Everything You Need to Know About the Escapamento RD

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, specifically one who loves the classic 2-stroke engines, you have likely heard the term escapamento rd tossed around in garage conversations. The Yamaha RD series is legendary, and the exhaust system—or “escapamento” in Portuguese—is the heart and soul of its performance.

Upgrading or maintaining the escapamento rd is one of the most effective ways to change how your bike sounds and performs. Whether you are restoring a vintage RD 135 or tuning up an RD 350 for the track, understanding the exhaust system is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the basics of expansion chambers to choosing the right pipe for your ride.

Key Takeaways

• The escapamento rd is critical for 2-stroke engine performance.
• Upgrading stock pipes to expansion chambers can significantly boost horsepower.
• Proper maintenance prevents carbon buildup and ensures longevity.
• Sound quality is a major factor for enthusiasts choosing a new exhaust.

What is an Escapamento RD?

At its core, an escapamento rd refers to the exhaust system designed for Yamaha RD series motorcycles. The “RD” stands for “Race Developed,” hinting at the bike’s lineage. These motorcycles are famous for their two-stroke engines, which rely heavily on the exhaust system not just to expel gas, but to help the engine breathe and generate power.

Unlike four-stroke engines where the exhaust is mostly a pipe to get rid of fumes, a two-stroke exhaust acts like a musical instrument and a supercharger combined. It uses pressure waves to stuff fuel back into the cylinder before the piston closes. This is why the shape of the escapamento rd is so distinct, often featuring a bulging section known as an expansion chamber.

The Role of the Expansion Chamber

The expansion chamber is the swollen part of the pipe. When the engine fires, a sound wave travels down the exhaust. When it hits the wide part of the chamber, it creates a negative pressure wave that helps suck the exhaust gas out of the cylinder.

When the wave hits the tapering end of the cone, it reflects a positive pressure wave back toward the engine. If timed correctly, this wave pushes fresh fuel mixture (that might have escaped into the exhaust port) back into the cylinder right before the port closes. This is the magic of the escapamento rd tuning.

Why Upgrade Your Escapamento RD?

Most riders choose to upgrade their stock exhaust for two main reasons: power and sound. The factory exhaust is often heavy and restrictive because it has to meet noise and emission regulations. An aftermarket escapamento rd is designed purely for performance.

Increased Horsepower and Torque

A well-designed aftermarket pipe can unlock hidden horsepower. By optimizing the shape and length of the expansion chamber, manufacturers can tune the power band of the bike. Some pipes are designed for low-end torque, making the bike easier to ride in the city. Others are tuned for high-RPM screaming power, perfect for racing or highway runs.

The Legendary 2-Stroke Sound

There is nothing quite like the sound of a two-stroke engine hitting its power band. A high-quality escapamento rd enhances that crisp, metallic “ring-ding-ding” sound that enthusiasts love. It turns a muted factory hum into an aggressive, race-ready roar.

Types of Escapamento RD Available

When shopping for an escapamento rd, you will encounter several different styles and brands. The market is vast, especially in countries like Brazil where the RD series has a cult following.

Stock vs. Aftermarket Options

Chrome vs. Black Painted

Esthetics matter. Many riders prefer a chrome finish for that classic, flashy look. Chrome is durable and resists rust well if cared for. However, black painted pipes offer a stealthier, race-inspired look and can sometimes dissipate heat slightly better. The choice of finish on your escapamento rd often comes down to personal preference and the overall style of your bike build.

Choosing the Right Escapamento RD for Your Model

The Yamaha RD family includes several models, and the exhaust systems are not always interchangeable. You must ensure you are buying the correct escapamento rd for your specific bike.

Escapamento RD 135

The RD 135 is a nimble, quick machine. The exhaust for this bike usually runs down one side. Tuned pipes for the RD 135 focus on maximizing the output of that single cylinder. Look for pipes that promise a wider power band, so the bike doesn’t feel “gutless” at low speeds.

Escapamento RD 350 (The Widowmaker)

The RD 350 is a twin-cylinder beast. It requires two exhaust pipes. Upgrading the escapamento rd on a 350 is a serious modification. Because it has two cylinders, you have the option of crossover pipes or individual expansion chambers. Most performance seekers go for individual chambers to get that balanced, high-performance look and feel.

Fitting Considerations

• Frame Clearance: Ensure the pipe doesn’t hit the frame or the swingarm.
• Footpeg Position: Some racing pipes require you to move or modify the passenger footpegs.
• Center Stand: Many performance pipes require the removal of the center stand to fit properly.

