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Upgrading an exhaust system for motocross isn’t just about making your bike ‘braaap’ louder — it’s also about getting the most from your engine. Choosing a system that supports your bike’s performance, weight, and tuning is key to unlocking its full potential.

In this blog post, we’ll advise which bike engine parts to buy for your ride to have that healthy purr. At Motoxparts, we know our way around a dirt bike exhaust system — so you’re in good hands!

Why Upgrade Your Motocross Exhaust System?

Upgrading your motocross exhaust system comes with a host of benefits — enhanced power output, better throttle response, weight reduction (especially if you’re upgrading your exhaust parts with titanium or carbon fibre replacements), and a louder and more aggressive-sounding ‘braaap’.

Enhanced Power Output

So, how does upgrading your exhaust system make it more powerful? By improving airflow and reducing backpressure — that’s how. Stock systems are often designed with noise and emissions regulations in mind, which can restrict the engine’s ability to breathe efficiently. A performance exhaust allows exhaust gases to exit more freely, helping the engine draw in more air and fuel. The end result? Better combustion, increased horsepower, and sharper throttle response.

Better Throttle Response

Because an upgraded exhaust system improves airflow and reduces backpressure, the engine no longer has to work as hard to push gases out. This frees it up to respond more quickly when you twist the throttle. The result is a snappier, more immediate feel, which is especially useful when navigating tight corners, accelerating out of jumps, or making quick adjustments mid-ride.

Weight Reduction

A perk of upgrading your exhaust system is reduced bike weight. Replacing a bulky stock system with one made from titanium or carbon fibre (or other lightweight materials) tends to have that effect! Shedding even a few kilos can improve handling, agility, and acceleration — all of which make a noticeable difference on tight tracks and during jumps. In motocross, every gram counts, and a lighter bike gives you more control and less fatigue over a long ride.

More Aggressive Sound

Of course, exhaust system upgrades are often part and parcel with a more aggressive, throaty-sounding engine. Contrary to the more subdued tone of a stock setup, performance exhausts feature freer-flowing components and fewer sound-dampening restrictions — in other words, they truly let the natural roar come through. Plus, some riders find that a louder bike is a more visible bike. Find out for yourself!

Main Parts You’ll Need

The first step towards upgrading your dirt bike’s exhaust system includes swapping out major components for more performance-boosting, weight-reducing parts:

Header Pipe

The header pipe connects to the exhaust port and directs gases away from the engine. When you upgrade this part, you improve airflow. The end result? Increased power — and better throttle response.

Mid-Pipe

The mid-pipe connects the header pipe to the muffler, smoothing the flow of exhaust gases throughout the system. Some exhaust setups may not need a separate mid-pipe, though that will depend on the design.

Muffler (Silencer)

The muffler (or silencer) controls the exhaust noise and flow. A performance muffler reduces backpressure and often uses lightweight materials, enhancing the engine's performance (and also its sound).

Full Pipe Assembly

Some riders choose the convenient full-pipe assembly. It contains the header, mid-pipe, and muffler in one unit, making installation easier in bike exhausts and ensuring all performance parts work together as they should.

Supporting Components

Supporting parts like exhaust springs, mounting brackets, gaskets, and silencer repack kits are also very important. These accessories secure your exhaust system, prevent leaks, and maintain optimal performance and sound quality.

Supplementary (Yet Still Critical) Parts to Complete Your Setup

If you’re going to upgrade your exhaust system for motocross, you really should go hard — or go home! Don’t just upgrade the main exhaust parts and call it a day — implement some supplementary parts. This way, you can rest assured that everything will stay together and run as it should, for the long haul.

Exhaust Springs

Exhaust springs tightly secure the pipes and muffler, absorbing vibration and preventing parts from loosening during rough rides.

Mounting Kits

Mounting kits include brackets and hardware that firmly attach the exhaust system to your bike. This ensures a stable fit and prevents damage.

Gaskets

Gaskets create airtight seals between exhaust joints, preventing leaks that can reduce performance and cause noise issues.

