Jardine RT-5 Exhaust System

PRICE: $525 (Full System)

AVAILABILITY: Most late-model mxers (Tested here on the 2008 KX450F)

MOTOCROSS.COM RATING:9

CONTACT: www.jardineproducts.com or www.rocksracingservices.com

            We’ve tested a Jardine pipe before, and when the test was all said and done, to be honest, we had a few improvements that we would like to have seen before giving the system a better rating. For more on that, though, click the link embedded in the article, right now, we’re going to be taking a look at the new and improved RT-5 system from Jardine, this time mounted up to our 2008 KX450F.

            Like last year, the RT-5 system is made of an aluminum muffler mated up to a stainless steel header and mid pipe. One difference for ’08, though, is the muffler end cap, which is now made out of aluminum rather than carbon fiber for improved durability. The muffler is now also longer to help lower the sound level, and is also brushed aluminum rather than polished, which in turn helps to keep the can looking better longer. Like last year, the system mounts up with a combination of springs and bolts, and the muffler is attached with two floating washers and a longer bolt. For ’08, the Allen bolts on the muffler are improved to help aid in re-packing, thereby helping make the system last much longer.

            For this test, we met up with Jardine’s Michael Rigdon to make sure everything was in order. After mounting up the pipe, which fit relatively easy to our bike, we took to the track to see if the improvements actually made a difference. At the initial crack of the throttle, we noticed that the sound was slightly lower than before, and offered a deeper slightly throatier note, something that we are all for. As for the power delivery of the bike, in stock form the Kawi is good. It revs out well, has decent low end, and it’s actually pretty difficult to find something to gripe about, however, Jardine managed to make a good thing slightly better. With the Jardine pipe mounted up, the power was boosted slightly all throughout, giving the bike a meaty power delivery that added to the bottom, mid and top. We also found that the bike pulled really well, not flattening out or losing power too soon. One thing is for sure, though, the Jardine RT-5 system gives the bike a rideable powerband that won’t rip your arms off, yet still is enough to make even power-hungry riders happy. As for durability, Jardine addressed the messy look of the polished aluminum can, and in the time we’ve ridden with the system, we haven’t had any problems with it. If we had to find a problem, in this MX world where every racer is looking for a lighter and lighter system that still offers durability, the Jardine RT-5 is a little on the heavier side. But if bulletproof durability and solid reliability is what your looking for the RT-5 set up is perfect.

RATING

            With the improvements that Jardine has made to the RT-5 system, we are happy riding with it. They have addressed just about everything that we didn’t like about it, making a system that adds up to a great investment for any racer or casual rider looking to make an improvement to their machine. It’s affordable, works well, and looks good. What more could you ask for?