[Motorcycle Show 2024] The “BLADE” is born, MORIWAKI’s pinnacle exhaust with a sharp look reminiscent of a Japanese sword!

• ZX-25R
• ZX-4R

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MORIWAKI, one of Japan's most prestigious manufacturers, has developed a new series of exhausts that will become their flagship model; the "BLADE". The first full exhaust in the series was unveiled at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. Inspired by Japanese swords, it is an ambitious product with a Japanese style. Let's take a look at the details, including some photos taken on site.

Inspired by Japanese swords, the series starts with the ZX-4R and 25R

Since their establishment in 1973, Moriwaki Engineering have been active in racing as a manufacturer and have made numerous achievements in races such as the All Japan Championships, Suzuka 8 Hours, and MotoGP. The company's exhausts and other aftermarket parts developed through actual racing experience have been highly evaluated by riders. The new "BLADE" series high-end exhausts are scheduled to make their debut in 2024. The first products in the series, slip-ons for the ZX-25R and ZX-4R, went on sale March 19th and the full exhaust was unveiled for the first time at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show held from March 22nd to 24th. As the name suggests, the "BLADE" is inspired by traditional Japanese swords. It is imbued with the sublime spirit of the Japanese sword, sharpened by craftsmen and produced using new techniques. It represents a fusion of tradition and innovation, and is thoroughly focused on the four essential elements of an exhaust system: power, sound, weight reduction, and design.

Full titanium fused with new generation carbon, reminiscent of a sword's blade and tip

The first thing that stands out is the unique pentagonal structure and end cap. The pentagonal shape is highly rigid and the thin wall makes it lightweight. In addition to reducing aerodynamic drag, it also allows for a deeper bank angle. No matter where you look at it from, the powerful shape stands out.

Both the slip-on and full exhaust are made of titanium to achieve the ultimate in weight reduction. In an innovative move, there is purposefully no surface treatment done, but rather, the unique satin finish of titanium is used to reproduce the style of a Japanese blade. The end cap is a sharp design and resembles the tip of a Japanese sword. CFRP, a new-generation carbon material, is used.

CFRP was chosen after rigorous design testing. It is ultra-lightweight yet high-strength, and also has excellent heat resistant properties. Conventional carbon materials are made by weaving or laminating fibers, which can result in gaps between those fibers. CFRP, on the other hand, has very finely cut fibers, which distribute stress evenly throughout the product and improve strength. In addition, it offers a high degree of freedom in design. It is possible to create complex shapes that are difficult to create with conventional carbon fiber or metal, and it is this material that makes it possible to create the sharp design that is the motif of the BLADE.

The end cap also has a rectifying effect. It houses the pentagonal cross section of the silencer and the elliptical end piece that extends from the inside, effectively channeling both the outside turbulence generated at high speeds and the exhaust air coming from the silencer. In addition, it rectifies airflow around the exhaust end when engine braking, leading to an improved operating feel from deceleration to re-acceleration.

The ZX-25R slip-on weighs 1.7kg less than stock, with more power and sound

Let's take a look at the specs! The slip-on for the 2023 ZX-25R weighs 2.0kg compared to the stock 3.7kg, which is about 41% lighter. The proximity noise level is 93dB and the acceleration noise level is 78dB. One can feel the torque increase from around 5000rpm, and acceleration continues from around 8000rpm, just before the power band, to the red zone. The characteristic of smooth acceleration from low rpm in proportion to engine rpm makes it very easy to handle not only for sport riding, but also for city riding that does not require high rpm. The sound has a thick, low-pitched tone when the engine is idling, and as the rpm increases, the sound changes to an energetic high-pitched tone. The sound becomes especially race-like in the high rpm range above 10,000.

The ZX-4R slip-on is less than half the weight of stock, powerful from the get-go and like a racer at high speeds

For the ZX-4R, the slip-on's weight has been reduced from the stock 4.2kg to 2.0kg. The proximity noise level is 96dB and the acceleration noise level is 80dB. Increase in torque can be felt from the moment of start-up, and both torque and power greatly increase especially in the range from 7000rpm onward. The bike accelerates smoothly from any rpm range, providing ease of handling. The sound quality is pleasant, with a low-pitched bass sound when idling. As the rpm is increased, the sound changes to a high pitched, racer-like, unique sound that gives the rider the feeling of being on a race track.

Sound demonstration of the full exhaust system schedule for the next Motorcycle Show! Exhausts for the CBR250RR and CBR400R also on their way!

The full exhaust system, which made its debut at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show, was displayed mounted on a ZX-4R painted in MORIWAKI colors. The exhaust pipes, tail pipe, and silencer were all made of titanium. Specifications have not yet been disclosed, but we look forward to more information in the future. According to MORIWAKI, a sound demonstration will be held at the Nagoya Motorcycle Show, so we're looking forward to that.

A slip-on and full exhaust for the CBR250RR and a slip-on for the CBR400R are planned for release in the future. Depending on product specifications, some stainless steel may be used inside the silencer.

On a side note, the original ZX-4R demo bike was painted with MORIWAKI color spray paint that is scheduled to go on sale in the future. Although it is difficult to see in the photos, a color gradation was applied, starting from a dark blue and gradually becoming lighter.

The dark blue is the color of the MD211F, a MotoGP machine built by MORIWAKI in the 2000s. The bright blue color is the same as their current Z900RS racer that competes in the "Iron Horse" event race. This coloring is a representation of MORIWAKI's recent racing history all in one bike.

The BLADE exhaust is the culmination of 51 years of MORIWAKI tradition and know-how, and the hard work that went into it could be felt from the machine on display. The BLADE is truly a work that symbolizes the new generation of MORIWAKI.