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Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archive through September 11, 2015 » Barker Exhaust, low quality and bad customer service « Previous Next »

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Solson1041
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 02:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So, I've had my Barker exhaust for almost two years, it's been running with the EBR ECU developed specifically for this exhaust system the entire time. It was fine for street riding, I didn't really have any issues or complaints. I started tracking my 1125R last summer, and I've hit it even harder this summer, and I've had the system just literally fall apart on me twice in the span of a few months. If that wasn't enough, now Barker won't answer the phone, and won't reply to an email until I send two or three.

The first time it fell apart, I lost the exhaust tip, the can ripped, and the midpipe cracked at the flange. I had the bolts on with red locktite, and installed everything exactly as it should be. After about two weeks of calls and emails back and forth, Barker sent me only the actual muffler. After more calls and emails, they sent me the midpipe as well, but no hardware for the pipe to the can. Oh well, I ran to ACE for what I couldn't reuse.

Now the second time, I've ran one track weekend, and one race weekend with this fresh system, and already its ripping apart at the rivets. I emailed Barker to see what I could do, with no reply. I called a couple times, and left one message, with no reply. A couple days later, I sent another email, called more, left another message. All in all, they wouldn't get back to me. Finally today I heard back from them.

"Sorry for the delay, I received your message and showed your photos to the owner and the fabricators.
We did replace the system in full one time. But with the photos you sent us we can tell you are running your system very hot. The billet clamp that holds the can on turned gold in color. This does not happen until it reaches 600 degrees. An indicator to us you did not tune your machine.
Due to you not turning your machine it is not covered under warranty.
Here is the warranty stated from our website."

TL;DR: "Pound sand"

I tuned my machine, it runs at a nice clean stoichiometric mix. It's not lean. It spends 90% of its life within shouting distance of the rev limiter being RACED. As in, the only off-road application there is for a streetbike. Exactly what they advertise this system for. They made a low-quality, low-durability product, that can't handle the demands of their advertised application

After another exchange, it's clear they aren't going to help me, that's fine, I'll stitch this one back together and get through the season, I'm not planning on racing the 1125R next season either, just because it's a silly idea to try to race a Buell in 2015 with EBR gone, and parts supply dwindling.


So there's my story, the moral being: Don't buy from Barker. There's tons of other brands who will at least answer the phone when you call, and not tell you you were negligent when you did everything by the book. Pick up a Drummer, or a Dean Adams, or any of the others listed in American Sport Bike's exhaust shootout.

(Message edited by solson1041 on August 05, 2015)
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D_adams
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 02:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Give me a call or shoot me a PM.
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D_adams
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 02:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Btw, as of this morning, EBR may NOT be gone after all. Things are looking a bit better I think.
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Fresnobuell
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 03:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have two barkers and neither has had an issue. track days but no racing.

I have heard no complaints from anyone else about the quality of Barker. I think it's a pretty nice unit myself. The only complaint I have is the megaphone in front, but I understand this required for function and the main reason for the excellent HP numbers.
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Solson1041
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 04:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Clearly I am a disgruntled customer, so take me with a grain of salt, but I also posted this on the local Buell facebook group, and three different people have come up saying the same thing, plus a friend of mine who also races his 1125 has had his literally blow apart.

I just wish they'd answer the phone one time, and let me bitch for five minutes, then politely tell me that they still won't cover it. Isn't that the first thing they teach you in any business class?
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Dannybuell
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 04:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My Barker is holding up quite nicely, no racing. You are blowing out rivets, when my D&D did that on my 96S1 I gutted it and welded it up. better than ever the last 10 years... You are a racer and thus are expected to have engineering skills. get busy.

Are you data logging the engine when racing?
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Solson1041
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 04:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No data logging, I'm not looking to build the 1125 into a dedicated race bike, so I'm saving that investment for something else (late-model R6, most likely).

I'm definitely not worried about recovering, I've done my share of welding (not that I'm particularly good at it), I even said in the OP, I'm not too worried about how it'll impact my riding. I can fab what I need to. The first time it broke on me, it definitely wasn't just blown rivets. This time, it may be, depending on what exactly you mean.

Regardless, I'll manage, but this is just . Their product is mediocre, they don't respond to emails, and they haven't answered the phone in weeks.

(Message edited by solson1041 on August 05, 2015)
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Mrsuperbuckets
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 07:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I havent had a problem with my drummer, and I am selling it.
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Nobuell
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 09:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My barker fell completely apart a month ago during practice for the CCS race at Road America. Knocked me out for the weekend. The aluminum body was so stress cracked that he the entire end and all internals fell out. I ran over the parts in Canada turn allowing the rear end to get loose. Fortunately, no body else hit the parts. It worked well for two years on the street but I believe the higher heat and vibration during racing is to much for the aluminum can.
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Nobuell
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 09:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Steve,
After racing with you at Blackhawk, it is my opinion you just need to slow down. It will be a lot easier on the equipment
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Thefleshrocket
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 10:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I think the Barker is fine for street use--it seems that the only time people are complaining about it is under race or track conditions.

My opinion--if you need something more durable for the track, pick up something from Dean. I don't think anyone has ever had anything bad to say about the longevity of his systems.
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Solson1041
Posted on Wednesday, August 05, 2015 - 11:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Tim,

I'd love to slow down, but then that darn 1098 would have been bored all race, and I just wanted to keep him company!

Thefleshrocket (lol),

The system is "for offroad use only" it fails every noise emissions law and ordinance in the country. The only place you use a sportbike offroad is at a race track. This exhaust system is poorly made, and they're doing a shit job. If you aren't gonna replace it, don't offer a warranty, and especially don't tell me I didn't tune my bike.


