Escapamento RD: Simple Guide to Yamaha RD Exhaust (Sound, Performance, and Buying Tips)
The Yamaha RD motorcycles (RD 125, RD 135, RD 350) are very popular with two-stroke bike lovers. These bikes are light, fast, and have a special sound that many riders love. One part changes the bike a lot: the escapamento RD (the exhaust system).
On a two-stroke engine, the exhaust is not only for taking out smoke and gas. It also helps the engine make power. This means that changing the exhaust can change:
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How fast the bike feels
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How strong the engine pulls
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How the bike sounds
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How much fuel the bike uses
This simple guide will help you understand what an escapamento RD is, how it works, and how to choose the right one.
1. What Is Escapamento RD?
Escapamento RD means the exhaust made for Yamaha RD bikes. There are different kinds of exhausts:
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Original factory exhaust (OEM)
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Performance exhaust
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Custom or handmade exhaust
Main jobs of the exhaust:
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Take hot gas away from the engine
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Help the engine breathe better
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Change the sound of the bike
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Help control engine power
2. How the Exhaust Works on a Two-Stroke RD
Two-stroke engines work in a special way. The exhaust shape helps push fresh fuel and air back into the engine before the exhaust port closes. This helps the engine make more power.
What a good exhaust can do:
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Make the bike faster
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Improve throttle response
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Help the engine run smoother
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Change where the engine makes power (low speed or high speed)
Power difference by exhaust type:
| Exhaust Type | Low Speed Power | Middle Speed Power | High Speed Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (OEM) | Good | Medium | Low |
| Street Performance | Medium | Good | Medium |
| Racing Exhaust | Low | Medium | High |
3. Types of Escapamento RD
There are many types of exhausts for RD bikes.
Common types:
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Original (OEM) exhaust
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Performance exhaust (expansion chamber)
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Custom or handmade exhaust
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Retro style exhaust
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Racing style exhaust
Exhaust type comparison:
| Exhaust Type | Best For | Sound | Power Gain | Good for Street Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM (Original) | Restoring old bikes | Quiet | Small | Yes |
| Street Performance | Daily riding | Medium | Medium | Yes |
| Racing Exhaust | Track or racing | Loud | High | Not always |
| Custom Exhaust | Style + custom tuning | Medium–Loud | Depends | Depends |
4. Materials and Build Quality
Exhausts are made from different materials. The material changes the price, life, and look.
Common materials:
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Steel: cheap, but can rust
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Stainless steel (inox): does not rust easily, lasts longer
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Chrome: looks nice, needs more cleaning
Material comparison:
| Material | Rust Resistance | Life Time | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Stainless Steel | High | High | Light | High |
| Chrome | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
5. Sound of Escapamento RD
Many riders change the exhaust for better sound.
Sound options:
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Quiet and smooth (original exhaust)
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Loud and sporty (performance exhaust)
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Classic retro sound (custom exhaust)
Things to think about:
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Local noise laws
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Comfort for long rides
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Street legality
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Neighbors and daily use
Read also: Do the Driving Modes in the Cadillac LYRIQ Change Range or Battery Use?
6. Performance Benefits and Downsides
Benefits:
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Bike can feel faster
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Better acceleration
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Lighter weight
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Better throttle response
Downsides:
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Louder sound
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More fuel use
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Need to tune the carburetor
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More engine heat if tuning is wrong
7. How to Choose the Right Escapamento RD
Choose by bike model:
| RD Model | Good Exhaust Choice |
|---|---|
| RD 125 | Street performance exhaust |
| RD 135 | Balanced performance exhaust |
| RD 350 | Strong performance or racing exhaust |
Choose by riding style:
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Daily riding: quiet or street performance exhaust
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Highway riding: exhaust with good middle power
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Track use: racing exhaust
Simple buyer checklist:
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Fits your RD model
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Good quality welding
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Strong material
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Not too loud for street
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Easy to find spare parts
8. Installation and Fitment
Some exhausts fit easily. Others need small changes.
Installation types:
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Plug-and-play (easy install)
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Small bracket changes
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Custom fitting for handmade exhausts
Common mistakes:
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Not changing old gaskets
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Loose bolts
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Exhaust touching the frame
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Not checking for leaks
9. Tuning After Installing a New Exhaust
When you change the exhaust, you must tune the engine.
Basic tuning steps:
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Change carburetor jet size
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Adjust air and fuel mix
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Check spark plug color
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Test ride and adjust
Signs of wrong tuning:
| Problem | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Engine too hot | Too little fuel |
| Weak power | Wrong jet size |
| Backfire | Air leak |
| White spark plug | Engine running too lean |
10. Maintenance and Care
Simple maintenance list:
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Clean the exhaust often
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Check bolts and mounts
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Look for cracks
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Change silencer packing
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Protect from rust
11. Price Range
What changes the price:
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Material used
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Brand name
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Handmade or factory made
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Finish (paint, chrome, polish)
Price levels:
| Level | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Cheap | Basic steel exhaust |
| Medium | Fair | Better finish and fit |
| High | Expensive | Stainless steel or custom exhaust |
12. Common Questions
Is a loud exhaust faster?
No. Loud does not always mean more power.
Can a new exhaust damage my engine?
Not if you tune the engine correctly.
Can I use one exhaust for all RD models?
No. Each RD model needs the right fit.
13. Conclusion
The escapamento RD is one of the most important parts of a Yamaha RD bike. It changes:
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How the bike sounds
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How fast it feels
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How the engine works
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How fun the bike is to ride
If you choose the right exhaust, install it well, and tune your engine, your RD will run better and feel more exciting to ride.