Installation Tips for Your Escapamento RD

Installing a new exhaust can be a fun weekend project. However, two-stroke exhausts can be finicky. Here is a general guide to getting your escapamento rd installed correctly.

Gathering Your Tools

You won’t need a full mechanic’s shop, but you will need basic hand tools. Have a set of metric wrenches (10mm, 12mm, 14mm), a spring puller (for the exhaust springs), and high-temp silicone sealant.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Remove the Old Pipe: Loosen the flange nuts at the cylinder head. Remove the mounting bolts near the rear footpeg. Carefully slide the old pipe off.
2. Clean the Port: Use a rag to clean the exhaust port on the cylinder. Remove any old gasket material.
3. Install New Gaskets: Always use new exhaust gaskets. Reusing old ones is a recipe for leaks.
4. Mount the New Escapamento RD: loosely fit the header pipe into the cylinder. Do not tighten the nuts yet.
5. Align the Bracket: Line up the rear mounting bracket with the frame.
6. Tighten Everything: Once the pipe is aligned, tighten the cylinder flange nuts evenly. Then tighten the rear mounting bolt.
7. Check for Leaks: Start the bike and feel for air leaks around the cylinder head (be careful not to burn your hand).

Tuning Your Carburetor After Changing the Escapamento RD

This is the most critical step that many beginners skip. When you install a high-performance escapamento rd, you are changing the airflow of the engine. You are moving more air, which means you need more fuel.

Why Re-jetting is Necessary

If you do not adjust your carburetor, your engine will run “lean” (too much air, not enough fuel). A lean two-stroke engine runs hot and is at high risk of seizing the piston. This can destroy your engine in minutes.

Basic Jetting Guidelines

• Main Jet: You will likely need to increase the size of your main jet.
• Needle Position: You might need to raise the needle (lower the clip) to enrich the mid-range mixture.
• Pilot Jet: Sometimes a larger pilot jet is needed for a smooth idle.

Consult the manufacturer of your escapamento rd for recommended jetting specs. They usually provide a baseline to start from.

Maintenance of Your Escapamento RD

To keep your bike performing well and sounding great, you need to take care of the exhaust system. Two-stroke exhaust contains oil, which can build up over time.

Cleaning Carbon Buildup

Over time, unburnt oil and carbon will coat the inside of the pipe. This buildup changes the shape of the expansion chamber and reduces performance.

• Chemical Cleaning: Some riders use caustic soda (be very careful) to dissolve carbon.
• Heat Cleaning: Another method involves heating the pipe to burn off the carbon, though this can damage chrome finishes.

Repacking the Silencer

The silencer (the small can at the end of the escapamento rd) is filled with fiberglass packing. This packing absorbs sound and oil. Over time, it gets saturated and hardens. When this happens, the bike gets louder and loses power. You should repack your silencer once a season or whenever the bike starts sounding raspy and overly loud.

The Legal Side of Escapamento RD Modifications

Before you bolt on a racing pipe, consider the laws in your area. Noise regulations vary significantly from state to state and country to country.

Noise Pollution

Aftermarket escapamento rd systems are almost always louder than stock. While this is music to an enthusiast’s ears, it can be a nuisance to neighbors. Some brands offer “street” versions of their pipes that provide a performance boost without ear-splitting volume.

Emissions Compliance

In strict areas, removing the stock exhaust might violate emissions laws. If you ride your bike on public roads, check your local vehicle codes to ensure your new escapamento rd is street legal.

Top Brands for Escapamento RD

There are several reputable manufacturers known for making quality pipes for the RD series.

Gemoto

Gemoto is a massive name in the world of the escapamento rd. They are famous for producing high-quality, affordable pipes that mimic the racing style. Their “Gemoto Racing” line is particularly popular for the RD 135.

Sarachú

Sarachú is another legendary brand. Their pipes are often considered premium options. A Sarachú escapamento rd usually features high-quality welding and a distinct sound signature that is deeper than other brands.

WRP and Dore

These brands also offer excellent options. Dore, in particular, is known for making beautiful retro-style pipes that look period-correct for vintage restorations while offering modern performance benefits.

Troubleshooting Common Escapamento RD Issues

Even the best exhaust systems can have issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Exhaust Leaks

• Symptoms: Oily mess around the cylinder head, ticking sound, loss of power.
• Fix: Replace the exhaust gasket and ensure flange nuts are torqued correctly. Use high-temp silicone sealant if necessary.

