Which makes you FASTER - Air Intake or Exhaust?

In this video, I attempt to answer the question, "If you could just purchase one, which is better, the air intake, or an exhaust?" with a series of speed runs and analyzation of the results. To purchase one the test subjects click here:
Chimera Air intake (2014-2020 grom): amzn.to/2V437xh
Zoom non-looped exhaust (2014-2020 grom): amzn.to/3rwZ4po
Also pictured, the Yoshimura Exhaust I run on my grom: amzn.to/2V7dRLj
Note: this fits 2017-2020 grom, for fitment to 2014-2015, you'll need this extra part: tstindustries....

[@ohwell2790]

Really enjoyed this comparison. I have the 2023 Monkey and the Chimera intake, the only draw back is the noise. I got it just to make the valve adjustment easier. The power over stock is quite a lot. Me: I am 80 and bought the Monkey in June of 2023 after ridding for 64 years. I had thought about quitting, but hey I can still find my way back home so the Monkey was my choice, such an easy light bike to ride. Like they say" live to ride, ride to live" Thanks for the video.

[@Drive315]

i remember when i first got my grom, you had about 5500 subscribers (2 years ago), and now you have 10600... and i had like 3000 and now i have 5500 subscribers !

[@flyingeye5394]

Just bought a grom. Thank you for this video as I am looking into performance mods.

[@CTGromer]

Glad I could help, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@jeremypierce1979]

Hopefully u just picked up the 2022 model way better then the First generation and second generation

[@johnriley8713]

Science! Thanks for reporting on your tests.

[@DavidGonzalez-pz2xk]

Looks like I’m just getting the air intake. Thanks for the info.

[@katoretest6079]

Thanks for making this comparison! Gave you a like and using your link to make the Chimera Air intake purchase. Have a good one.

[@sevrrd9833]

I just put on the Chimera intake and holy 💩 what a difference!! Love the information u get for us👊💪

[@lrddnaplayerdevelopment9573]

So how much does that intake cost and where do you buy from every 2015 Grom and I'm trying to you know improve it slowly but surely

[@CTGromer]

I have links for it in the description of this video, you can also buy from Steadygarage.

[@CTGromer]

Right on! Just like what the data in the video shows right? But you can really tell seat of the pants.

[@thomasglover3834]

And what exhaust do you have mate?

[@Dookie_burner]

My 2015 grom has the Toce exhaust. Way too loud. I put the stock exhaust back on . Gonna run the chimera clone intake.

[@meese1k]

this takes so much time so thank you

[@Dominecabra]

I learn a lot of. many thanks for the information, CT Gromer!.. It´s a pleasure watch your videos!. Best wishes from Madrid, Spain.

[@CTGromer]

Thanks for watching! I really appreciate the kind comment!

[@lexdfox]

Just goes to show how restricted the stock airbox is! It's reminding me of the gain I saw with the airbox mods, maybe test the difference a modded stock airbox has? Good stuff.

[@CTGromer]

Oh for sure. They have that airbox so pent up with multiple snorkels, small paper filter, its crazy. I've toyed with the idea of modded airbox vs air intake... not a bad idea!

[@2NinjaTwins]

@@CTGromer Definitely do this!

[@countrygromer]

I volunteer as tribute. I have removed the snorkels and wire mesh. Pics of this are on my Instagram.

[@mburns4551]

Appreciate this type of content 😌 💪💪

[@stevenlee1075]

You are indeed helping me know what to get. Hopefully picking up my 22 Grom in the next 3 days or so, so I’ll definitely be looking for intakes and exhausts

[@CTGromer]

That's awesome, glad the video was helpful! Congrats on your 2022!

[@countrygromer]

Let me know if the 5speed helps vs the SF's 4speed. Looking into the 2022s

[@stevenlee1075]

@@countrygromer it helps acceleration a little bit, and you can cruse at a way lower rpm, so the top speed will be way higher on it

[@countrygromer]

@@stevenlee1075 That's what I was hoping because I'm always trying to find another gear, while it's screaming at me at 55mph lol

[@facial210]

What all have you done to yours... got my 22 last week w 2miles on it... alarm, underglow, and klx110 bars. Neon washers..

[@GLC619]

Guess I’m gonna have to get a chimera for my 2022 now 🤷‍♂️

[@CTGromer]

It would seem the right thing to do right? The data doesn't lie!

