pipe IS better for a stock engine, where the

Arrow pipe looks like the beginning of the pipe looks to start off like the stock

diameter, then tapers to the larger diameter pipe, like the DP performance

pipe, (which is a stepped header design) In dyno testing of different styles

of exhausts for many bikes, I have found that the stepped or tapered

header system seems to produce a better power curve than a straight

larger diameter tube, especially on a stock bike, and also the closer you can

make the individual header pipe the same legnth the better it

will be for power.

IMHO, the Arrow mid pipe, to me would be the better of the two asides from the fitment issues, Aloha Alex

[Da_Bull]

I bought the Arrows.

I'll take pictures when (if) they ever get here.

[Monstaman]

Originally Posted by Da_Bull

I bought the Arrows.

I'll take pictures when (if) they ever get here.

I am in the same boat, bought back on 25 Sept, should be here this week as they have left the US, I think with a global recession you are not allowed to spend money thus you are made to wait

[AXE]

I think the Zards look great. I cut the heat guard off and cleaned up the surface. You can clean up the mandrel marks with some fine sandpaper, scotchbrite pad and finish it off with some steel wool. Once it discolors a bit, the imperfections are not that noticeable. You could also coat it to change the overall appearance.

If memory serves me, then the Zard header is 45mm in diameter, while the stocker is 40mm.

You be the judge, but it looks like a serious piece of pipe and dramatically decreases weight.



Out!

[Hyper1]

The Zards look very sweet all slicked-up! Nice job on the whole package, as well.