Silencer Repack Kits

Over time, the packing material inside your silencer wears out. Repacking it maintains optimal sound levels and backpressure, keeping your exhaust working efficiently.

Get the Exhaust Parts You Need at Motoxparts

Got a shopping list of components burning a hole in your pocket? Motoxparts has you covered with top-quality motorcycle parts NZ riders love to tinker with. From the major engine overhaul to the supplementary finishing touches, our exhaust parts are just right for your entire process. Shop online at Motoxparts today so you can upgrade now and start tearing up the track sooner, faster and louder than ever before.

Spark plugs might be small, but pop them in a motorcycle engine and they’ll propel you forward like little firecrackers. As long as they’re well-maintained, spark plugs will help your motorcycle start faster, run smoother, and perform at its best. But how do you keep them in top condition? Plus, even more pressingly, how do you spot the signs of bad spark plugs — and know when it’s time to replace them?

We’re about to tell you everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining motorcycle spark plugs. We’ll also give you pointers on how to spot wear and when to swap your spark plugs out for new ones.

Why Spark Plug Maintenance Matters

Motorcycle spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in your engine’s combustion chamber. On a good day, when they’re clean and properly operational, you can count on their power delivery and throttle response. But when dirty or worn, you may notice poor performance, sluggish starts, or even misfires.

How to Clean Motorcycle Spark Plugs

Keeping spark plugs clean is a surefire way to extend their life. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Safely Remove the Spark Plug

Never perform this step while the engine is still warm — your first step is to turn off your bike and wait for it to cool. When safe, gently remove the plug using a spark plug socket and ratchet. Whatever you do, don’t inflict damage on the ceramic insulator or threads.

2. Inspect Before You Clean

The next question is whether your spark plug needs cleaning or replacing. To know for sure, check whether it’s dirty and carbon-fuelled, or worn-down and oily. If it’s in the former condition, it needs cleaning; if it’s in the latter condition, it’s time to replace it.

3. Clean the Electrode

If you’ve determined that your spark plug needs cleaning rather than replacing, your next step is to gently scrub carbon deposits off the electrode using a wire brush or spark plug cleaner. Pro tip: Avoid using abrasive materials that may damage the metal. Also, a little brake cleaner can do the trick if you come across stubborn grime. Finally, before reinstalling the spark plug, check that it’s 100 per cent dry first.

4. Check the Gap

Check the spark plug gap using a feeler gauge before reinstalling it. An incorrect gap can affect combustion and performance, so knowing the correct specification is essential — check your bike’s owner’s manual.

5. Reinstall the Plug

Once cleaned and checked, reinstall the spark plug, being careful not to overtighten it. Ideally, you’ll use a torque wrench — spark plugs only need to be snug, not cranked down.

Signs of Bad Spark Plugs

Spark plugs have limited lifespans, and cleaning can only go so far. Here are some common signs of bad spark plugs:

• Difficulty starting the engine
• Engine misfires or rough handling
• Power loss or poor acceleration
• Increased fuel consumption
• Black, oily, or blistered plug tips

If you notice any of these signs, even after cleaning, the spark plugs have had their day and are ready for replacement.

How Often Do You Need to Change Spark Plugs on a Bike?

The general rule is to change your spark plugs every 8,000 to 16,000 kilometres, but this number varies depending on your bike, riding conditions, and the type of plug used. If you ride hard, off-road, or in dusty environments, you should change them more frequently.

Checking your engine regularly — for example, every couple of oil changes — can help you spot issues before they leave you stranded.

How Do I Choose a Spark Plug for My Bike?

Your first port of call is your owner’s or workshop manual, which should contain manufacturer recommendations about the correct part number, thread size, heat range, and electrode material. Of course, if your engine has been modified (e.g., with nitrous oxide or a higher compression ratio), the manufacturer’s recommendations may be unhelpful. If you’re stuck, hit up a trusted mechanic or our customer service team.