[@deezydee8273]

Did you have to tune or flash ecu because you were running too lean?

[@GLC619]

@@deezydee8273 you can run the intake without tune with no issues, i replaced it while the bike was still new ran it for a year with intake only, bought the Yoshimura exhaust later down the road. Again no major issues. but I did get a tune sometime later through DHM just so it will run optimal

[@123edwardzpad]

This is an excellent video with diagrams and meaningful analysis. Thank you very much.

[@thenewearth5313]

that was super clear, helpful and precise! thank you for taking the time. :)

[@Lunaticakabuller]

Imo i think a loop exhaust is where you gain power. The grom needs back preasure in the exhaust or lets call it resistance. Personaly i dont think you need anything else than the Zoom loop, and not a straight exhaust.

[@CTGromer]

Makes sense, and I've heard that before. The Yoshimura which is proven to make power has a looped system.

[@zachary961]

Hey Daniel, Love your videos on the Grom! Have you taken a look at the IMS shifter as well as the Hard Racing Shift Shaft support? The IMS shifter removes all the linkage from the stock shifter and the Hard Racing Support supports the shaft to make it stronger while also helping with seamless shifting. These seem to be popular mods that make your shifting feel much better. Would love for you to make a video on it!

[@KennethBigler]

You should make one with the Yoshi exhaust, I would love to see it!

[@woneil111]

so by this, it sounds like it was designed (cam-wise/fuel-wise) for a little back pressure to get the best performance. the next with both the exhaust and intake would be either different profile exhaust cam, and/or remapped computer/injection. A whole tuning series would be interesting. But darn good video with testing.

[@chadshields8154]

Can you add a tune to the exhaust and intake numbers? Wouldn’t that unlock more potential power in the parts? That would be awesome. Love the videos.

[@CTGromer]

Definitely, adding a tune would help a little more, and it would keep the temps down from running lean!

[@andrewbaines1536]

Great vid, thanks, I'm leaving mine stock!

[@vong_sak]

Firstly, the intro music lol, but I currently run stock SF exhaust with the end can cut off, and I did the radiator hose mod. Comparing it with my friend's stock grom, I feel that mine definitely pull harder, I'm only like 62Kg but I can do 2up with my girlfriend and outrun his stock grom 😂. Mind you I'm from Southeast asia, so we're not that tall or heavy, which works in our favor when it comes to the small engine of the grom.

[@CTGromer]

That's awesome! The stock intakes on the groms are wildly restrictive, so that radiator hose mod with a cheap air filter would definitely help! Have fun!

[@remyche8768]

Dang I'm 106kg 😅 I'm heavier then my grom 🤣

[@thomasglover3834]

Great vid. Test a straight VS looped ZOOM exhaust!?

[@squishy7509]

This was super helpful! Thanks 🙌

[@seandunn8874]

I'd be interested in seeing this for the 2nd and 3rd gen as well

[@JonFromSoCal]

Great video as always CT!

[@CTGromer]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate the comment!

[@philipdumont2286]

Don't waste your money get a 300 or 400cc motorcycle

[@countrygromer]

Glad to see you, was getting worried. 🤘😁 I got the 2020 SF and did the air box mod and Ransoto exhaust. Thinking about getting the 2022 or something bigger.

[@CTGromer]

That's awesome, thanks for the comment! If you got something bigger what would it be?

[@countrygromer]

@@CTGromer possibly the cb650r or rebel. Trying to stick with Honda but everyone says to go yamaha or suzuki lol

[@CTGromer]

@@countrygromer Both of those would be good choices, though they're different, the CB will feel like a big grom. You really can't go wrong as long as its japanese! a used FZ07 would be good too, or an SV650.

[@Grainsauce]

@@countrygromer Yamaha FZ6R is another good underrated option, same engine as the R6 but with less power and better bottom to midrange torque, I own it and love it.

[@countrygromer]

@@Grainsauce searching that right now. Thanks for the heads up.

[@559cadillacn9]

You the man bro

[@CTGromer]

Right back at you! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@gerblake9359]

Hang on! The power on an open exhaust comes on at higher revs, whereas the open air intake gives more torque at lower revs. So you should have changed gears at higher revs with the open exhaust, in order to get the best performance! That’s my experience, see also Yoshimura power graph.

[@budlight143]

thank you for the work you put into this, sounds like save your money and run it stock for us cheap guys. 😃 Yoshi is out of my price but it looks good.

