If you've been riding with the stock 2017 kawasaki 650 exhaust for a while, you probably know that it sounds a bit more like a sewing machine than a mid-weight sportbike. Don't get me wrong, Kawasaki built an incredible machine with the 2017 Ninja 650 and its naked sibling, the Z650, but that factory "breadbox" muffler under the bike is purely there for emissions and noise regulations. It's heavy, it's quiet, and it hides the true character of that 649cc parallel-twin engine.
Upgrading your exhaust is usually the first big mod most riders do, and for good reason. It changes the entire personality of the bike. You get a better soundtrack, you shave off a surprising amount of weight, and if you do it right, you can even squeeze out a bit more pep in the mid-range. Let's dive into what you need to know before you start bolting parts onto your bike.
The Reality of the Full System vs. Slip-on
Here is the thing about the 2017 model year—and this catches a lot of new owners off guard—the stock exhaust is a one-piece unit. On many bikes, you can just unclamp the muffler and slide on a new "slip-on" pipe in ten minutes. On the 2017 kawasaki 650 exhaust setup, the headers and the muffler are welded together into one giant hunk of steel.
This means if you want to change the exhaust, you're almost certainly looking at a full system. You'll be replacing everything from the engine ports all the way back to the tip. While this is more expensive than a simple slip-on, it's actually a blessing in disguise. You get to ditch the heavy catalytic converter and the bulky resonator box, which saves about 10 to 15 pounds of "dead weight" hanging off the bottom of your frame.
Why You Should Ditch the Stock Pipe
It's not just about being loud for the sake of being loud. There are three main reasons most of us look for a new setup.
Shedding the Bulk
The stock system is surprisingly heavy. Because it has to house all that emissions equipment and internal baffling to keep things quiet, it's a chunky piece of engineering. When you swap to a high-quality aftermarket system—especially something made from titanium or thin-wall stainless steel—you'll feel the difference immediately. The bike feels flickable and a bit more eager to lean into corners because you've removed weight from a low, central point.
Finding the Parallel-Twin Growl
The 2017 650 engine uses a 180-degree crank. Stock, it's very polite. Once you open it up with a new exhaust, it develops a nice, raspy "thump" that sounds aggressive without being obnoxious (unless you take the baffles out, then all bets are off). It makes the riding experience way more engaging when you can actually hear what the engine is doing as you rev through the gears.
Better Throttle Response
While you aren't going to turn your 650 into a ZX-10R just by changing the pipes, a full system helps the engine breathe. You'll notice the bike feels a bit more "alive" in the mid-range. The throttle feels less restricted, and that annoying "dip" in power that some riders feel around 4,000 to 5,000 RPM often smooths out quite a bit.
Popular Brands for the 2017 Model
There are a few heavy hitters in the exhaust world that specialize in the Kawasaki 650 platform. Each one has a slightly different "flavor" when it comes to sound and aesthetics.
Akrapovič
If you look at the Kawasaki racing teams, they're almost always running Akrapovič. They make a titanium full system for the 2017 650 that is basically the gold standard. It's beautifully welded, fits perfectly, and comes with a carbon fiber heat shield. It's on the pricier side, but it's the most "factory" feeling upgrade you can get. The sound is deep and refined rather than just "loud."
Yoshimura
The Yoshimura Alpha series is another fan favorite. It has a distinctive tri-oval shape that looks great tucked under the Ninja 650's fairings. Yoshimura systems tend to have a bit more of a "bark" to them. If you want people to know you're coming without sounding like a straight-piped lawnmower, the Yoshi is a solid middle ground.
Two Brothers Racing
If you want to be the loudest person at the bike meet, Two Brothers is usually the way to go. Their S1R full system is incredibly light and features a very aggressive, raw sound. It's definitely on the louder side of the spectrum, so if you have sensitive neighbors or live in an area with strict noise ordinances, you might want to keep the DB-killer (the baffle) installed.
SC Project
For those who love the "GP" look, SC Project makes some of the smallest, sleekest mufflers out there. Their systems are minimalist and look amazing on the Z650 especially. Just be warned: because the mufflers are so small, they don't do a ton of sound dampening. It's a very raw, racing-inspired tone.
Do You Need a Power Commander?
This is the million-dollar question. When you install a full 2017 kawasaki 650 exhaust, you're significantly changing how much air can move through the engine. The bike's stock ECU is programmed to work with the restrictive factory pipe.
Strictly speaking, the bike will run without a tune. However, it might run "lean" (too much air, not enough fuel), which can cause the engine to run hotter and lead to "popping" on deceleration. To really get the most out of your investment, I always recommend a fuel controller like a Power Commander V or getting an ECU flash. It smooths out the power delivery and ensures your engine stays healthy in the long run. Plus, it gets rid of that jerky low-speed throttle response that these bikes are sometimes known for.
Installation: Can You Do It Yourself?
Honestly, swapping the exhaust on a 2017 Kawasaki 650 isn't a nightmare, but it does require some patience. Since it's a full system, you'll need to:
- Remove the lower fairings (if you're on a Ninja).
- Unbolt the headers from the engine block.
- Remove the mounting bolts for the main muffler box.
- Carefully swap the O2 sensor from the old pipe to the new one.
The biggest "gotcha" is the O2 sensor. You have to be careful not to twist the wires too much or contaminate the sensor tip with grease. Also, always use new header gaskets. They're cheap, and using the old ones is a recipe for an exhaust leak that will make your bike sound like a tractor.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your 2017 kawasaki 650 exhaust is probably the single most satisfying modification you can make. It transforms the bike from a quiet commuter into a machine that sounds as sporty as it looks. Whether you go for the high-end titanium of an Akrapovič or the aggressive growl of a Yoshimura, you're going to find yourself taking the "long way home" just to hear the engine sing through the gears.
Just remember to check your local laws regarding noise and emissions if you're worried about inspections. Other than that, pick the style that fits your budget, grab a set of wrenches, and get ready to fall in love with your Kawasaki all over again. It's a completely different ride once you let that parallel-twin finally breathe.