Rattling Noises

• Symptoms: Metallic buzzing or rattling at certain RPMs.
• Fix: Check all mounting bolts. Check if the center stand is hitting the pipe. Ensure the internal baffles or stinger tube hasn’t come loose inside the escapamento rd.

Excessive Smoke

• Symptoms: Thick blue smoke that never clears up.
• Fix: This is usually a carburetor or oil pump issue, but a clogged silencer can also cause smoke to back up. Check if your silencer packing is saturated with oil.

The Economics of Vintage Motorcycle Parts

Investing in a high-quality escapamento rd can actually increase the value of your motorcycle. Vintage two-strokes are becoming collector’s items. A bike that runs perfectly with a tuned exhaust is worth more than one that struggles to idle with a rusted stock pipe.

However, keep your original parts! If you replace the stock exhaust, wrap it up and store it. Collectors often pay a premium for bikes that come with all the original factory parts, even if they aren’t currently installed on the bike.

Safety First: Heat and Burns

It sounds obvious, but it bears repeating: the escapamento rd gets incredibly hot. Expansion chambers have a large surface area and thin metal walls, meaning they heat up instantly.

• Protective Gear: Always wear long pants when riding.
• Passenger Safety: Warn your passengers about the hot pipe. Inner calf burns are a common injury for passengers on vintage motorcycles.
• Heat Shields: Consider installing aftermarket heat shields on the most exposed parts of the pipe if you ride in traffic often.

Comparison: RD 135 vs. RD 350 Exhaust Characteristics

The Single Cylinder Song (RD 135)

The escapamento rd on the 135 produces a distinct, high-pitched buzz. Because it is a single cylinder, the pulses are spaced out. The power band tends to be narrower, meaning you have to shift gears frequently to keep the bike in the “sweet spot” where the exhaust is working efficiently.

The Twin Cylinder Symphony (RD 350)

The RD 350 creates a continuous drone that turns into a scream at high RPMs. With two cylinders firing alternately, the exhaust pulses are smoother. A good escapamento rd setup on a 350 creates a surge of power that can lift the front wheel off the ground effortlessly in the first few gears.

DIY vs. Professional Tuning

You might be wondering if you can build your own escapamento rd. While it is possible to weld your own cones, the math involved in designing an expansion chamber is complex.

The Mathematics of Sound Waves

You have to calculate the exhaust gas temperature, the port timing, and the target RPM. If you get the length of the header or the angle of the divergent cone wrong, you could lose power instead of gaining it. For 99% of riders, buying a professionally designed escapamento rd is the better route.

Professional Dyno Tuning

After installing your pipe, taking your bike to a shop with a dyno (dynamometer) is a great investment. They can measure exactly how the new escapamento rd is affecting your air/fuel ratio and horsepower. This takes the guesswork out of jetting the carburetor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will a new escapamento rd damage my engine?

A: Not if you tune the carburetor correctly. If you install a racing pipe and do not increase the fuel jet size, you can overheat the engine and cause damage.

Q: Is the escapamento rd for the RD 135 compatible with the RD 125?

A: Often, yes. The frames and engines are very similar, but you may need to make minor adjustments to the mounting brackets.

Q: How much horsepower will I gain?

A: A good aftermarket escapamento rd, combined with proper jetting and air filter upgrades, can yield a 10-15% increase in horsepower.

Q: Can I repair a dented expansion chamber?

A: Yes. A common trick involves filling the pipe with water and freezing it (water expands when frozen, pushing the dent out) or using compressed air and heat. However, this can be dangerous and is best left to professionals.

Q: Why does my new pipe leak oil at the connection?

A: Two-strokes are naturally messy. Even with a good gasket, some oil might seep out. Using high-temp RTV silicone sealant at the joint usually fixes this.

Conclusion

The escapamento rd is more than just a metal tube; it is a vital component that dictates the personality of your motorcycle. Whether you are chasing speed, sound, or style, upgrading your exhaust is one of the most rewarding modifications you can make to a Yamaha RD.

Remember that the relationship between the engine and the exhaust is symbiotic. You cannot change one without affecting the other. Always plan to re-jet your carburetor when you swap your pipe. With the right setup, your RD will run cooler, faster, and sound like a true racing legend.

If you are looking for more news on automotive trends or motorcycle culture, you can check out https://britishnewz.co.uk/ for the latest updates. For a deeper technical dive into how expansion chambers work, you can visit this page on Expansion Chambers related to the principles used in the escapamento rd. Ride safe and keep the rubber side down!