The part that really grinds my gears is that they're telling me I didn't tune it, and its my fault. They're weaseling out and away, and its just .

Dean makes top notch stuff though, and he was quick to talk to me about getting me one of his systems. If I end up buying something new, I'll buy his.
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Thefleshrocket
Posted on Thursday, August 06, 2015 - 03:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

To be fair, literally every exhaust for the 1125s is marked "for offroad use only", because they all do away with the catalytic converter. Stating "for offroad use only" is just the exhaust manufacturers' way of covering their butts should the EPA stop by to chat--it's not necessarily an endorsement that their products will stand up to racetrack-level abuse.

Barkers already tried to take care of you by giving you a new exhaust, presumably well beyond whatever warranty your original exhaust had. I don't agree with Barkers attempting to redirect blame to the customer, but on the other hand, I don't think it's fair to expect them to keep replacing your (presumably out of warranty) exhaust.

Keep in mind that the Barkers is the cheapest exhaust available for the 1125s, and undoubtedly that lower price comes with some drawbacks compared to the more-expensive systems. If Barkers was selling its exhaust for $800 instead of $400, I think you'd be a lot more-justified in being upset with them, but given the price and given that they already gave you one replacement exhaust, I'd chalk it up to a "you get what you pay for" lesson and buy something more-durable (albeit more-expensive) from Dean.
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Nobuell
Posted on Thursday, August 06, 2015 - 03:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My Barker worked perfectly for the 2 years used on the street. It performed well and had a reasonable price. My Barker dissolving at the track was a pain but I did not consider calling them for a replacement. Racing is the great component equalizer.

I know the demise of my pipe started when the packing deteriorated. I could see that the pipe was overheated as a result due to the discoloration of the paint. I repacked the muffler but I believe the damage had been done. The aluminum most likely was annealed dead soft allowing stress cracking from the vibration and the heat.

My new Buell race pipe is all stainless steel. A bit heavier but much more rugged. Overheating the stainless will not be a problem.
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Terrys1980
Posted on Thursday, August 06, 2015 - 04:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Just like the Jardine pipes of the XB days, especially the carbon cans. Once the packing starts to go the exhaust pressure is pounding against the end cap and it will blow out.

You can re-pack these for around $10-$15 and for the most part should be done every year. That is what Barker recommends.

If you have your headers and pipe wrapped, the hotter temperatures kept inside make the packing deteriorate faster. Barker gave me stink about that when they seen pics of mine.
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Solson1041
Posted on Thursday, August 06, 2015 - 05:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Flesh Rocket,

The system is still well within warranty. I wouldn't dream of asking for a replacement pipe out of warranty, but this is exactly what that paragraph on their website is supposed to cover.

We've all gotta make some assumptions on the internet, but I mean no spite when I say, your presumptions were wrong. It's still in the warranty period, and I haven't abused or misused it.

If you buy Harbor Freight tools with a warranty, and they don't honor that warranty, it's not a question of "you get what you pay for".
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Thefleshrocket
Posted on Friday, August 07, 2015 - 09:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Fair enough--I just figured since the 1125s have been out of production for a while, everyone who wanted a Barkers would have bought one years ago.

Mine lost its packing pretty early in its life (like under a year) but I didn't realize it until several years later when the end cap fell off (bolts must have vibrated out). It's been fine ever since I repacked it, but it only sees street use. I romp on it pretty often, but nowhere near what it might see at the track.

Hope you get something worked out!
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Dannybuell
Posted on Friday, August 07, 2015 - 09:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you had a tube frame bike with a force exhaust...

The exhaust headers on tubers had brackets that would break...

do the engine or frame flex against each other causing muffler stress?

could it be the muffler needs some flex of its own?

make it better and weld it up?
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Panshovevo
Posted on Friday, August 07, 2015 - 10:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

TheFleshRocket, does away with what catalytic converter?

I was under the impression that none of the Helicon powered bikes needed a catalyst exhaust to meet emission standards.

Was I misinformed?

I would say it's noise standards, not emission standards, that are being altered by changing the exhaust on these bikes.
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Xtreme6669
Posted on Friday, August 07, 2015 - 02:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I believe Only Cali bikes had cats on them In the U.S.
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Thefleshrocket
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 04:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Panshovevo, I'm pretty sure that the stock muffler has a catalytic converter in it, but I don't remember for sure.
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Fresnobuell
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 04:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

I believe Only Cali bikes had cats on them In the U.S.




This. I have one Cali 1125R and one from Texas. I have both stock mufflers and the cat is only present in the bike from CA.
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Zac4mac
Posted on Thursday, August 13, 2015 - 11:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Pretty sure I remember Brankin(1313 here) said the 08s had cat and non-cat but 09+ all had cats.

Z
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1313
Posted on Friday, August 14, 2015 - 06:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

but 09+ all had cats

I am pretty sure that my '09 1125CR's 49 (state/non-CA) original muffler is without cat. It's probably sitting on the highest shelf right now making it pretty inconvenient for inspection to verify.

Maybe I'll remember to check this weekend,
1313
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D_adams
Posted on Friday, August 14, 2015 - 07:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

They did change the inlet of the mufflers in 09 to stainless (or possibly they just stopped painting the front section, I've seen them both ways) I believe, although CA was the only one to get the cat.
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Fresnobuell
Posted on Friday, August 14, 2015 - 01:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My 49 state bike is an '09 and it didn't have a cat.
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