Generally speaking, whether a spark plug is right for your bike will depend on:

• Your bike’s make and model
• Engine type and size
• Heat range and electrode model
• Your typical riding style and conditions

Get Your Motorcycle Spark Plugs at Motoxparts

If you’re here, chances are you need some motorcycle spark plugs. Luckily, Motoxparts is home to the highest-quality bike engine parts in New Zealand. Shop motorcycle spark plugs in our online store, or contact the Motoxparts team with your burning questions — like, ‘How do I choose a spark plug for my bike?’. Whether you need new spark plugs or something else altogether — a new pair of riding boots, perhaps? — we’ve got all your bike-related queries covered.

There are many performance benefits of high-quality air filters. If you want a long-lasting engine with impressive fuel efficiency and power output, you need a decent air filter for your motorcycle. When you’re out on the road — or off-road — your bike will be subjected to all sorts of airborne contaminants. However, if you have a high-quality air filter, your bike will breathe predominantly debris-free air, preserving your engine to facilitate clear combustion.

Just as bacteria colonise the lungs, external contaminants can compromise motorcycle engines. While humans can shield their respiratory systems with a face mask, motorcycles can protect their intake systems with a good air filter. If your bike lacks this critical component, you’re likely looking at a loss of power and expensive repairs down the road. Luckily for you, we offer a premium selection of air filters at MotoXparts.

The Science Behind Air Filtration

When it comes down to it, air filtration is a balancing act between maximising airflow and trapping contaminants. With their advanced materials and multi-stage filtration techniques, high-quality air filters were built to walk this line. While basic filters — often made from paper — can become restrictive and affect engine performance if not changed frequently, high-performance filters can trap debris in layers of foam, cotton gauze, or synthetic fibre without impeding airflow. These are the factors to consider while choosing an air filter, which can spell the difference between filters that tick a box and filters that go the distance.

Air filtration is a process consisting of multiple stages:

• Primary filtration: Captures larger debris like sand and dirt, preventing coarse particles from entering the intake system.

• Secondary filtration: Targets finer particles such as dust and soot, ensuring only clean air reaches the combustion chamber.

• Tertiary filtration: Some advanced filters incorporate electrostatically charged fibres or nanofibre coatings to trap ultra-fine contaminants that can affect fuel combustion.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Air Filters

In short, what happens if you don’t change air filters is contaminants will accumulate and restrict airflow into the engine, setting off a domino effect that will ultimately result in compromised performance — and potentially a very hefty motorcycle repairs invoice.

Debris and dirt accumulate in even the most advanced air filter model — and when this blockage happens, air cannot enter the engine as easily. When the engine does not receive the air it needs, the air-to-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber is thrown off. In an attempt to rectify this imbalance, the engine then injects more fuel into the combustion chamber. However, with more fuel and less air in the mix, the combustion chamber becomes filled with an air-fuel mixture much richer than is ideal. This substance stifles combustion, as it does not contain sufficient oxygen to burn the higher fuel volume. So, because the engine cannot use all the fuel available, your bike will lose horsepower and emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Its compromised functionality will also leave it more vulnerable to internal engine damage.

How Often Should I Change My Air Filters?

In essence, you should replace your air filter every 8,000 kilometres or so, but the answer to this question can vary from rider to rider, and from one driving condition to another. Riders who frequent dusty trails or busy roads may need to clean or replace their air filters more often than those who ride in cleaner conditions.

The following maintenance guidelines should help you keep your bike at peak performance:

• Street riders: Inspect your air filter every 5,000–6,000 kilometres and replace it every 6,000–12,000 kilometres, depending on manufacturer recommendations.
• Off-roaders: Clean or replace your air filter after every few rides, especially after driving in dusty or muddy conditions.
• Performance riders: Regular inspections and preemptive replacements help maintain peak performance.

Here’s how you can keep your air filter in top condition:

• Use the right cleaning products: Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the filtration media.
• Inspect for damage: A torn or clogged filter should be replaced immediately.
• Ensure proper installation: A poorly seated filter can allow unfiltered air to enter the engine, negating its protective benefits.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines: Adhering to the recommended service schedule prevents unnecessary wear on your engine.

