I had the local bike shop fit the new Staintune exhaust system to the 2012 DL 650 at the 6k service. I am so impressed with the result from this pipe and collector. I can easily ride in the next higher gear, with no characteristics of lugging. There's a nearby steep uphill corkscrew of a road (Port Stephens Cutting), where previously I would need 2nd on some corners. Now those corners can be taken in 3rd. Also, I'm using 6th a lot more around town.
My only longish ride with the Staintune on saw the bike post the best fuel economy yet (3.7 L/100 km). Riding with the exhaust baffle taken out, the sound is amazing. At idle you can really hear the definite V-twin sound and the potential of noise to come; and with the bike accelerating hard or suddenly backed-off with some speed up -- the sounds would be worth buying the pipe for alone.
I haven't ridden on gravel with it yet -- but the extra torque low down will make that sort of riding a whole lot less busy with the left foot.

Posts like this are useless without photos.

So you get a photo of a bike with a aftermarket exhaust on it--I found the report factional and interesting as I am considering such a purchase,Ta Chris.

The visuals are in some ways as important as the performance. How it fits, whether it saves or wastes space and the general effect on the looks of the bike are all relevant.

Great feedback, Chris. Thanks.

Where did you source the Staintune?

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will upload some photos today.

Hi TwoShots, the Staintune exhaust is an Aussie designed and built thing

At their website (Staintune Exhausts) I see a link to dealers in the USA.
There are two in Salt Lake City.

I had been in contact with Staintune directly and via my local Suzuki dealer - Staintune were developing a muffler + collector for the 2012 DL650. I put my order in, so got one as soon as they were ready for the market.

Thanks for the good report. In my opinion it is factual, brief, and informative.
Please continue to share information and ideas
Cheers
Scott

Thanks. The 2012 exhaust is not on Staintunes website.

Thanks for a good report. From other reports I've read, the 2012 pulls better than the older models which is a big plus. To be able to climb Port Stephens Cutting in third really puts the report in perspective. That piece of road is a terrific legacy of times gone bye and as a road, I would say is the most spectacular I've ridden. A spirited run from the top to the bottom is much like a ride in a theme park and the drop down really puts butterflies on the stomach. If the Staintune can change the bike that much they are on a winner.
Talking of exhausts, when I first purchased the Strom (650) and seeing posts on u-tube, I removed the polished end of the exhaust and cut of approx. 25mm from the exposed peashooter, leaving a stub of around 15-20 mm. Over time my exhaust has naturally deepened in sound and now gives a very pleasing deep, chesty note, not overly noisy. Performance, no noticeable change.