There are quite a few reputable brands out there that manufacture exhaust protectors, one of the more popular brands being R&G. Being someone who wants only the best for his bike, I got myself a R&G Hexgonal Exhaust Protector.
The Exhaust Protector
There are a variety of shapes of exhaust protectors from the R&G exhaust protector product family. I bought the hexagonal exhaust protector specifically for my Akrapovic hexagonal exhaust end-can.
The R&G Hexgonal Exhaust Protector is one of the better looking exhaust protectors I've come across, and according to unfortunate track riders who have crash tested the product, they have feedback that it holds up pretty well in a crash. But like all motorcycle protection parts, it is not guaranteed to protect against all crashes. Every crash is different, but the exhaust protector should be able to protect your exhaust end-can against all but the most violent of crashes.
Packaging & Installation
It came in a small box, together with the installation guide. Installation was pretty straightforward, no special tools were required. Just follow the instructions carefully and you would be fine.
Price
The R&G Hexagonal Exhaust Protector retails at SGD$78, which is a little on the high side. But if you think about it, it's cheap insurance for your exhaust end-can.
Verdict
You can probably get cheaper non-branded exhaust protectors for a fraction of the price of the R&G. As far as rider reviews go, there is no significant advantage from the R&G exhaust protector over cheap rubber alternatives. Perhaps, it can withstand a more violent crash but that is a scenario that is difficult to simulate.
Because brands have a reputation to upkeep, it would be silly to release an inferior product to the mass market without proper research and development. I would recommend that you spend that little more money to get a R&G exhaust protector for peace of mind.
RB Rating: 7 / 10
Ride safe.