Master Air Filter Maintenance with MotoXparts

Who’d have thought the humble air filter could hold so much power? Install one and enjoy an enduring engine with stunning fuel efficiency and power levels — take your eyes off it for too long, and it could compromise engine performance and functionality. To get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to invest in a high-quality air filter. That’s where MotoXparts comes in. 

At MotoXparts, we stock only the most premium air filters and filtration solutions. We have an extensive collection of high-quality replacements made for your motorbike. So, if your next check shows that you need a new air filter, head on over to our online store. Improving performance and preserving your bike’s internal engine has never been so easy.

As much as we love weekend joyrides and speedy commutes here at MotoXParts, we also understand and appreciate the risks associated with riding. We encourage all our customers to be safe on the roads, and emphasise the importance of choosing the right accessories. In the case of an accident, wearing the right gear can mean the difference between manageable and debilitating injuries, or even life and death. It can save you from months and years of challenging and painful rehabilitation.

If you’re part of our local motorcycling community, you should take the protection requirements we push for very seriously. New Zealand’s diverse and unpredictable weather presents unique challenges for motorcyclists. From the coastal winds of Wellington to the alpine conditions of the Southern Alps, riders need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. If you need help choosing the appropriate accessories, have no fear—we’ve provided a comprehensive guide for your convenience.

Being Prepared for Every Weather Condition

New Zealand's geographical diversity creates distinct weather patterns that motorcyclists have to navigate on a daily basis. Coastal riders face salt-laden winds and sudden squalls, while those traversing mountain passes encounter dramatic temperature variations and occasional black ice. Even if you stick to the cities, you won’t be exempt from NZ’s wet weather, dealing with frequent rain showers and slick road conditions.

It’s important to note that, according to ACC data, weather-related incidents spike during seasonal transitions. But whatever the time of year, the importance of being properly equipped should never be underestimated. If you frequent regions like Northland, prepare for high humidity and frequent rain. If you’re more of a Southern rider, dress for extreme cold and occasional snow. And wherever you travel, keep yourself safe with all the essentials.

Rain, Hail, or Shine

At MotoXParts, we take a practical approach to accessorising. Follow our guide to figure out what you might need on any given day:

Rain Protection:

• High-quality waterproof riding suits with sealed seams
• Water-resistant gloves with grip enhancement
• Anti-fog visor systems and pin-lock inserts
• Waterproof boot covers and gaiters

Cold Weather Equipment:

• Thermal base layers designed for motorcycling
• Heated grips and seats for extended winter riding
• Wind-blocking neck tubes and balaclavas
• Insulated, waterproof riding boots

Visibility Enhancement:

• High-visibility gear with reflective panels
• LED auxiliary lights for poor weather conditions
• Fog-resistant helmet visors
• Reflective tape for additional visibility

The Motorcyclist’s Must-Haves

While it’s great to be prepared for specific weather conditions, it’s also important to ensure you have the basics. Proper motorcycle pants, boots, gloves, eye protection, and a jacket are all absolutely essential for safety as well as comfort. A quality helmet is also necessary to protect your most valuable asset—your head—and should be replaced every 5 years. When it comes to long-term weather protection, motorcycle covers and bike seat covers provide an excellent shield against sun, heat, and rain. And finally, make sure the mechanics of your bike are in the best possible shape by replacing accessories as soon as is necessary. Things like brake pads, chains, spark plugs, and tyres need to be checked regularly to ensure they’re always in good knick.

Taking Safety Seriously

At MotoXParts, we love helping our customers discover the thrill of riding a motorcycle; whether it’s joining friends on country roads or taking on long stretches completely solo. As enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the sheer joy and freedom that comes from spending time on a bike. But more than anything, we aim to encourage safe practice—particularly in challenging weather conditions. 

Remember, the right gear not only enhances your riding experience but could also save your life. And trust us when we say that your ride will be all the more enjoyable if you know you’re protected. If you need essential motorcycle accessories for NZ weather conditions, you know where to go. Discover our range at MotoXParts today.