Escapamento RD: Choosing the Best Exhaust for Your Yamaha RD

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The Yamaha RD series holds legendary status among motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Known for their two-stroke engines, lightweight design, and aggressive power delivery, RD motorcycles remain popular among collectors, restorers, and performance riders alike. One of the most critical components on these bikes is the RD exhaust system, or escapamento RD. Whether you are restoring a classic RD 125 or RD 135 or upgrading to a powerful RD 350, choosing the right exhaust can significantly affect performance, sound, fuel efficiency, and even engine longevity. This detailed guide will examine all the essential information you need regarding the escapamento RD, from its function to choosing the best option for your needs.

What Is an Escapamento RD?

The escapamento RD refers to the exhaust system specifically designed for Yamaha RD motorcycles. Unlike four-stroke motorcycles, RD models use two-stroke engines, which rely heavily on exhaust design to achieve proper combustion and performance.

In two-stroke engines, the exhaust does much more than expel gases—it actively influences how fuel and air flow through the engine. This makes the escapamento RD one of the most important components for both stock performance and high-performance tuning.

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Why the Escapamento RD Is So Important

Many riders underestimate the role of the exhaust system, but in RD motorcycles, it plays a crucial role in:

Power delivery
Torque curve
Fuel consumption
Engine temperature
Throttle response
Sound characteristics
Compliance with road regulations

A poorly chosen exhaust can reduce power and reliability, while a properly designed escapamento RD can unlock impressive performance gains.

Types of Escapamento RD

There are several types of exhaust systems available for Yamaha RD motorcycles, each designed for different purposes.

Original (Stock) Exhaust

The original exhaust is designed for reliability, smooth performance, and compliance with noise and emission standards.

Advantages:

Quiet operation
Factory-correct appearance
Balanced fuel consumption
Long engine life
Ideal for restorations

Disadvantages:

Limited performance potential
Heavier construction

This option is best for collectors and riders who want to preserve authenticity.

Expansion Chamber (Performance Exhaust)

This is the most popular upgrade for two-stroke engines. Also called a “dimensioned exhaust,” it uses carefully calculated pipe geometry to increase power.

Advantages:

Significant horsepower increase
Stronger mid-range and top-end
Sportier sound
Lightweight materials

Disadvantages:

Louder noise
May require carburetor tuning
Higher cost

For enthusiasts who want performance, the expansion chamber escapamento RD is often the best choice.

Stainless Steel Exhaust

These are premium stainless-steel exhaust systems.

Benefits include:

Corrosion resistance
Long lifespan
Attractive appearance
Stable performance over time

They are more expensive but ideal for long-term projects.

Carbon Steel Exhaust

More affordable and widely available.

Pros:

Lower cost
Good performance
Easy to repair

Cons:

Susceptible to rust
Requires more maintenance

Choosing the Right Escapamento RD

When selecting your exhaust system, consider the following factors:

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Motorcycle Model

Each RD model has different specifications:

RD 125
RD 135
RD 135Z
RD 350

Always ensure compatibility with your exact engine type and year.

Riding Purpose

Ask yourself:

Is the bike for daily riding?
Track racing?
Restoration project?
Weekend fun?

A commuter benefits from a quieter stock exhaust, while a racer will prefer a performance expansion chamber.

Legal Regulations

Many countries and regions have noise and emission restrictions. Some performance exhausts may not be street legal. Always check local laws before purchasing.

Budget

Prices vary widely:

Stock exhausts: low to mid-range
Performance exhausts: mid to high-range
Stainless steel systems: premium

Set a realistic budget that includes the cost of possible carburetor re-jetting.

Performance Impact of the Escapamento RD

Upgrading the exhaust system can result in:

10% to 30% horsepower increase
Faster throttle response
Improved acceleration
Higher top speed

However, to fully benefit, proper tuning is essential.

Carburetor and Tuning Considerations

After installing a performance escapamento RD, you may need:

Larger main jets
Needle height adjustment
Air/fuel mixture tuning

Failure to tune properly can cause:

Lean mixtures
Engine overheating
Piston damage

Professional tuning is strongly recommended.

Sound Characteristics

One of the main attractions of the RD series is its iconic two-stroke sound.

Stock exhaust: smooth and quiet
Performance exhaust: aggressive, sharp, racing-style

While many riders love the louder tone, it may not be suitable for residential areas.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your escapamento RD in good condition:

Clean regularly
Inspect for cracks
Check mounting bolts
Remove carbon buildup
Apply anti-rust coating (for steel systems)

Stainless steel requires less maintenance but still benefits from periodic inspection.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying incompatible models
Ignoring tuning requirements
Choosing extremely loud exhausts for daily use
Installing cheap, low-quality copies
Skipping legal checks

Preventing these errors will conserve time, reduce costs, and protect the engine from injury.

Popular Brands for Escapamento RD

Some well-known manufacturers include:

Pro Tork
Wacs
Dogster
Torbal
RR Tuned

Always check reviews and product specifications before buying.

Is It Worth Upgrading?

For most RD owners, the answer is yes—if done properly.

A quality escapamento RD upgrade can:

Transform riding experience
Improve resale value
Enhance visual appeal
Increase performance dramatically

However, it must match your riding goals and technical setup.

Conclusion

The escapamento RD is far more than just an exhaust pipe—it is a fundamental component that defines how your Yamaha RD performs, sounds, and feels on the road. Whether you are restoring a classic motorcycle or building a high-performance two-stroke machine, choosing the right exhaust system will directly affect your riding satisfaction.

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