[@hossmoss3378]

You the man thanks

[@brayvdb2191]

That intake sound great

[@MuscleTeamOfficial]

im heavy, 250lbs, I dont have an intake, I have a drilled airbox and the yoshi full-loop, and somehow on these straight and flat Dallas roads I got my 22 5gear grom to hit 63. Must have been wind. I wouldn't believe it If I saw your video that I could manage that at my weight. But I have video evidence, and as far as I know, my sprocket configuration never changed from stock, so my speedo should be accurate.

[@ace-lv5gp]

Well you kind of need both, if you let more air out you need to let more air in so that the bike is not running to lean

[@jgarcia7354]

I enjoyed this also and appreciate the time.....However can u run this test with a flashed ecu for your intake and exhaust..I'm just interested to see what the difference would be...

[@mnnthbx]

VERY impressed by the well prepared data. There's a couple things however that are critical, and not taken into account... (1) If you don't utilize a quality fuel controller and actually tune for the particular parts, you're not learning much, as stock mapping won't allow these products to perform to their potential. This is best accomplished on a dyno, for both proper fueling, and accurate results. Proper mapping is a CRITICAL factor in performance. (2) While I understand the price point allure of the Zoom exhaust, we've probably tested and mapped more exhausts than anyone in the country, and I can say FOR SURE, that's one of the worst exhausts on the market, strictly in terms of performance. (Again, I know it's dirt cheap, and looks and sound decent, so I get why someone would choose it...).

[@pigeonsroc]

Best budget exhaust for performance, in your opinion?

[@mnnthbx]

@@pigeonsroc Without budget, we're Yosh guys. With a budget, It's hard to beat Leo Vince for a combination of great quality, performance, and price...

[@pigeonsroc]

@@mnnthbx a few days ago, I bought the Zoom loop exhaust, but after copious amounts of research, I am realizing it’s probably not an ideal choice. I saw all your comments on the Grom threads. I was wondering, did you discontinue that underbelly shorty exhaust you made? I’ve got a 2022, and would love one of those things.

[@pigeonsroc]

@@mnnthbx its literally sitting in the box on my table unopened haha. i'm not sure what to do. will i see any power gains over stock with the zoom loop?

[@mnnthbx]

@@pigeonsroc I highly doubt it, but some are only after a different look and sound, and not so much performance....

[@mrmayhem7885]

when u do both exhaust and air intake u need a ecu flash or fuel manager to make it make the most power

[@CTGromer]

Yes, you definitely do to get most power, and keep you from running extra hot from being so lean. I did a video on this subject a while back actually. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXyXnZyVYr6krKs

[@botweather89st]

I Looove my Honda Grom

[@botweather89st]

Says 74 on the speedometer and doing 71 on my phone speedo

[@CTGromer]

Yeah sometimes the speedos aren't perfectly accurate, but they are consistent, so for the purposes of testing, a lot of the results still hold true.

[@dman_dude]

Nice vid man, love these groms! btw we riding or hiding this weekend?

[@CTGromer]

Thanks for the love Dustin! Gotta ride!

[@ELMASQUELAMONTA]

Great video

[@philmatthews5569]

Props for this video! Nice to see numbers associated with mods. While I think the stock engine needs a longer pipe than most of the cheap ones (there's a reason the Yoshi has the loop), it's interesting that the type of exhaust so many videos claim to give power, simply adds volume which they think means "faster".

[@austinhurst467]

Where did ctgromer go

[@JayyBird93]

You end up doing a high end exhaust? You should work tunes into this test as well 👍

[@benjihutch24]

Is the loss of performance due to the ECU not being mapped to the changes in exhaust and intake?

[@abovemercury25]

Hey man, you havent posted in a while... hope all is well!

[@DanielUnk]

so glad you made this vid.... how about you do a BEST BUDGET exhaust comparison to see which gives best result with Chimera intake.

[@CTGromer]

This is not a bad idea, what other exhausts should be tested? For sure the Amazon exhaust that everyone is running now, the Ransoto or whatever its called, what else?

[@countrygromer]

I'm about 200lbs so my numbers would probably be down a bit from CT's but I have the Ransoto.

[@graemewillgress4908]

I'm not surprised. Japanese bikes have traditionally always be starved of air. Great video. Thanks for giving your time to collect all this data :)

[@Grainsauce]

For Run 4 (Zoom Exhaust and Chimera Intake) I wonder a reflash tune would improve the results from the additional airflow, or was this with a reflash, or was everything done on just the stock tune?

