After market pipes- best to cross over (like stock) or not?

[Frostbite]

I have been looking through my new Snowest mod stock magazine. There are pictures of several aftermarket RX-1 pipes in the magazine. I seem to remember Yamaha stating they had made a substantial improvement in the engines torque capabilities by using an X style crossover system.
I notice (from the pictures) several of the aftermarket pipes do not crossover their pipes.

The White Knuckle systems (of course the one I have been seriously considering) do NOT crossover their pipes.

The MBRP picture looks like the two pipes are bent together at one point but the exhaust stream doesn't actually crossover.

I can't seem to find a picture of the Maxximum performance silencer in their on-line catalog. So, I don't know if they have crossed over their pipes or not.

The exception to the rule is the MPI/Bender switchable exhaust system. Unless they just did it for the appearance, there seems to be little doubt that they actually cross their pipes over very similarly to the stock system.

This of course, has me wondering if there is a torque penalty to pay for losing a couple pounds and gaining a few horsepower? Powder Blue

 

[RobX-1]

Max Performance's pipe is actually a MBRP pipe so it too does not cross over; it just comes close together. The way I found their pipe was to click on the New Products link off to the left of their home page. Scroll down and you will see a pic of it.

You got me thinking now too cause I am seriously considering getting one. I have read too many users on this forum say nothing but good things about the Whiteknuckle exhaust so maybe the cross-over design is not all that critical; although it would be nice to here what others who are more knowledgable in this area to comment.

 

[Rocket]

The White Knuckle Performance does have a cross over, but it is not an "x" cross over it is an H style.
The cross over kinda serves as a pressure equalizer and has been used on cars for years in racing applications.
It isn't absolutely necessary to have it, but it can play part in the tuning depending on where you put it, what type you use and how big. The biggest factor in aftermarket companies not using the cross over is cost$$$.

 

[vmaxjohn]

I haven't read any mention of Jeff Simon on this thread. I bet he's tested them all, and I bet he's got his own product coming. Call him up!

 

[1xr]

There is sound difference with or without cross over pipes. With a cross over pipe the sound will be closer to a 4 into 1 bike exhaust, instead of the sound the slip on twin replacement muffulers that were put on bikes in the late 80's.

 

[POWERHAULIC]

An X cross over is preferred, but a H is very close. It is for sure a bonus in low & midrange torque. just my .02

 

[Frostbite]

I would bet Yamaha spent a lot more time figuring out if or where an "X" or an "H" would most benefit the power delivery of the engine than any of the aftermarket companys. The problem with Yamaha is everything is slightly over engineered (which in most cases is a good thing) but with the added durability comes added weight. So basically whay we need is a GYT RX-1 silencer from Yamaha built by Yoshomira, Supertrapp or Vance and Hines. Powder Blue