JARDINE SUPER-X RT-5 EXHAUST SYSTEM

PRICE: $560

AVAILABILITY: Most late-model mxers

MOTOCROSS.COM RATING: 8.5

CONTACT: 951/739-5900 or visit www.jardineproducts.com

            When it comes to exhaust systems, Jardine actually isn’t a new company. They have been producing popular, high-quality systems and other products for road bikes for years, but until just lately, haven’t had a huge presence on the motocross scene.

            Recently, we got the chance to test out the newest addition to Jardine’s product line, the Full Super-X RT-5 Exhaust System, but before we get into how it performed, here’s a little background on what it’s made of. The RT-5 system features a stainless steel head- and mid-pipe, aluminum muffler, and a carbon fiber end cap. There is also a removable spark arrester screen, while the header pipe and muffler are spring mounted to help with vibration.

            Installing the system is relatively easy. Starting from the front, there is a bracket that mounts on the cylinder, which is then attached to the header pipe with springs, while the muffler has a pretty cool floating mount made of two washers and a slightly longer bolt that comes standard. So far, we have been riding with the Jardine system for a few weeks, and have even raced it once, and haven’t had too many complaints. Our biggest problem, though, came when the cool muffler-mounting bracket, which we just mentioned, fell out, forcing us to return to the stock system until we received a new mounting bracket. Performance-wise, the Jardine RT-5 is good. The low-end pull isn’t drastically improved on the bike, but it does add a slightly stronger punch. Up top, though, is where the system really shines. Down fast straights, our CRF now pulls each gear longer and revs out further. For us, this is how we like 450cc four-strokes to perform—without a huge hit on the bottom, and more of a smooth, pulling powerband all throughout. One little gripe, though, is that in the world of noise complaints, the RT-5 setup just seems to be a little loud when you hear someone pounding laps around a track. Finally, as a few small side notes, we aren’t too sure about the chrome look of the muffler, it just looks really worn out and ugly in about half the time it takes other systems to look the same. Also the weight of the RT-5 system doesn’t seem much lighter than the stock one, however, our guess is that if you are looking for a weight reduction you should probably purchase one of Jardine’s full-carbon or carbon/titanium systems.

RATING

            While we did have a few complaints about sound, weight, and the materials used to construct the Jardine Super-X RT-5 System, we did like how it performed. The smooth power and awesome over-rev makes the system one that we will certainly be using in the months to come. If you are looking for a pipe that performs, and is durable, head down and pick up this one up today.