[@nickb9563]

Not only would it improve the results, it's much safer in the long run. Groms are tuned absurdly lean, and opening up the airbox without adding fuel means you're going to increase top end temperatures a lot. Some people have said it's "just fine" but running a chimera without a tune will generally roast a piston after 2000 miles or so. Just get the $100 dhm reflash and "unlock" the benefits out of those parts

[@Grainsauce]

@@nickb9563 yeah I got the dhm tune now gave it a bit more power past 6k rpm

[@Myrussell67]

You definitely need to add a ecu flash when doing intake and exhaust. IMO not a real good test. But you still got my comment.

[@jbean530]

So I should leave the stock exhaust on. I put a k and n air filter on. The oiled one. Not the air box mod. Can you do a comparison on that? It seems to run better with that.

[@rogercanderson1]

I am an older guy in Fresno considering buying a 2022 Grom. I think group rides would be a blast. Is there an organization in Fresno that schedules regular group rides?

[@spencerhodges4722]

Shouldn’t you tune if you run both? Cause I thought the grom ran lean otherwise, which in turn would make it slower with both. So if tuned shouldn’t it run quicker with both mods or are we all being lied to?

[@outbackdiecast6730]

How are you flashing your ECU just by killing the power on the battery? And does the ECU on the Grom relearn are fuel ratios so there's no need to send it off to be reflashed if you were doing intake exhaust ect. Thanks

[@blakejaeger2303]

Why did his videos stop? Did he pass away?

[@raymunchieftain4170]

Would it be necessary to add ignition programmer box after adding Zoom and Chimera? Just asking .

[@pollardterry]

I’ve seen a mention of a 4-valve head for the Grom. Would you be able to test such a setup?

[@anthonymoy4471]

I got a 24 stock and seeing like 57 mph top speed im 200 lbs i really was hoping for more speed

[@jeremypierce1979]

Can you try the Vance and Hines exhaust system I’m looking into that one and I heard it Performs amazing

[@CTGromer]

If I could get my hands on one for free I might be inclined, yes!

[@jeremypierce1979]

Dude bro!! I’m loving my Vinson Hines exhaust!! Sounds like a Hole new bike!! Bad asssss!! Sounds!!

[@iconacy]

I’m willing to bet if you used an aracer ecu with flash theexhust and intake would be much better.

[@robbieschlerf8998]

You need the new grom now cause everything is updating and now we all have 5 speed

[@dusdincobain1191]

I have a question. I live in an area with hills that I’d have to drive up about a mile in some spots to get to surrounding towns. I want a grom to commute but people are telling me if I’m full throttle going up this hills for a period of time I’ll destroy the motor. Is that true.? And also what can I do to make it better going up these hills without hurting the motor so much.

[@shmeegleson9464]

Sick!!!

[@vanhesschem]

Hi Daniel, do you think these facts would also apply to the Honda Monkey? AFAIK the engines are kind of similar.

[@Taigathemoss]

Its almost like Honda knows what they doing. Honestly from what you can see on yt if you remove just remove pipe inside stock air box you get same gains as with chimera

[@budlight143]

also if you ever do this again can you try the amazon pipes?

[@KalchykDen]

I bought yoshimura exhaust and chimera intake for my 2020 grom. I’m looking for the best tuner for this setup. What should I go with?

[@MotoMissionaries]

Dhm

[@JonFromSoCal]

+1 for DHM

[@CTGromer]

Another +1 on DHM. DHM is what I run on my personal, grom, and I've made videos on his products before, this by far is the best bang for your buck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmjbooSGlsupfJo

[@Grainsauce]

@@CTGromer Is it worth getting the cam with the tune or just stick with the exhaust intake and tune, I've many of your videos several times but I just can't decide.

[@reesekilpatrick241]

Daniel where’d you go?

[@nickroros2885]

So do you recommend the Yoshimura exhaust

[@Anthony-uz5tj]

do you think the abs on the new groms is worth the few hundred extra ? looking to pick one up new from libbys new haven

[@CTGromer]

No, I do not think ABS is worth it. I think its important to learn how to brake correctly. how much pressure to apply and when to apply it is important.

