Best aftermarket exhaust for the Interceptor 650: Owner's opinions

I've ridden the 650s with the Red Rooster and liked it, but I want to compare it with Powerage and AEW.

BHPian V0rtex recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Red Rooster vs. Powerage vs. AEW: Which is the better exhaust, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Unlike bikes, which can be test-driven, it's really hard to know how each exhaust performs unless you have someone in your friend circle who owns one. I've ridden the 650s with the Red Rooster and liked it, but I want to compare it with Powerage and AEW. The latter options are less expensive, but I'm concerned about some users mentioning torque drop in the lower RPMs and wool burn in the Red Rooster pipes.An ideal exhaust for me is one that sounds similar to stock at lower revs and gets louder as you open the throttle, but not ear-blastingly loud and performs on the same level as the stock exhausts or better.

Here's what BHPian TheHelix0202 had to say on the matter:

Red Rooster is terrible. Avoid it. Go for either Powerage or AEW. Powerage is dyno tuned. I don’t know about AEW.

Here's what BHPian sandeepmohan had to say on the matter:

I can comment only on the AEW TE102 as thats what I have on my bike. It a free flow unit. As long as you have the baffles inset, the exhaust note is not intrusive. Its just a bit louder than stock. Crack open the throttle and the exhaust sings and again, not one bit intrusive. In fact, under your lid, cruising at the ton, you'll be hard pressed to say if its stock or aftermarket. Very slight audible difference as the the wind blast drowns out every other noise.

I can't stand riding the bike without the baffles. It gets loud and annoying over long distances.

I did notice a slight reduction in torque. However, I have adapted my riding style and its almost forgotten now.

What I appreciate more about the TE102 is fine engineering and build quality. It is perfect. The welds are so clean. They have integrated a washer clamp where the exhaust meets the bend pipe and it is perfectly aligned to fit as soon as you unwrap the exhaust. No meddling or fiddling with it.

The exhaust comes filled with ceramic fibers so that takes out anything getting burnt over time.

I have my eyes on the new bend pipe they released. Beautifully made and finished from pictures. Its steep for a bend pipe. I'll probably wait till they have a sale or discount on it as 16k is not pocket change.

Here's what BHPian scorpian had to say on the matter:

The fit and finish of the aew are class apart.

Have been using them for last 500kms and I don't find any drop in low end torque. I purchased the stainless steel ones as I stay in goa and things here rust fairly quickly.

Even my interaction with the company was very good. They had increased the price and when I told them that I had been trying to place order two days ago but transaction wasn't going through,they honoured the old price without any fuss.

Overall very satisfied with the aew exhausts.

Here's what BHPian Dine had to say on the matter:

I had installed the Powerage(Short & Brushed) in my Interceptor for the last 2+ years and happy

During the run-in period (500-700 kms), the exhaust note is little loud (with baffles) with higher rpms in lower gears

It gets toned down after the run-in period and the exhaust note becomes close to the company exhaust noise.

The growl in short gears with higher rpms is , but doesn't gets too loud or attention seeking after the run-in period.

The benefits in Switching to Powerage

1. Weight Reduction: Around 6Kgs compared to 18 Kgs, helps in rolling the bike during parking

2. Drivability: The bike is better to drive in lower gears ( 2nd /3rd) in slower speed, whilst not the case with original exhaust

3. Acceleration: The pickup is uniform from lower gears, especially in 2nd & 3rd when you need quicker pickup.

4. Heat Reduction: Less heat on the exhaust outer surface, while the original exhaust is skin burning pan.

Go for Powerage

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