Help! New exhaust, problems

Just brought a new exhaust for my xj650 which is basically a straight through pipe with a baffle at the end, and the engine has developed a strange noise like a fast ticking from the top end at low revs and feels really down on power even at high revs, also it now seems to overheat easily when in traffic. Can anyone help with some advice as to what this could be? Could it just need a carb tune or could this be something more sinister? (piston rings???)

 

The ticking engine sounds like it could be an exhaust leak. Did you replace the old exhaust gaskets?As for engine overheating and no power on the top end, did you rejet the carbs when you replaced the exhaust? Sounds like you have the engine breathing better but no compensation for more fuel that you now need.

Sean

 

Gaskets where brand new as well I don't think it's a leak causing the noise and it's not the cam chain as it was replaced about 2k ago, carbs do need doing but I wasn't sure that it would be enough to cause these problems?

 

exhaust leaks can sound exactly as described. A small exhaust leak can also add to a lean condition, a new more open exhaust can also lead to a lean condition and generally the accepted wisdom here is you need to re-jet the carbs for both intkae and exhaust changes. A lean condition would explain your overheating.

 

Ok cheers guys sounds like it was something very simple I guess wisdom comes with experience and I'm only 18 so a lot to learn!!!

 

Take a quick look at your plugs, if they are white then stop riding til you get the carbs sorted. A very lean condition can lead ultimately to catastrophic engine failure!