Will an exhaust leak cause a CEL? My bike sounds like it possibly has an exhaust leak but do not know how to confirm. No CEL either.

 

Just got the bike home and looked. I found both nuts on front exhaust flange were loose. So I have to let it cool and re tighten them later hopefully ther reseal with the gasket.

 

My 2 cents. I personally would loosen all the nuts and bolts on the entire exhaust, then torque starting at the flanges working rearward. Doing so provides a little play / movement allowing the header pipes to seat into the exhaust ports.

 

When I had my brand new bike with new pipes delivered from the dealer it was popping loads and didn't sound right. I confirmed exhaust flange leaks by using a BBQ lighter/flame and running it around the exhaust flange gasket area with the bike running. If the flame moves at all you have a leak. Just make sure you do it where there is no wind at all. Mine would blow the flame out it was that bad.
I Discovered they put the wrong gaskets in and they were not crushed.
The flame should look smooth and lick around the pipe.

Cheers
Harty.

 

they tightened right back up and all the extra sound is now gone...

 

If they do that again, you may want to put some lock washers on them