[@Anthony-uz5tj]

@@CTGromer okay that's smart never thought about it like that and it's gonna be my first bike so I should deff learn correctly

[@VandGEnterprise]

Hey man you in connecticut ? Need some bike help and tips id love to meet up

[@CTGromer]

That's a common misconception, I'm from California. The CT in my youtube name refers to the first bike I ever had, a CT90. Sorry man! Whats going on with your bike?

[@TSpindler1]

How do you reset the ECU??

[@Rob-of1cv]

Does the ecu have to be reset after each item installed?

[@Jenuin]

Definitely intake.

[@jimmyneutronsimon8412]

If you were to add a tuner what would you go with?

[@CTGromer]

I would go with re-flashing the ECU, much easier and cheaper than buying a tuner. DHM did mine.

[@joudadlouni5028]

Guys small tipped exhausts have more pressure

[@GameCastTwoThousandThree]

Sounds like if you do the exhaust and intake, youll need a tune.

[@TummyGuhnz]

Sounds like it has VTEC that it wants to use

[@g_j_b_o_o_g_e_r420blaze9]

Why does my bike only do 52

[@seapanther53]

Now do sprockets!! 😃

[@thewheeltroll1833]

186cc big bore!

[@CTGromer]

I've never done a big bore, but may do one in the future! I'd probably do one of DHMs kits.

[@lukewalker1051]

No exhaust. No intake. Maybe a cam. Optimize fueling with power commander you can remove and resell if necessary. Enjoy the low sound. If you need a faster motorcycle, buy something like a R3.

[@XfinityPublicWifi]

Short answer…buy both

[@thumperfromthe951]

bruh I need to lose weight lol. I can't hit 60 with 14t sprocket, exhaust, intake, tune, speed spacers, and clutch springs.

[@CTGromer]

The grom is very sensitive to weight for sure, its only a 10-11hp bike WITH those mods, so 50 lbs of weight difference is huge. Its crazy. I always tell people its the cheapest way to get more speed and acceleration is to lose weight!

[@countrygromer]

I hear ya Thumper

[@FuriousGerbil5]

@@countrygromer my 165 ass goes 70 everywhere lmao 😂 only have a yoshimura so yeah weight makes a huge difference my homie has stock grom also and I eat him up after 2nd gear

[@darricks2775]

Thanks for doing all the testing 🙂 I like the lower sound of exotic exhausts, but not the higher decibels since I don’t want to lose my hearing. 😅 Wondering what the weight difference is between the Zoom and stock exhaust kits, vs the pipe that comes with a Yoshimura or Akrapovic (significantly lighter than the former options?)

[@joblessalex]

Nothing on a grom makes you faster. Whatever you do to that thing won't be any better than just adding bike pedals and helping it move along.

[@trucker2b]

Eghh should take cam out and piston lol real stock

[@CTGromer]

this grom here is completely stock, yes. my red and black grom has high compression piston and cam, does make a big difference!

[@trucker2b]

@@CTGromer awesome

[@Mr450pro]

I would definitely stop with the new air intake. Exhaust is way to loud

[@wbhdev]

Proves an exhaust does nothing and could even slow you down vs. stock.

[@CTGromer]

True, I was legitimately surprised that the exhaust actually seemed to hurt performance over stock... goes against all the "common knowledge"

[@phunkeelove1]

but its leaning wayyyy out

[@CTGromer]

This is true. An ECU remapping service is advisable for sure.

[@ridealongryan]

what happened to you? are you still alive? you just disappeared forever

[@elantrax999]

Anybody going to leaned back in Chi-Raq

[@CTGromer]

[looks around room to see if any hands go up]

[@2gd532]

Did this video kill your channel or what?

[@CTGromer]

No, limited time and making almost no money for the long hours spent to make the content did.

[@TamponTea]

Better off just doing a cam

[@CTGromer]

For sure. Best bang for your buck is intake, CAM and relfash. I did a video on that actually, it was a huge difference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmjbooSGlsupfJo

[@skinz138]

So not worth doing at all. Thanks you just saved me £400 😂

[@heyoldtime8969]

It seems that for 1.5 to 2 MPH gain it's not worth the effort and if you want to go faster get a faster bike. lol

[@cerebrix]

dead channel?

[@thetakenking7061]

Leave it stock and save money. Not enough gain for $150. You could get that difference from running 93 vs 87.

[@lultim4221]

I’m in Clovis with a grom I wanna ride with u guys 😂 instagram tag?

[@freshoneco.fishingandcampi6553]

Great video