Which Exhaust?

I expect this question is asked all the time by virgins like me, but what are your favourite exhausts? I've had my 2002 RSV for about two years now - it came with the standard pipe fitted (just MOT'd) and a slightly battered "Staintune" shotgun style affair with removable baffles. When I test-rode the bike, this was on with the baffles removed and it made my ears bleed! I've never bothered to re-fit it, because of the aforementioned shabbiness and I'm not overly keen on the style of it. However, now Mrs Woodward is threatening to treat me on our wedding anniversary. And after that, she's offered to buy me a new can, so;
What I'm looking for -
Single can, must fit with pillion footrest intact, not ridiculously loud as standard (must be OK for track day limits). I'm a simple soul, so while chipping to suit is OK, it would have to be a straightforward affair (eg Tigcraft who supply the e-prom with the can).
Wife & two kids to support, so £1k Akrapovic's are out of the question I'm afraid.
I've looked lovingly at the beautiful 80mm Tigcraft slip-on (but that must be as noisy as hell), I like Bluefame (had one on the last bike, very good service when it got bent) but don't like the look of those twin outlets when the bottom plug is in. I've looked at RSVR.net, the GPR "poppy" effect can looks good, and good value. And I could go on.
So what to buy, what to avoid, your advice would be most welcome.

Would suggest the MICRON 'Special' that Sharky has BUT I think it was a one-off race jobbie.....so anything with a nice wide outlet should be fine!! Bring the Noise!!

Bluflame make nice sounding exhausts and the EVO version keeps plod happy

get the Tigs, I think they do a Db killer for there systems also.
Failing that the Akra Evo Ti full system with 65mm outlet was developed for the 02 model.
Ck

try fuel or MTC , both good value and sound ok
http://www.fuelexhausts.com/index.cfm
www.mtcexhausts.co.uk

Rawly

Personally there are only 2 makes a exhaust i would buy at present that come up to scratch on quality, performance and looks, Akrapovic or Arrow. Rememeber you get what you pay for. The Tigs are very exclusive though but are extremely loud for road use.

I would suggest getting the Arrow Titanium Road legal removeable baffle can with the carbon exhaust strap. Absolute top quality exhaust and looks stunning when fitted. Good mid range power boost and light as a feather. £369 plus VAT at RSVR

The Akrapovic is equally as good, but is not road legal as it's a race can. £438 plus VAT at Calsport

If you want something a tad cheaper go for the Leo Vince SBK Evoluzione Titanium road legal removeable baffle can. Very high quality and slightly cheaper than the 2 above. £295 plus VAT at RSVR.net

The GPR cans are good, a bit like Micron or Scorpion, but not in the same league as the 3 above

just remember matey, if the outlet is small enough you could put a Db killer in any race can, or just change for the mot.
I agree with the legs. Akra, arrow, sato, tig. all good quality.
beware some cheap cans with even cheaper silencer wool in them They wont last long.
Personally I would go Akra on an 02
ck

Just to add both Fuel and MTC , while cheaper than those mentioned above do use the same grade stainless as some of the more expensive makes .
Fuel has always done well in most product tests for quality .
MTC is a local company to me and comes recommended by many people i've spoken to .
My own veiw is that a lot of people buy exhausts for the looks alone and we are all human we tend to stick with brand names we know , but if your looking for alternatives and to spend less than £200 there are some good buys out there .
e-bay is always worth a look if you don't mind s/hand ( i don't and got a bargain )
Rawly

Iv'e got an mtc stainless round one on mine,looks good and sounds great plus it has a removeable baffle and is road legal and skem is not to far from you.

ozz

Hey, thanks for the advice everyone, especially Legs & ck. I looked at the Sato website - very cool (with soundtrack!) but could only find twin can system for 04 onwards. The uncompromising noise of the Tigcraft & Akrapovic probably rule them out for me (Wimp!!) So the Arrow's looking favourite at the moment. I'll let you know where I go, and if I can work out how, I'll post a picture once it's on.
If anyones interested in the shotgun-style Staintune (Stay-in-tune - geddit?) I've got cluttering up the shed, let me know. I've never heard of them before (Australian apparently). As I said before, it's not mint but it would be OK for a track bike (though might fail noise limit with the baffles out!)

Just googled them - have a look at http://www.staintune.com.au/exhausts/aprilia/Aprilia RSV1000.htm

If you like the shotgun style cans there's a set of very nice Arrow ones on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=180269023259&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=008

I've bought a set of akras of ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=120286871995&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=002
any tips guys
maps air filters
setup
etc etc

get a custom map dude, best thing for the Akras

Congrats fella, the best cans out there IMHO.

Fit the Akra cans and remove the baffles via the small allen bolt. You then need to get your Aprilia dealer to switch the ECU to MAP2 and reset the CO2 levels correctly. Also make sure they download the latest version of MAP2 as Aprilia have released updates since 2004 when your bike was produced.

Your bike should now be in race mode and you''ll notice a good improvement in power and torque. If you feel you then need more, as CK says a power commander and dedicated map would be the way to go but i think you'll be surprised just with the MAP switch and set up, especially if you're running 15/42 gearing!

Arrows all the way

Akra's all the way. End of.

Arrows all the way.... then back again as well, end of and put feet up safe in the knowledge that you made the right choice.:doug

Renegade's m8.

Get a 2-1-2 Rene system and you won't regret it.

Just ask anyone on here that has one. The noise they make is simply incredible. :thumbup

One of these...fooking AWESOME sound :devious