Are you one of those inconsiderate hooligans who rode around the neighborhood sans muffler on New Year’s Eve?

Well, I hope you've had your fun because it might have caused you the reliability and longevity of your bike.

A motorcycle muffler’s function is not only to suppress noise and toxic fumes  – it is incorporated by engineers into the overall design of your bike to optimize engine operation and efficiency.

In fact, motorcycle manufacturers put as much of their resources into the development of exhaust systems as they do into their engines.

Prevents blown engines

Aside from the previously mentioned reasons, motorcycle mufflers help prevent backfiring and keep the engine from being damaged by cold air reversion.

Cold air what? This is when cold air (ambient temperature) flows back into the engine through the exposed exhaust port during throttle release.

When cold air meets the hot exhaust valves, this may end in bent, cracked or even broken valves. This means it’s Christmas all over again for your favorite mechanic.

Maintains safety and performance

Moreover, removing the muffler also causes a huge change in backpressure.

This could foul your bike’s ignition, fuel delivery and other systems, adversely affecting reliability and even performance.

Mufflers also direct exhaust fumes and heat away from you and your body panels. You wouldn’t want your fairings or your new pair of riding boots getting damaged needlessly, would you?

And do you know what else will get damaged if you ride without a muffler? Your hearing, of course.

If this happens, you won’t be able to hear your extremely annoyed neighbor as he or she punctures a hole in your tire or pours water (or sand) down your oil filler.

You must be worried about your valves by now and if you’re planning to have them checked, you might as well get an oil change.