Headers & Pipes
Motorcycle Exhaust Headers & Mid-Pipes
The header pipe is where the exhaust system begins and where much of the performance potential of any exhaust upgrade is determined. It is the first component exhaust gases encounter after leaving the combustion chamber, and its diameter, length, and taper directly affect how efficiently the engine can expel spent gases and how effectively exhaust scavenging works to pull fresh charge into the cylinder on the next intake stroke. A restrictive stock header limits the power gains available from even the best slip-on muffler because the bottleneck is upstream of the muffler, not at it. Addressing the header is what separates a complete exhaust upgrade from a partial one, and for riders who want everything their engine is capable of delivering, the header is where that conversation starts.
Headers and mid-pipes are also among the most visible components on any exhaust system, and on machines where the exhaust routing is a prominent part of the overall aesthetic, the quality of the header construction and finish makes a statement about the build. A lightweight titanium header with a natural heat-blued finish on a stripped-down enduro bike or a polished stainless header on a custom street build communicates the same attention to detail that every other component on the machine reflects. Mad Lads Moto stocks replacement and performance headers, mid-pipes, and head pipes for dirt bikes, motocross bikes, enduro machines, street bikes, and adventure tourers across all major makes and models. Here is what we carry:
- Four-Stroke Headers - OEM-spec replacement and performance headers for four-stroke motocross, enduro, trail, street, and adventure motorcycle applications in stainless steel and titanium constructions that improve exhaust flow and reduce weight compared to factory headers.
- Two-Stroke Head Pipes - Replacement head pipes for two-stroke dirt bikes and motocross machines where the head pipe connects the cylinder exhaust port to the expansion chamber and affects the overall tuned length of the exhaust system.
- Mid-Pipes & Link Pipes - Replacement and performance mid-pipes and link pipes that connect the header to the muffler on machines where the mid-pipe is a separate component, available for both OEM replacement and as performance upgrades that improve flow between sections.
- Header Wrap & Heat Management - Exhaust header wrap, ceramic coating services, and heat management accessories that reduce radiated heat from the header, protect surrounding chassis components from exhaust heat, and in some cases improve exhaust flow by keeping exhaust gases hotter and moving faster through the system.
- Header Gaskets - High-temperature header gaskets for leak-free installation at the critical exhaust port to header flange connection where a leaking gasket robs power and causes exhaust gases to contaminate the engine compartment area.
- Header Flanges & Hardware - Replacement header flanges, flange nuts, and mounting hardware for headers where the original mounting hardware has stripped, corroded, or been damaged during removal.
Header diameter selection on a four-stroke engine has a significant effect on where power is made in the RPM range. A smaller diameter header builds velocity in the exhaust stream that improves low-to-mid range torque and scavenging efficiency at lower RPM. A larger diameter header flows more volume at higher RPM but sacrifices some of the velocity-driven low-end torque that a smaller diameter delivers. Most performance headers for specific motorcycles are engineered by the manufacturer with diameter and length combinations that optimize power across the RPM range for that specific engine, and for most riders selecting a header designed specifically for their machine from a reputable manufacturer is the correct approach rather than trying to engineer a custom solution. For riders building unique or modified engines where stock header dimensions are no longer optimal, understanding the relationship between header diameter, length, and power delivery becomes more important. We stock headers and mid-pipes for Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, GasGas, and more. Use our year, make, and model fitment tool to confirm fitment before you order.
US Dollars