I recently upgraded my 2015 BMW R 1200 GS with the ZARD "Penta R" Carbon Fiber slip‑on and couldn't be more impressed. The installation was a breeze—everything snapped into place without fuss in under an hour—and it fit like it was made for my bike.

From the moment I fired it up, the difference was unmistakable. The idle hum turned into a rich, throaty growl that felt both refined and powerful. Throttle response sharpened dramatically—especially in the mid‑range—making overtakes and winding roads feel effortless and exhilarating.

What really sold me was the weight reduction. Swapping the stock unit (weighing 6.1 kg) for the carbon version (just 3 kg) made my bike noticeably more agile and easier to maneuver. And the look? Sleek carbon end‑cap and heat shield added just the right touch of aggressive elegance—an understated flash that turns heads without feeling showy.
Each ZARD unit feels like a piece of art—TIG‑MIG welds crafted by hand, top‑tier AISI 304 stainless steel, and a black ceramic finish rated to withstand temperatures over 1000 °C.
his isn’t just an exhaust—it’s craftsmanship, precision, and performance fused together.

All told, this upgrade transformed my riding experience. The sound, the feel, the responsiveness—it’s all elevated. If you want to give your GS a serious performance boost wrapped in stylish engineering, the ZARD "Penta R" Carbon is worth every penny.

I upgraded my 2014 BMW R 1200 GS with the ZARD “Penta R” Slip‑On Carbon Fiber exhaust—and wow, this thing just elevated the bike across all fronts.

Build & Weight Reduction

Right out of the box, the quality is evident. The combination of precision-welded stainless steel core wrapped in carbon fiber with a matching end cap exudes craftsmanship. According to ZARD specs, the original silencer weighs 6.1 kg, while the carbon version trims that down to 3 kg—a solid 3.1 kg reduction that you really feel when flicking the bike side to side
Performance & Sound

The bike's throttle response is undeniably sharper and more responsive, with a stronger mid-range punch. ZARD claims this upgrade delivers a “hard increase in terms of response in the mid‑range and more maximum power. But what really sells it is the sound—deep, throaty growl that bursts to life with throttle input. It’s bold without being raw—a soundtrack that feels purposeful rather than attention-seeking.

When I finally installed the ZARD “Penta R” Slip‑On Carbon Fiber exhaust on my 2014 BMW R 1200 GS, I immediately knew it was more than just a visual upgrade—it was a full sensory transformation.

Installation & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the craftsmanship was sublime. The carbon-fiber sleeve, heat shield, and end cap are elegantly finished, paired with a stainless steel core that feels rally‑built. Everything aligned perfectly—installation only took me about 45 minutes with basic tools.
Weight Reduction & Handling
The weight savings are unmistakable. The stock silencer weighs around 6.1 kg; the carbon-fiber version clocks in at just 3 kg, a dramatic 3.1-kilogram reduction.
This makes the bike noticeably more nimble, especially in tight, technical sections or when you're shifting weight quickly on trails.

Sound & Throttle Response
At idle, the bike now emits a deep, velvety rumble—powerful yet refined. Twist the throttle, and you’re greeted with a rich, aggressive growl that’s alive but not grating.
The tone strikes the perfect balance—scratching that performance itch without causing ear fatigue.

Performance Boost
Throttling feels significantly sharper, and mid-range response is markedly improved. Overtaking that needed planning before now feels effortless—there’s such a crispness to acceleration that kept me smiling.
Craftsmanship & Design
ZARD balances artisan detail with advanced materials craftsmanship. The carbon and stainless construction, with high-temperature ceramic coating, reflects authentic Italian manufacturing pride. And you get all this with a sleek, aggressive aesthetic that fits the GS’s rugged persona.

After much deliberation, I finally fitted the ZARD Penta R Slip-On Carbon Fiber exhaust on my 2015 BMW R 1200 GS, and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Right out of the box, the craftsmanship is breathtaking—the carbon sleeve, heat shield, and end cap give off a premium, race-bred vibe.

Installation was straightforward with perfect fitment and took me just under an hour. The materials are top-notch—stainless steel core wrapped in carbon fiber, all finished with precision that reflects real Italian craftsmanship.
What stood out immediately was the sound. At idle, the bike emits a deep, velvety rumble that’s both refined and powerful. When I cracked the throttle, it unleashed a bold, throaty growl—aggressive yet beautifully tuned—not coarse or annoying, but exhilarating.
Performance-wise, the difference is tangible. The throttle feels sharper, mid-range torque richer—overtaking is now a confident pass instead of a cautious maneuver. The engine breathes freer, and the whole riding experience feels alive.
One of the most compelling benefits is the weight reduction. The original silencer weighs around 6.1 kg, while the ZARD stainless steel version is about 3.3 kg, and the carbon fiber version is even lighter at approximately 3.0 kg—saving over 3 kg on the tail alone. That translates into noticeably more agile handling and a lighter feel in the chassis during spirited cornering or off-road terrain.

Visually, the carbon-fiber sleeve and end cap add a sleek, aggressive flair that elevates the bike’s aesthetics without being over the top. It blends seamlessly with the GS’s rugged adventurer looks.

I recently upgraded my 2015 BMW R 1200 GS with the ZARD Penta R Slip-On in carbon fiber, and I couldn’t be more impressed. From the moment I unboxed it, the craftsmanship—especially the carbon weave—is stunning. The fitment was near-perfect and installation took just about 45 minutes, even with my minimal tools.

What strikes me most is the sound. At idle, there's a deep, velvety rumble that commands attention. Once you twist the throttle, the exhaust erupts into a refined yet aggressive growl—richer and more full-bodied than any stock setup. It’s definitely louder, but in the best way—not harsh or obnoxious.

Performance-wise, the difference is night and day. The bike’s throttle response is sharper, acceleration smoother, and the mid-range punch stronger. It feels like the engine breathes easier, giving the ride a livelier, more dynamic feel—especially noticeable on twisty roads or during overtakes.

The exhaust also sheds a good chunk of weight—about 2.8 kg compared to the original, which translates to more nimble handling and less fatigue on long rides. (Original weighs around 6.1 kg; the ZARD version weighs about 3.3 kg.)
In sum, the ZARD Penta R Slip-On Carbon Fiber isn't just an upgrade—it's a transformation. It enhances the look, sound, and performance of the R 1200 GS in one elegantly engineered package. If you're serious about elevating your ride, this deserves serious consideration.