Stock vs Intake & Tuned Configurations
Short on time? Here’s what the dyno confirmed:
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Stock 2018 YFZ450R EFI baseline: 37.3 HP
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Uncorking the stock exhaust improves over-rev but limits mid-range gains
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Barker’s Full Single Exhaust dramatically extends the usable RPM range
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Proper tuning unlocks 6–8 HP gains in the upper RPMs
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Intake upgrades amplify gains across the entire power curve
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Best results come from exhaust + intake + tuning, not bolt-ons alone
👉 Bottom line: Barker’s doesn’t just add power — it reshapes the curve and lets the YFZ450R pull harder, longer, and smoother.
The Test Platform
To keep results honest, we started with a bone-stock 2018 Yamaha YFZ450R EFI with virtually no ride time. This gave us a true baseline representative of what most riders are starting with.
All testing was conducted on LaBaron’s Power Sports in-house dyno, allowing consistent conditions and repeatable comparisons between setups.
Baseline Output:
Stock YFZ450R EFI – 37.3 HP peak
Why We Focus on the Curve — Not Just Peak HP
Peak horsepower numbers are easy to advertise, but they rarely tell the whole story. Dynos can vary widely based on conditions and setup.
What truly matters is:
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Where the power comes in
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How long does it carry
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How usable it is under load
This is especially critical for racing and aggressive riding, where extended over-rev means fewer shifts and better drive out of corners.
Dyno Chart 1
Stock vs Uncorked Stock vs Barker’s Full Single (Tuned)
Our first comparison focused on how restricted the stock system is and what happens as airflow is progressively increased.
What the chart shows:
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Stock power falls off early in the upper RPM range
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Uncorking the stock exhaust improves over-rev but adds limited mid-range
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Barker’s Full Single clearly outperforms both configurations
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Peak horsepower carries nearly 1,000 RPM higher with proper tuning
Takeaway:
This chart highlights why over-rev matters more than peak numbers. Barker’s doesn’t just add power — it keeps pulling long after the stock system signs off.
Unlocking the Exhaust’s Full Potential with Intake Flow
Once exhaust flow is improved, intake airflow becomes the next limiting factor. To evaluate this, we tested two proven intake solutions — each properly tuned.
⚠️ Important: Intake changes can significantly affect air/fuel ratios. Fuel control and proper tuning are required.
Dyno Chart 2
Stock vs Barker’s Pipe with EHS Intake Lid & Tuning
The EHS Flow-Through Intake Lid delivered smooth, consistent gains across the curve.
What the chart shows:
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Noticeable improvement in the bottom and mid-range response
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Peak horsepower shifts higher into the RPM range
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Clean, linear power delivery is ideal for aggressive riding
Takeaway:
The EHS Intake Lid pairs perfectly with Barker’s exhaust for riders who want strong gains without sacrificing smoothness or rideability.
Dyno Chart 3
Stock vs Barker’s Pipe with Fuel Customs Intake (FCI) & Tuning
The Fuel Customs Intake showed similar overall gains, with a more aggressive mid-range character.
What the chart shows:
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Strong gains in the 6,000–8,000 RPM sweet spot
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Similar peak power to the EHS setup
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Slightly harder mid-range hit under load
Takeaway:
The FCI intake is ideal for racers chasing maximum performance and additional headroom for future engine modifications.
Dyno Chart 4
Barker’s Pipe: Stock Intake vs EHS Intake vs FCI Intake (All Tuned)
This final comparison puts all intake configurations side-by-side with the same exhaust.
What the chart shows:
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Stock intake limits airflow and caps top-end power
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Both intake upgrades significantly extend the usable RPM range
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EHS intake delivers smoother power and strong top-end
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FCI intake offers a more aggressive mid-range punch
Takeaway:
Both intake options dramatically improve performance — the choice comes down to smooth rideability (EHS) versus maximum mid-range attack (FCI).
What the Dyno Really Tells Us
At its highest-performing configuration — Barker’s Full Single Exhaust paired with an intake upgrade and proper tuning — the YFZ450R peaked at 42.5 horsepower, up from a 37.3 HP stock baseline.
That’s a ~5+ HP gain on a near-stock engine.
More importantly, peak horsepower occurred higher in the RPM range, allowing the engine to carry power longer before falling off, which is what actually improves lap times and rideability.
The Barker’s Full Single Exhaust doesn’t just increase horsepower — it changes how the YFZ450R rides, making power more usable where it matters most.
Recommended Setup
For riders looking to get the most from their YFZ450R, we recommend:
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Fuel controller (EHS Racing or Power Commander 6)
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Intake upgrade (EHS Intake Lid or Fuel Customs Intake)
👉 View the Barker’s Big 3 Packages for the Yamaha YFZ450R EFI
Final Notes
Every Barker’s exhaust system is hand-built in the USA using premium materials and tested to deliver real-world performance — not just inflated dyno numbers.
If you ride hard and want power that works where it counts, this setup delivers.
NOTE: Dyno results may vary based on conditions, tuning, fuel quality, and equipment. These results reflect controlled testing on a single Yamaha YFZ450R under consistent conditions.