Australasian Dirt Bike Oct 20009
"ADB reader Damien Morrison aka Hattown gives his KLX450R Barrett full system the thumbs up".

Australasian Dirt Bike Sept 20009
Review of Toby Price's A4DE KX450F

Trailbike Adventure Magazine July/Aug 20009
Review of Toby Price's A4DE KX450F

A Barrett Exhaust was used on Ben Grabhams Safari Bike

Australasian Dirt Bike
March 2006

"Home-grown in country NSW, Barrett Racing exhausts have become a recognised piece of hardware in motocross, enduro and out on the trail. Developed in favour of the off-road market, the Barrett system is MA-approved for off-road competition, and comes with a removable spark arrestor for motocross. We've had one on song for the last few months on our CRF450X and here's what we found...

WE LIKED
Price: A performance header and muffler for $795 is definitely on the cheaper side of the things. For bolt-on performance, the Barrett is good value.

Construction: The stainless steel header and core, combined with an aluminium canister and end-cap, are very lightweight. Stainless steel strapping reinforces each end of the canister, which is fixed firmly together by stainless steel rivets. The system is made up of three components that fit tightly together and remain clear of the frame.

Power: The increase in bottom to mid-range delivery gives the CRF450X a more aggressive feel from idle, which then broadens into a gutsy and usable mid-range. The motor revs easily, but flattens out in the top-end. You find the rev limiter a little easier with the Barrett, but you soon learn to short shift and utilise the awesome mid-range power.

WE DIDN'T LIKE
Removal: The 450X suffered a few decent crashes, and in the process, the exhaust system took a few hits. With the tolerances being so tight on the Barrett, the header pipes can jam together if the canister is struck at its end-cap. This makes it very difficult to separate on the bike. We had to remove the subframe in order to m anoeuvre the jammed header system out from the frame.

VERDICT
They sound awesome, look trick and are one of the most affordable systems on the market. The nature of the power delivery is strong, usable and will suit the off-road rider looking for a little more punch in their engine, or the MXer who wants a broader delivery and a few less decibels.

Australasian Dirt Bike's Husqvarna Project bike was tested with a Barrett Slip-On in Stage 2 of it's development program (ADB Issue 302, November 2004). Here's what they had to say...

"Australian pipe maunfacturer, Barrett Producst has has a long association with aftermarket Husky pipes, and their system for the TE range has poroduced great results on both trails and the dyno at noise levels well inside MA's legal limits.
Available in either gold or silver, the Barrett muffler adds significantly to the TE250's bottom-end while maintaining the engine's strength through the mid and top-end. It also produces a really grunty, crisp exhaust note. Check out the distinctive ribbed-billet end-cap - it is easily removed for repacking or to take out the gauze "tea-strainer" baffle."

And then again in Issue 303, December 2004....

"We slammed a Barrett performance muffler onto our long-term Husky TE250 (see Novmeber issue) and were impressed at how much punch it added off the bottom, without affecting the mid to top-end. Barretts pipes are made from stainless steel with an aluminium canister that is fully repackable and repairable, and feature a stylish ribbed end-cap. Available for most late-model bikes.".